Model release forms

[laura]

Do I need to get friends and family to sign model release forms? Some have agreed to let me photograph them, as I want to practice more.

[neonmike]

Not if they volunteer however since I come from a slightly disfunctional family I probably would. Friendships sometimes end and depending on what the photos may be used for it might save ya some trouble in the future.

So in a perfect worl , you shouldn't have to. But in this one it's a good idea just to cover your own butt. LOL

[coffee]

It all depends on what you are doing with the photo's. If you plan on selling them in any form, files or prints to others, then what ever site you go through that posts these usually require a release if they are recognizable for obvious reasons. These files can end up in an ad or magazines or similar, and you don’t want this to happen without written permission. When selling property photo's of individual houses or other, inside or out, a release is required too.

If you are using these for nothing more than posting on a site, a written release usually isn't required. Like this site for instance. But if you are concerned about the legal issues involved, get a release of everyone you take photos of wouldn’t hurt.

[jerryph]

Joseph hit it right. If you plan to profit from the pictures or post them on the web or portfolio, then you need model release forms. If it is just to play and practice with, nah, then you are ok.