Rights for Guests

[avaloncm]

I have just gotten my first paying job for a small wedding. We mostly take candid weddings and sometime work big weddings taking candids by working in conjuction with the "professional" photographer.

Anyway, I am studying and preparing model releases for my portrait work, weddings, etc.

My question is what if I have an incredible shot of the bride and groom, but there are guests or other wedding party members in the shot. What can I do without that photo if I don't have a model release for every recognizable face in the photo? Who do I need model releases for, etc. Thanks so much!!!

[Jason Cole]

Just FYI if you have more than three people in the photo its consider a public event and you dont need a model release.

Also with Model releases, there is a bit of a misunderstanding here. You only need a release to say the model / subject doesnt want the photos published. If this release isnt signed then you can do what ever you like with the photos. You own the copyright and the intellectual property.

Cheers
Jason

[tim]

You should get advice from a professional in your state/country/area.

[SimonG]

... Also with Model releases, there is a bit of a misunderstanding here. You only need a release to say the model / subject doesnt want the photos published. If this release isnt signed then you can do what ever you like with the photos. You own the copyright and the intellectual property. ...
Eh? I think you have that backwards Jason... a model release is used to grant the photographer permission to publish the photograph in one form or another. Model releases aren't really about copyright... they are meant to protect the photographer from civil liability. As for whether or not the OP needs a release for this type of work, I'd have to say that Tim's advice is right on the money. ;)

[jra]

I also agree with Tim...consult your local laws and regulations. They can differ greatly depending on where you're from.