How do you ask for peoperty releases?

[photoguy6405]

You're driving down the road. You see a great shot of a farm. You stop and take the shot. You want a property release. You knock on the door of the farm house to ask.

How would you phrase your request? Would you automatically offer payment of some type?

The whole scenario feels awkward to me, so I'd like to hear how others do it to see if any particular method, or combo of methods, would jump out at me as something I would feel more comfortable doing.

Thanks.

[jhcanon]

Why would you need a release if you took the photo from a public place? I'm certain you wouldn't need one in the UK but it might be different where you are.

[photoguy6405]

Why would you need a release if you took the photo from a public place? I'm certain you wouldn't need one in the UK but it might be different where you are.
The question kind of goes hand-in-hand with this thread I posted...

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=846631

...but I posted them separate because this subject can stand on it's own.

[harroz]

Tell the truth. Once you've done it once you realize it's no big deal. Knock on the door and explain who you are and give them a card, explain you'd really like to get a certain shot and explain that you need a release from the owner to be able to do this. The key is to explain as most people have no idea you need a release but can get annoyed if you just go walking over their farm without asking, and to also show enthusiasm when you're explaining what you're seeing to them and why you'd like to to take the photo.

I can't remember having a bad experience yet, but if I did get a no, then so be it, it would be no big drama as it is their land and choice. Its always worth giving it a go.

[egordon99]

"Peoperty": People + property ;)

[breal101]

Just ask in a nice way, keep it short and sweet. No, I wouldn't offer payment unless the law in that state required payment to make the contract valid. Some states require at least one dollar to be paid as a valuable consideration fulfillment of the contract. Actually I read somewhere, probably the ASMP website, that the whole concept of property releases has not been fully tested in the courts. Having said that it's much better to have one than not to have it. You wouldn't want to be the one who tested it and lost.

[Tom Reichner]

You normally have to offer something of value as "consideration" for the contract/release to be valid.

What to offer: "digital image file, to be provided upon request". This way if they actually remember, and email you and ask for the image, you can get it to them. But it puts the ball in their court so you don't have to remember to keep track of everyone's email address and sent them images.

[Mike R]

I use to offer a copy of the print, now I offer a digital file but have a spot on my release for the person to decline it. Most people are happy that someone shows an interest in their property

[PhotosGuy]

"Peoperty": People + properly ;) OK, now define "properly" for me? :D

[egordon99]

OK, now define "properly" for me? :D

DOAH!

Fixed!