Do I need a model release for a photo of myself if I am the photographer?












5















Do I need to fill out a model release form for photos I have take of myself as a photographer?










share|improve this question























  • Are you planning to license rights or the photos to other parties?

    – Michael C
    Jan 2 at 9:36






  • 3





    The question is confusing. Suppose I asked you "do I need to pack a formal jacket if I'm packing my own suitcase?" I hope you would point out that who is packing the suitcase is not relevant; where I'm going and what I'm doing there is the relevant thing. You want to know if you need a release -- well, what are you going to do with the photograph? That's the relevant question, regardless of who is taking the picture.

    – Eric Lippert
    Jan 2 at 22:36











  • Yes I am planning to post in on GettyImage iStock to be licensed or sell prints of it or both.

    – Janae Clarice
    Jan 3 at 9:27
















5















Do I need to fill out a model release form for photos I have take of myself as a photographer?










share|improve this question























  • Are you planning to license rights or the photos to other parties?

    – Michael C
    Jan 2 at 9:36






  • 3





    The question is confusing. Suppose I asked you "do I need to pack a formal jacket if I'm packing my own suitcase?" I hope you would point out that who is packing the suitcase is not relevant; where I'm going and what I'm doing there is the relevant thing. You want to know if you need a release -- well, what are you going to do with the photograph? That's the relevant question, regardless of who is taking the picture.

    – Eric Lippert
    Jan 2 at 22:36











  • Yes I am planning to post in on GettyImage iStock to be licensed or sell prints of it or both.

    – Janae Clarice
    Jan 3 at 9:27














5












5








5








Do I need to fill out a model release form for photos I have take of myself as a photographer?










share|improve this question














Do I need to fill out a model release form for photos I have take of myself as a photographer?







model-releases






share|improve this question













share|improve this question











share|improve this question




share|improve this question










asked Jan 2 at 9:21









Janae ClariceJanae Clarice

304




304













  • Are you planning to license rights or the photos to other parties?

    – Michael C
    Jan 2 at 9:36






  • 3





    The question is confusing. Suppose I asked you "do I need to pack a formal jacket if I'm packing my own suitcase?" I hope you would point out that who is packing the suitcase is not relevant; where I'm going and what I'm doing there is the relevant thing. You want to know if you need a release -- well, what are you going to do with the photograph? That's the relevant question, regardless of who is taking the picture.

    – Eric Lippert
    Jan 2 at 22:36











  • Yes I am planning to post in on GettyImage iStock to be licensed or sell prints of it or both.

    – Janae Clarice
    Jan 3 at 9:27



















  • Are you planning to license rights or the photos to other parties?

    – Michael C
    Jan 2 at 9:36






  • 3





    The question is confusing. Suppose I asked you "do I need to pack a formal jacket if I'm packing my own suitcase?" I hope you would point out that who is packing the suitcase is not relevant; where I'm going and what I'm doing there is the relevant thing. You want to know if you need a release -- well, what are you going to do with the photograph? That's the relevant question, regardless of who is taking the picture.

    – Eric Lippert
    Jan 2 at 22:36











  • Yes I am planning to post in on GettyImage iStock to be licensed or sell prints of it or both.

    – Janae Clarice
    Jan 3 at 9:27

















Are you planning to license rights or the photos to other parties?

– Michael C
Jan 2 at 9:36





Are you planning to license rights or the photos to other parties?

– Michael C
Jan 2 at 9:36




3




3





The question is confusing. Suppose I asked you "do I need to pack a formal jacket if I'm packing my own suitcase?" I hope you would point out that who is packing the suitcase is not relevant; where I'm going and what I'm doing there is the relevant thing. You want to know if you need a release -- well, what are you going to do with the photograph? That's the relevant question, regardless of who is taking the picture.

– Eric Lippert
Jan 2 at 22:36





The question is confusing. Suppose I asked you "do I need to pack a formal jacket if I'm packing my own suitcase?" I hope you would point out that who is packing the suitcase is not relevant; where I'm going and what I'm doing there is the relevant thing. You want to know if you need a release -- well, what are you going to do with the photograph? That's the relevant question, regardless of who is taking the picture.

– Eric Lippert
Jan 2 at 22:36













Yes I am planning to post in on GettyImage iStock to be licensed or sell prints of it or both.

– Janae Clarice
Jan 3 at 9:27





Yes I am planning to post in on GettyImage iStock to be licensed or sell prints of it or both.

– Janae Clarice
Jan 3 at 9:27










3 Answers
3






active

oldest

votes


















12














YOU as the photographer never need a model release. It is the end user who is going to publish the image, and potentially violate the model's rights, who needs the release. You as the photographer cannot violate your own rights as the model.



If you were to license the image to a publisher they could/would need a release signed by you as the model.



Edit: if you get a model release it either needs to be a release (waiver of rights) to you if you are going to publish the image, or it needs to be transferable to the final user who is going to publish the image.






share|improve this answer





















  • 1





    The question doesn't state which country this applies to. The real answer should be: consult a lawyer. In the US, for certain types of photos (adult materials, primarily, but it could also apply to photos you don't expect), you must not just have a model release and other documentation, but also maintain those records, have a custodian of records, and various other requirements - even if you are the subject. It doesn't apply to most ordinary photos, but don't assume you'll be in the clear even if you have a model release.

    – Kevin Keane
    Jan 2 at 23:30











  • The question, and my response was specifically in regards to commercial publication of an image. And my response holds true for any country I am familiar with (EU/UK/CA/USA/etc)... but there probably should be some caveat applied as there are certainly countries with odd rules. What you are speaking of is more relevant to the possession of privacy information, and yes, those rules vary more widely with recent changes (i.e. EU vs US)

    – Steven Kersting
    Jan 6 at 17:29



















4














This is not a legal advice!!!



If you want to license the image (to magazine, stock agency, etc.) yes, you need model release. You as model should sign it to yourself as photographer.






share|improve this answer


























  • Of course I am not a lawyer, but my understanding is MR is used to avoid legal problems from site of end client. Maybe this is the reason I make connection with copyright :)

    – Romeo Ninov
    Jan 2 at 19:02






  • 1





    In some cases, all you need the model release for is to be able to honestly check the box on a form that says you have a model release. In such cases, no one checks for it unless there's a problem or audit. As silly as it seems, just fill out the form and file it away in case anyone asks. Or don't use the photos for anything where anyone would want one.

    – xiota
    Jan 3 at 1:33





















0














No, if you are the one that licences your photos, you will be always tacitly licensing to the third party, unless otherwise stated in the licensing agreement, your image for the same uses you have licensed your photos.



Legally you cannot transfer your rights, as the model, in your photo to yourself. It is a legal oxymoron. In the rare and lucky case that you had previously signed the Full Rights of your Image to another entity, eg. “Nike”, you will be the one in breach of contract with “Nike” and not the publisher that has acted on good faith.



But publishers may end asking for one just because it’s what they usually do… and it would be easier to provide it than make them to legally think.






share|improve this answer























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    3 Answers
    3






    active

    oldest

    votes








    3 Answers
    3






    active

    oldest

    votes









    active

    oldest

    votes






    active

    oldest

    votes









    12














    YOU as the photographer never need a model release. It is the end user who is going to publish the image, and potentially violate the model's rights, who needs the release. You as the photographer cannot violate your own rights as the model.



    If you were to license the image to a publisher they could/would need a release signed by you as the model.



    Edit: if you get a model release it either needs to be a release (waiver of rights) to you if you are going to publish the image, or it needs to be transferable to the final user who is going to publish the image.






    share|improve this answer





















    • 1





      The question doesn't state which country this applies to. The real answer should be: consult a lawyer. In the US, for certain types of photos (adult materials, primarily, but it could also apply to photos you don't expect), you must not just have a model release and other documentation, but also maintain those records, have a custodian of records, and various other requirements - even if you are the subject. It doesn't apply to most ordinary photos, but don't assume you'll be in the clear even if you have a model release.

      – Kevin Keane
      Jan 2 at 23:30











    • The question, and my response was specifically in regards to commercial publication of an image. And my response holds true for any country I am familiar with (EU/UK/CA/USA/etc)... but there probably should be some caveat applied as there are certainly countries with odd rules. What you are speaking of is more relevant to the possession of privacy information, and yes, those rules vary more widely with recent changes (i.e. EU vs US)

      – Steven Kersting
      Jan 6 at 17:29
















    12














    YOU as the photographer never need a model release. It is the end user who is going to publish the image, and potentially violate the model's rights, who needs the release. You as the photographer cannot violate your own rights as the model.



    If you were to license the image to a publisher they could/would need a release signed by you as the model.



    Edit: if you get a model release it either needs to be a release (waiver of rights) to you if you are going to publish the image, or it needs to be transferable to the final user who is going to publish the image.






    share|improve this answer





















    • 1





      The question doesn't state which country this applies to. The real answer should be: consult a lawyer. In the US, for certain types of photos (adult materials, primarily, but it could also apply to photos you don't expect), you must not just have a model release and other documentation, but also maintain those records, have a custodian of records, and various other requirements - even if you are the subject. It doesn't apply to most ordinary photos, but don't assume you'll be in the clear even if you have a model release.

      – Kevin Keane
      Jan 2 at 23:30











    • The question, and my response was specifically in regards to commercial publication of an image. And my response holds true for any country I am familiar with (EU/UK/CA/USA/etc)... but there probably should be some caveat applied as there are certainly countries with odd rules. What you are speaking of is more relevant to the possession of privacy information, and yes, those rules vary more widely with recent changes (i.e. EU vs US)

      – Steven Kersting
      Jan 6 at 17:29














    12












    12








    12







    YOU as the photographer never need a model release. It is the end user who is going to publish the image, and potentially violate the model's rights, who needs the release. You as the photographer cannot violate your own rights as the model.



    If you were to license the image to a publisher they could/would need a release signed by you as the model.



    Edit: if you get a model release it either needs to be a release (waiver of rights) to you if you are going to publish the image, or it needs to be transferable to the final user who is going to publish the image.






    share|improve this answer















    YOU as the photographer never need a model release. It is the end user who is going to publish the image, and potentially violate the model's rights, who needs the release. You as the photographer cannot violate your own rights as the model.



    If you were to license the image to a publisher they could/would need a release signed by you as the model.



    Edit: if you get a model release it either needs to be a release (waiver of rights) to you if you are going to publish the image, or it needs to be transferable to the final user who is going to publish the image.







    share|improve this answer














    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer








    edited Jan 2 at 18:02

























    answered Jan 2 at 17:28









    Steven KerstingSteven Kersting

    48518




    48518








    • 1





      The question doesn't state which country this applies to. The real answer should be: consult a lawyer. In the US, for certain types of photos (adult materials, primarily, but it could also apply to photos you don't expect), you must not just have a model release and other documentation, but also maintain those records, have a custodian of records, and various other requirements - even if you are the subject. It doesn't apply to most ordinary photos, but don't assume you'll be in the clear even if you have a model release.

      – Kevin Keane
      Jan 2 at 23:30











    • The question, and my response was specifically in regards to commercial publication of an image. And my response holds true for any country I am familiar with (EU/UK/CA/USA/etc)... but there probably should be some caveat applied as there are certainly countries with odd rules. What you are speaking of is more relevant to the possession of privacy information, and yes, those rules vary more widely with recent changes (i.e. EU vs US)

      – Steven Kersting
      Jan 6 at 17:29














    • 1





      The question doesn't state which country this applies to. The real answer should be: consult a lawyer. In the US, for certain types of photos (adult materials, primarily, but it could also apply to photos you don't expect), you must not just have a model release and other documentation, but also maintain those records, have a custodian of records, and various other requirements - even if you are the subject. It doesn't apply to most ordinary photos, but don't assume you'll be in the clear even if you have a model release.

      – Kevin Keane
      Jan 2 at 23:30











    • The question, and my response was specifically in regards to commercial publication of an image. And my response holds true for any country I am familiar with (EU/UK/CA/USA/etc)... but there probably should be some caveat applied as there are certainly countries with odd rules. What you are speaking of is more relevant to the possession of privacy information, and yes, those rules vary more widely with recent changes (i.e. EU vs US)

      – Steven Kersting
      Jan 6 at 17:29








    1




    1





    The question doesn't state which country this applies to. The real answer should be: consult a lawyer. In the US, for certain types of photos (adult materials, primarily, but it could also apply to photos you don't expect), you must not just have a model release and other documentation, but also maintain those records, have a custodian of records, and various other requirements - even if you are the subject. It doesn't apply to most ordinary photos, but don't assume you'll be in the clear even if you have a model release.

    – Kevin Keane
    Jan 2 at 23:30





    The question doesn't state which country this applies to. The real answer should be: consult a lawyer. In the US, for certain types of photos (adult materials, primarily, but it could also apply to photos you don't expect), you must not just have a model release and other documentation, but also maintain those records, have a custodian of records, and various other requirements - even if you are the subject. It doesn't apply to most ordinary photos, but don't assume you'll be in the clear even if you have a model release.

    – Kevin Keane
    Jan 2 at 23:30













    The question, and my response was specifically in regards to commercial publication of an image. And my response holds true for any country I am familiar with (EU/UK/CA/USA/etc)... but there probably should be some caveat applied as there are certainly countries with odd rules. What you are speaking of is more relevant to the possession of privacy information, and yes, those rules vary more widely with recent changes (i.e. EU vs US)

    – Steven Kersting
    Jan 6 at 17:29





    The question, and my response was specifically in regards to commercial publication of an image. And my response holds true for any country I am familiar with (EU/UK/CA/USA/etc)... but there probably should be some caveat applied as there are certainly countries with odd rules. What you are speaking of is more relevant to the possession of privacy information, and yes, those rules vary more widely with recent changes (i.e. EU vs US)

    – Steven Kersting
    Jan 6 at 17:29













    4














    This is not a legal advice!!!



    If you want to license the image (to magazine, stock agency, etc.) yes, you need model release. You as model should sign it to yourself as photographer.






    share|improve this answer


























    • Of course I am not a lawyer, but my understanding is MR is used to avoid legal problems from site of end client. Maybe this is the reason I make connection with copyright :)

      – Romeo Ninov
      Jan 2 at 19:02






    • 1





      In some cases, all you need the model release for is to be able to honestly check the box on a form that says you have a model release. In such cases, no one checks for it unless there's a problem or audit. As silly as it seems, just fill out the form and file it away in case anyone asks. Or don't use the photos for anything where anyone would want one.

      – xiota
      Jan 3 at 1:33


















    4














    This is not a legal advice!!!



    If you want to license the image (to magazine, stock agency, etc.) yes, you need model release. You as model should sign it to yourself as photographer.






    share|improve this answer


























    • Of course I am not a lawyer, but my understanding is MR is used to avoid legal problems from site of end client. Maybe this is the reason I make connection with copyright :)

      – Romeo Ninov
      Jan 2 at 19:02






    • 1





      In some cases, all you need the model release for is to be able to honestly check the box on a form that says you have a model release. In such cases, no one checks for it unless there's a problem or audit. As silly as it seems, just fill out the form and file it away in case anyone asks. Or don't use the photos for anything where anyone would want one.

      – xiota
      Jan 3 at 1:33
















    4












    4








    4







    This is not a legal advice!!!



    If you want to license the image (to magazine, stock agency, etc.) yes, you need model release. You as model should sign it to yourself as photographer.






    share|improve this answer















    This is not a legal advice!!!



    If you want to license the image (to magazine, stock agency, etc.) yes, you need model release. You as model should sign it to yourself as photographer.







    share|improve this answer














    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer








    edited Jan 2 at 19:07

























    answered Jan 2 at 14:54









    Romeo NinovRomeo Ninov

    3,56421226




    3,56421226













    • Of course I am not a lawyer, but my understanding is MR is used to avoid legal problems from site of end client. Maybe this is the reason I make connection with copyright :)

      – Romeo Ninov
      Jan 2 at 19:02






    • 1





      In some cases, all you need the model release for is to be able to honestly check the box on a form that says you have a model release. In such cases, no one checks for it unless there's a problem or audit. As silly as it seems, just fill out the form and file it away in case anyone asks. Or don't use the photos for anything where anyone would want one.

      – xiota
      Jan 3 at 1:33





















    • Of course I am not a lawyer, but my understanding is MR is used to avoid legal problems from site of end client. Maybe this is the reason I make connection with copyright :)

      – Romeo Ninov
      Jan 2 at 19:02






    • 1





      In some cases, all you need the model release for is to be able to honestly check the box on a form that says you have a model release. In such cases, no one checks for it unless there's a problem or audit. As silly as it seems, just fill out the form and file it away in case anyone asks. Or don't use the photos for anything where anyone would want one.

      – xiota
      Jan 3 at 1:33



















    Of course I am not a lawyer, but my understanding is MR is used to avoid legal problems from site of end client. Maybe this is the reason I make connection with copyright :)

    – Romeo Ninov
    Jan 2 at 19:02





    Of course I am not a lawyer, but my understanding is MR is used to avoid legal problems from site of end client. Maybe this is the reason I make connection with copyright :)

    – Romeo Ninov
    Jan 2 at 19:02




    1




    1





    In some cases, all you need the model release for is to be able to honestly check the box on a form that says you have a model release. In such cases, no one checks for it unless there's a problem or audit. As silly as it seems, just fill out the form and file it away in case anyone asks. Or don't use the photos for anything where anyone would want one.

    – xiota
    Jan 3 at 1:33







    In some cases, all you need the model release for is to be able to honestly check the box on a form that says you have a model release. In such cases, no one checks for it unless there's a problem or audit. As silly as it seems, just fill out the form and file it away in case anyone asks. Or don't use the photos for anything where anyone would want one.

    – xiota
    Jan 3 at 1:33













    0














    No, if you are the one that licences your photos, you will be always tacitly licensing to the third party, unless otherwise stated in the licensing agreement, your image for the same uses you have licensed your photos.



    Legally you cannot transfer your rights, as the model, in your photo to yourself. It is a legal oxymoron. In the rare and lucky case that you had previously signed the Full Rights of your Image to another entity, eg. “Nike”, you will be the one in breach of contract with “Nike” and not the publisher that has acted on good faith.



    But publishers may end asking for one just because it’s what they usually do… and it would be easier to provide it than make them to legally think.






    share|improve this answer




























      0














      No, if you are the one that licences your photos, you will be always tacitly licensing to the third party, unless otherwise stated in the licensing agreement, your image for the same uses you have licensed your photos.



      Legally you cannot transfer your rights, as the model, in your photo to yourself. It is a legal oxymoron. In the rare and lucky case that you had previously signed the Full Rights of your Image to another entity, eg. “Nike”, you will be the one in breach of contract with “Nike” and not the publisher that has acted on good faith.



      But publishers may end asking for one just because it’s what they usually do… and it would be easier to provide it than make them to legally think.






      share|improve this answer


























        0












        0








        0







        No, if you are the one that licences your photos, you will be always tacitly licensing to the third party, unless otherwise stated in the licensing agreement, your image for the same uses you have licensed your photos.



        Legally you cannot transfer your rights, as the model, in your photo to yourself. It is a legal oxymoron. In the rare and lucky case that you had previously signed the Full Rights of your Image to another entity, eg. “Nike”, you will be the one in breach of contract with “Nike” and not the publisher that has acted on good faith.



        But publishers may end asking for one just because it’s what they usually do… and it would be easier to provide it than make them to legally think.






        share|improve this answer













        No, if you are the one that licences your photos, you will be always tacitly licensing to the third party, unless otherwise stated in the licensing agreement, your image for the same uses you have licensed your photos.



        Legally you cannot transfer your rights, as the model, in your photo to yourself. It is a legal oxymoron. In the rare and lucky case that you had previously signed the Full Rights of your Image to another entity, eg. “Nike”, you will be the one in breach of contract with “Nike” and not the publisher that has acted on good faith.



        But publishers may end asking for one just because it’s what they usually do… and it would be easier to provide it than make them to legally think.







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered Jan 8 at 22:01









        abetancortabetancort

        36315




        36315






























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