Senior Portraits and Model Releases

We are just starting to enter the world of senior portraits after shooting primarily weddings and engagements.

Can anyone elaborate as to what is required and what will keep us protected legally in terms of releases and common practices when photographing students?

Knowing most of them will be under 18, I assume we need a release signed by their parent or guardian. Do you also require the parent or guardian to be present at the shoot? What particular clauses need to be in that release? Should we worry about posting their pictures on our online portfolio?

Any advice or help is greatly appreciated. In the long run, we will have our lawyer review any releases or contracts but I was hoping to get feedback from others before heading down this path.

Hi,

If under 18 (most seniors are) you should send a release home with them, so that they can have a parent or guardian sign it. The parent doesn't need to be present, but you could extend an invitation to them anyway, and let them decide.

Beyond that, it varies from state to state a bit. Get hold of releases (there are many posted online).

The model release I use is sort of a blend of the ASMP form and several from stock photo agencies. It includes a phrase giving permission to post images online in a publicly accessible database (that's a phrase for stock, but also covers your gallery uploads). If anyone complains, you can use a password system with most hosting sites.

If the release is carefully worded, it would allow you to use the images in your own advertising, as well stock (Although I can't imagine there's much market for senior photos... but hey, who knows!).

Google "minor model release". There will be a ton of them online. I won't shoot a senior without a parent present, just because of all of the stories in the news lately. The release I use gives me permission to use them in my portfolio, adv., etc.

Unlike amfoto I think there is a huge market for Senior photos. I make a good portion of my income from senior photos. Good luck. PM me if you'd like to see a copy of my release.

For that, you don't need a release to sell to the parents, unless you intend to use the images for advertising.