Model and location releases, and when you actually need one

This is a starting point, not legal advice. Rights of publicity and privacy vary significantly by state and country, and the rules around minors are stricter than most photographers assume. Have a lawyer review these before relying on them commercially.

When you probably do not need one

• Editorial and news use: photographing a public event and publishing it as journalism.
• Your own portfolio and social media, in most jurisdictions, though this is greyer than people assume and a release removes the question.
• Photographs taken in a public place where there is no expectation of privacy, for non-commercial use.
• Crowd shots where no individual is the subject.

When you do

• Anything that will be used to advertise a product, service or business. This is the big one and it is the line that matters.
• Stock libraries. They will not accept an identifiable person without a release, ever.
• Anyone under 18, always, signed by a parent or guardian.
• Private property, where the property itself is identifiable and central: a distinctive building, a private venue, someone's home.
• Any image where the use might imply endorsement of something the person did not agree to.

Model release, short form

MODEL RELEASE

I, [FULL NAME], of [ADDRESS], give [PHOTOGRAPHER NAME / BUSINESS] permission to use photographs and video of me taken on [DATE] at [LOCATION].

This permission covers use in any medium, including print, online, social media, advertising and portfolio, worldwide, without a time limit.

I understand I will not be paid for this use unless separately agreed in writing, and I have no right to approve the finished images or how they are used.

I confirm I am over 18. [If under 18: signed by parent or guardian below.]

This permission does not extend to use that is defamatory, or that implies I endorse a product or view without my agreement.

Name ______________________
Signature ______________________
Date __________
Email or phone ______________________

Parent or guardian, if the subject is under 18:
Name ______________________
Signature ______________________

Location release, short form

LOCATION RELEASE

I, [FULL NAME], as [owner / manager / authorised representative] of [PROPERTY NAME AND ADDRESS], give [PHOTOGRAPHER NAME / BUSINESS] permission to photograph and film at the property on [DATE(S)].

[PHOTOGRAPHER] may use the resulting images and footage in any medium, including advertising and portfolio, without a time limit, and may identify the property by name. [Or: and may not identify the property by name.]

[PHOTOGRAPHER] will leave the property as found and is responsible for any damage caused directly by the shoot.

I confirm I have the authority to give this permission.

Name ______________________
Role ______________________
Signature ______________________
Date __________

Practical notes

• Keep both as a PDF on your phone. A release you cannot produce in thirty seconds is a release nobody signs.
• Photograph the signed release, or use an e-sign app. Paper gets lost.
• Name the file with the date and the person's name, and store it with the shoot. In four years you will need to find it in under a minute.
• A verbal yes is not nothing, but it is not a release. Get the signature while they are still standing in front of you and happy.
• For a large event, a clear sign at the entrance stating that photography is taking place and how to opt out is standard practice, and is not a substitute for a release for commercial use.
• Ask about the paperwork behind the paperwork. Many venues also want their own vendor form, a certificate of insurance, or a permit. Ask on the first call, not on the morning.

Use it under your own name. Download the Word version, put your business at the top, delete my footer, and send it as yours. You do not need to credit me or ask permission. The only thing I would ask is that you do not resell it as your own template product.