Model Release - Permission to Use Images of People

Last updated: 13 January 2005
Published in: Managing your digital resources | Finding and using digital media
Tags: copyright | photographs | photography

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Summary

Frequently asked questions about Model Release.

Please note: JISC Digital Media is unable to offer legal advice and the answers we have given are based on the best of our knowledge and practical experience. A specialist legal adviser should be able to give you more accurate guidance.

We wish to use some of our archive images on our website, however these pictures feature members of the public who we are unable to contact. Do we need model release forms signed by the people featured in the images before we can use them?

If an image is an un-posed record of an actual event and your subjects are not seen to be endorsing a product or opinion you should be able to use the image without model release.

We have an image, which has an accompanying model release consent. Can we re-use the image?

Probably, though you should check the release first to see if there was a limit on usage. Most model release forms identify a specific destination such as a journal or book, time (June 2005 edition), geographical use (national, regional or international), usage (from single appearance to unlimited) and type of use for example editorial, advertising or PR. You will probably have to contact the model to renegotiate a new model release and get them to sign it.

Do we need to get model release for all future images of people?

This depends on the end use of the image, if these are 'news' images of events and they are being used to illustrate that event then probably not. If the image is taken out of context and used to illustrate an unrelated subject or endorse a product, service or opinion then you should obtain permission.

Are there any other consents I need before taking and using images?

Another common legal release covers property. Property release forms are most commonly associated with buildings and architecture, a private building photographed from a public space can normally be used without consent provided that it does not misrepresent the building in any way. A photograph taken within the building or its grounds will require permission from the owners.

We have been asking the people featuring in the pictures for our website to sign model release forms. Some of the sitters are concerned at having to sign legal documents, how can we reassure them?

Read through the form with them and explain that it protects the subject as much as it does the photographer.

What should we include in our model release form?

A model release should be as simple as possible and avoid any legal jargon. It should include:

• The photographer's name
• What you want to use the images/film for
• Where the images will be used
• Who is the audience?
• How long permission is given for
• The model's name, full address a signature and date

Last updated: 13 January 2005
Published in: Managing your digital resources | Finding and using digital media
Tags: copyright | photographs | photography

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