Wedding portfolio

[EOS Man]

Hi everyone, I shot a friend's wedding a while back without charge since he was low on budget and I was new to wedding photography. Now, a colleague of mine is considering hiring me for his brother's wedding (paid gig) but would like to see my portfolio first. I was thinking, "hey while I'm at that, why not make an online portfolio!". Can I just put up some photos from my first wedding shoot (the one I shot for free...free, I know it's bad) or do I need to ask the couple's permission first? Otherwise, how shall I display my portfolio?

I see wedding photography as a potential supplement for my new lenses :lol:

[jcpoulin]

I am in the same stage, accululating some work for portfolio. I have done several weddings, free, gift or minimal pay and have asked each if I can use the pictures for my site. My new contract states that I can use these for my site. I am sure people will say signed is best!

[*Mike*]

Yep. Having a signed release is definitely the way to go. Since it was a friend's wedding it shouldn't be too big of a deal, right? But, if you're going to go to the trouble of asking permission - make sure you actually have them sign something. You can google "model release" for samples...

As for your portfolio, consider using an album for all the images. That way your portfolio serves the double purpose of showcasing an album that you can sell as well.

[Gill Taylor]

I have never had to ask a couple to use their images for portfolio, marketing or advertising purposes. You own the images. You are showing them to get new work. You will obviously only show your best work. Who could be upset about that.

[*Mike*]

Gill, you own the copyright, but individuals control the right to the use of their representation - especially for commercial purposes. Most of the time no one cares if it goes into your portfolio, but there are times when it comes back to bite you if you don't have a release.

I'd be especially careful about posting the images online w/o having a release. If there are shots of kids, for example flower girls or ring bearers, I'd definitely not post them without a release. People can be very protective of their kids images.

Just about the only time a release isn't needed is for editorial work. Otherwise, oyu own the copyright, but the subject has some individual rights too.

[Gill Taylor]

I have never had an issue - I haev a great relationships with all my clients and they are more than happy for me to use their images in my marketing. We don't have so much of a 'sue' culture in the UK, so maybe we just don't think about releases the same way.