But it can also stipulate rules on printing the photos for commercial use.Ī model release form protects you from lawsuits your subject might file against you. The agreement often includes the right to use a photo to advertise a business or portfolio. That way they can print those images legally.Ī model release form states that the model gives the photographer consent to use their likeness for commercial purposes. When I sell a digital package to my clients, they can purchase a print release form from me. The print release prevents clients from making copies of photos instead of purchasing the prints. This precedent makes IPS (in-person sales) is beneficial to photographers. This step is crucial since most quality print labs require a print release form before making copies.Įven Walmart now requires a print release form. Meanwhile, a regular photo release form can include anything from the type to the length of the usage.Ĭlients cannot legally print images without written consent. But the two aren’t the same.Ī print release form solely handles the permission of printing photographs. For example, I want my clients to credit my name every time they use a photo I took.Ī print release form is similar to the photo release form mentioned above. Within the document, I include the conditions of release. I use photo release forms when I photograph bands. But there are other reasons for using this legal document as well. It’s most common use is for photographers granting their client the use of photos for commercial purposes. The term photo release form is an umbrella term for various releases. Types of Photo Release Forms Photo Release Form We will discuss the most common options below. There are plenty of variations when it comes to model and property releases. Meanwhile, property release forms contain conditions on working with buildings and objects.Model release forms contain conditions on working with people, and in some cases, animals.There are two main types of photo release forms. Likewise, it’s illegal for a client to use images from a photographer without the same permission. In the United States, it’s illegal for a photographer to use someone’s likeness commercially without a photo release form. So why do you need a photo release form? Using someone’s likeness without a set agreement can have some serious consequences. But it may also include limits of use and contract expiration. Its conditions can be as simple as allowing one party to publish images. This includes social media, websites, print, and television.Ī photo release form ensures there are no grey areas when it comes to using an image. The agreement provides rights to publishing on various media platforms. It’s written permission that allows the photographer or another party to use the image. A photo release form is a contract between the photographer and the entity that takes part in a photo.