Model releases for a work-calendar

[skywalkerbeth]

Hi everyone

I am tasked to set up a photo contest at work, and the winners will be in our 2010 calendar (yes, we are starting early).

I am hung up on the model release. Initially we were just going to say "no people in photos" to get past that, but then you leave out a lot of creativity.

I am also thinking that if we demand model releases, it will be confusing. For instance, when is it ALWAYS required - what if it is street photography? What if it is a bike race, or a dance party in Rio on New Years... how can you get model releases then?

Is there a resource, either online or a well-written book on the business of photography, that would explain when you MUST have a model release and when not, and, any samples of same?

This calendar would NOT BE FOR SALE - it would be internal to our employees only and given free once printed to each one.

If you have knowledge of the above yourself, that would be great too.

Thank you!

[sspellman]

http://www.danheller.com/model-release-primer.html

[Dennis_Hammer]

If its not for sale and you are not using it to promote your business (ie: giving to customers or vendors). Basically if it's just being handed out to other employees your ok. It just can't be for commercial use. That said when in doubt get a release. Just supply everyone who wants one a generic release.

[skywalkerbeth]

Thank you for the info!

[amfoto1]

If you are using the images in any commercial/promotional way, just search for "pocket model release" on the Internet. I wouldn't normally recommend those (they are too general in nature for my tastes), but in this case one might be adequate. They are usually in plain language that's not too intimidating for either the photographer or the subject.