Posting proofs on the web...

[cesstrelle]

I will be shooting an event next saturday. The subjects will be adults and children. A coordinator for the event wants me to bring releases for the people to sign because I will be posting my proofs on the web.

I am sure that not everyone will be able to sign the releases due to getting ready for the event themselves. The photographer who covered this event last year didn't have any releases and most folks didn't even know he was there in the first place and he placed all of the proofs online in a password protected album.

Has anyone had to have releases signed just for proofs (with the word PROOF in bold letters on the photo) being on their websites?

Should I password protect the album instead of a release?

I'm confused here. I thought releases were to allow someone control of a photographer's photograph (such as for reproduction, etc.) Or allowed you to use the photo in an advertisement, on your webpage, etc.

Anyone know?

[PhotosGuy]

I'm confused here. I thought releases were to allow someone control of a photographer's photograph (such as for reproduction, etc.) Or allowed you to use the photo in an advertisement, on your webpage, etc. True. Technically, if you just show a pic to someone you've published it & should have a release.
OTOH, I really doubt that you'd get into trouble by posting them to the web for sale to the participants.
OTOH2: You CAN be sued for anything, & you don't have to be in the wrong for it to happen.

If it were me, I'd make an honest effort to get the releases signed, & go about my business. If someone complained, I'd take their pics off the site.

[Vegas Poboy]

If you can get the promoter of the event to post/sign a release for you & carry plenty of business cards that way if people want to look at the photos they'll know where to go. Last of all carry mini releases in your bag just in case.

[cesstrelle]

Thanks everyone for the input. I was shooting a friend at an event today and saw another pro photographer there and decided to ask him my question. Turns out he is a retired photographer for a newspaper. He said you do not need a release to post the proofs online. I'm going to email the coordinator to the event I'm doing next weekend and see what they say. Either way, I'm bringing the releases. Thanks again.