Last updated: 27 May 2011
Published in:
Managing a project |
Creating new digital media |
Managing your digital resources |
Finding and using digital media |
Tags:
copyright |
photographs |
photography |
This document answers some frequently asked questions on getting consent to use images or recordings of people and includes links to sample model release forms.

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.
If an image is an un-posed record of an actual event and your subjects are incidental and not seen to be endorsing a product or opinion you should be able to use the image without model release.
Possibly, though you should check the release first to see if there is a limit on usage. A model release form should identify a specific use such as a website or training video along with any potential future uses. Any uses not detailed on the original model release should be renegotiated and a new model release should be signed.
This depends on the end use of the media, if these are recordings of a 'news' events and are being used to illustrate that event then probably not. If the recording is taken out of context and used to illustrate an unrelated subject or endorse a product, service or opinion then you should obtain permission.
Another common legal release covers property. Property release forms are most commonly associated with buildings and architecture; a public building photographed from a public space can normally be used without consent. A photograph taken within the building or its grounds will require permission from the owners.
Read through the form with them and explain that it protects the subject as much as it does the creator.
A model release should be as simple as possible and avoid any legal jargon. It might include:
The Strategic Content Alliance have produced a guide on creating a model release form in their IPR toolkit. JISC Legal have a sample model release form on page 13 of their Recording Lectures document. The Association of Photographers have a sample model release form on page 191 of Beyond the Lens this form is more suited to situations where the subject has been paid to appear in the media.
Last updated: 27 May 2011
Published in:
Managing a project |
Creating new digital media |
Managing your digital resources |
Finding and using digital media |
Tags:
copyright |
photographs |
photography |
We provide a FREE enquiry service giving advice to the UK Further and Higher Education community.
You can ask us anything, typical questions include - "What formats should I use?" "How do I...?" "What tools can achieve the result I need?" "What is new and emerging?"
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++