Releases: Copyright vs Print vs Model

Put your brains in gear – it’s Manic Monday and time to wrap your head around some terms that are used interchangeably and incorrectly.

First of all, NEVER use the term “copyright release.” You will probably NEVER be in a position of someone wanting to purchase full and permanent rights to one of your photographs. The price for this kind of usage is probably in the 4 figures, so unless you shoot commercially, you will never have to worry about this.

You do NOT want to GIVE a client a copyright release. If they are asking for it – they are uneducated. What they need is a print release. A print release gives them authorization to have the file printed at the lab of their choice in the sizes of their choosing, unless you have placed a restriction on that. Most consumer print labs will ask for a print release or print authorization form from the client if they suspect that the files are done by a professional.

The last term we need to straighten out is a Model Release. That is a paper that your model or client signs giving you permission to use the photos of them for advertising, website or whatever other uses the model release specifies. You should have these forms handy and have all clients sign one. Some photographers incorporate this agreement into their portrait or wedding contracts.

Check back tomorrow, the Fan Club Freebie will be versions of my print release and model release forms for download.

This article is a mere introduction, stay tuned, for the next three Manic Mondays we will be exploring each of these releases in depth. Have a happy Monday!

PS – Yes, I know there are two photos up above. WordPress is experiencing some technical difficulties this morning.