lawyer

San Diego, California, US

Hello,

Does anyone have a good example of a photographer release? One that allows a model to print her own image.

I've signed lots of model releases, releasing my image, either allowing the photographer to sell or not sell it, either to use it solely for his/her own self promotion or to sell to others. But I guess I didn't cover myself.

Today I tried to print a couple headshots, which had to go into the mail today. The print shop I've always used refused to unless I faxed them a signed contract from the photographer, discribing the pictures and allowing me to print them. I tried calling the photographer (from OMP) but she was out in the field, and no where near a fax machine.

They were my frickin' headshots! Of course the photographer intended for me to be able to print them! So, everytime I've done TFCD, technically I don't have permission to print any of it.

Also, I tried to print a page from a photographer's website, with me on it, as a tearsheet, and they said I wasn't allowed to.

So, I guess I understand where they are coming from. But, honey, I need to be able to print out pictures for my portfolio. And I can't tell a casting director what my head shot looks like.

So, I guess the lesson is that I will now ask every photographer I do trade with to sign a release allowing me to use the images for my own self promotion, including prints, online portfolios (like this site. so are all of my images here illegal!?) as well as promotional materials I plan to have in the future, such as a website.

Since I'm not a lawyer, I'd like to see some examples. Does anyone have one.

Much obliged.

Models in California, you might want to start doing the same.