Different Subject - Suggestions and Tips Needed

[ronosmena]

Hey guys!

Here I am again, well my concern is about changing subjects, currently I am a landscape shooter, and I do a little studio and portrait shoots as well, now I was thinking, for shots done outdoors or in public places such as beaches, theme parks and such, do I have to have releases signed by a particular person in the scene? (For instance a person sitting on a bench or laying in the sand depicts a very nice story that has to be shot) Do I have to approach them and have them sign a release form?

Insights and thoughts and facts please.....Thanks:)

[Jon]

If the person's recognizable, and the photo's not for editorial use, you should get a release. There may be some ambiguity about fine art prints, but the only sure out is for editorial photos that don't present a false and derogatory impression of the subject. Note - this is my understanding of the general state of affairs in the US - other countries may vary.

[robertwgross]

The release is very simple. Mine is a one-paragraph thing printed in fine print. Then it has the usual lines for name, signature, address, etc.

If I shoot a scene with a recognizable person in it, I approach them and tell them that I just shot this neat scene and they happen to be in one corner of it. Would it be OK if I sent them a print of it as thanks? I give them the form, and they write their name and address and sign it without even reading the fine print. That works for me.

---Bob Gross---

[ronosmena]

Nice one bob, can you IM me a sample of that form? Or email me ron@ronosmena.com

Thanks......

[robertwgross]

I believe that model releases are all over this forum section. That's where I found some two or three years ago.

Basically, study about three or four releases and find the one that you or your lawyer like best.

---Bob Gross---