Release forms for riders?

[Jadam]

I've decided to start putting some of my work into stock photography to pick up a little extra cash. Have some shots of motorcycle racing. Do I need to get a release from riders? or no, since you can't really identify them... just their number...

[amfoto1]

It's far easier to go ahead, ask for and get a release than have to deal with any issues later (As in, how much does your attorney charge per hour... even if you win in court?).

Just offer them a print as compensation. You might sell them some additional prints, as well.

[ssim]

You will find that most of the stock agencies will ask you for release forms for anyone that is identifiable in the image. This will also apply to any corporate image or likeness. I learned this early on in my stock agency days. I had some nice shots of some airliners taking off and in some you could read the name and others you could only make out the tail logo. In both cases they asked for releases from those companies saying that I could use them.

Some agencies will bend towards using the shots as "editorial content" which does not require the release form. It will vary from agency to agency though. The best bet is that if you can get the release up front you are better off.