Stock Photography-The agony and the ecstacy.

I have been searching for a good stock photography company to start marketing my images.I found istock and I thought I'd found my place.However they require a model release for every human face-'No exceptions' I shoot around China in villages,markets,in the fields,at protests etc etc.How on earth am I supposed to get model releases.Does this mean all these shots are not useable as I don't have a model release.
If anyone has experience here could they please cheer me up and tell me there is a way to get these images into stock or put me out of my misery and say that this is so.

Hmmm...

I thought the rule of thumb was that as long the photograph was taken at a public place, a model release is not required. There is a phrase for it... Undue Burdon or something like that. Which basicly means 'How the hell do you expect me to get 134 model releases from 134 people, which all of them are likely going somewhere."

If their identity is a part of the image, you need a release.

If they are not identifyable, you're all set.

Although, I PERSONALLY can't imagine hearing from chinese villagers' attorneys.

But istock probably needs blanket coverage.

Bruce

Yes thanks for the replies.Would one way around this be to put (editorial use only) behind each image.As this is the market which most of my work in question will be suitable for???

I've always heard the term 'fair use'...which I take to mean that it's OK for editorial use...but if you are selling the images to a stock agency...isn't that commercial?

Just play on the safe side because you never know when one of the villagers become rich and famous one day. Also, stock photography is very commercial and anyone can buy and print in volume. I suggest carry a bunch of release with you. What you can do especially in China is speak with the head villager and see if he / she can help you by getting people to sign. Make sure you are also not breaking any laws (local and village law).

In situations where there is only one face, and it is primarily an otherwise action shot and the face in incidental, small and insignificant to the shot - I have stooped so low as to Photoshop in my own face. I am always willing to sign my own release.

Rad

There is a (not micro) stock site www.citizenimage.com where you can choose if your images are creative (releases needed) or editorial. I do not know how well they are doing, maybe omeone else has more experience with them.

Olga

Look into the non micro stock agencies to start with. They alamy or any feeders into getty/corbis.