Should I Sign a Model Release? — Evansville Indiana Boudoir Photographer
Let’s talk about model releases!!
I get asked about model releases all the time!! I think transparency is super important, and I today I want to get into the nitty gritty of choosing whether or not to sign a release. We’ll talk about what they are, what it means if you choose to sign one, if they’re required, and more!
First of all: what even is a model release?
A model release is a contract separate from your session contract! When you sign a model release, you’re agreeing to allow me to share your chosen images (more on that in a minute!) on social media, on my blog, and in promotional material for the studio, and in the contract includes which images you’re signing for.
One question that I get asked most often about model releases is if signing one is required to book with me. The answer is a big fat no. I will never require you or pressure you to sign a model release, that choice is yours and yours alone! There are a few different types of model releases that I’ll get into more, but you’re completely in control of whether or not you allow me to use your images for my business. If you want to, that’s awesome and I really appreciate it! If you don’t want to, that’s great too and I respect your privacy!
So what are the types of model releases you can sign?
Full Release – includes any photos taken during the session, even photos that you don’t order
Order Release – includes all photos from your order
Partial Release – we’ll go through together and you’ll choose which photos are okay for me to use
Anonymous Release – includes photos without identifying features (and we’ll talk about what you’re comfortable with and what you aren’t)
No Release – includes none of the photos from the session
If you choose a partial release or an anonymous release, we’ll talk about which photos you’re okay with sharing and which you aren’t after we finalize your order! For both of these options, we’ll go through together and you will say yes or no to photos that you’ve already said you love. For an anonymous release, we’ll pick out photos that are anonymous (little to no face showing) and you’ll tell me which you’re comfortable with and which you aren’t. Some people are okay with showing part of their face if their eyes aren’t in it, and some people don’t want any of their face or hair in it at all. That’s totally a personal preference and again, is completely up to you! There is never any pressure to sign a particular release or to sign for specific photos. Again, when you sign a release I really appreciate it, but it’s never an expectation or obligation!
In my opinion it boils down to this: if you’re doing a session for a special occasion or special someone, have a job that could be put in jeopardy if your employer saw your photos, or simply don’t want your photos to be shared – then please don’t sign a release. If there is any hesitation at all about signing one (if your gran were to see your photos, would that be okay?) then we’ll opt for no release. And to be super clear – when you choose not to sign a release, the only people who will see your photos are myself, the professional printing company that produces your album, and you and whoever you choose to share them with. That’s it.
Your privacy and consent are the most important to me!
Keep scrolling for a recent session I had in the studio, and more photos of this absolute smokeshow who chose to sign an order release (with the exception of one photo that she wanted to keep all to herself!)
Like what you read here?
I would love to have you in the studio so you can have an experience like this for yourself! Whether you’re all in and ready to go, need some more info before we get started, or are on the fence and want to talk things through before you commit – I’m here for ya! Click here to get in touch!
