WATCH THis VIDEO to learn what you need to know before shooting with models. model release at the end of this post!

Yes, I know that this is not the fun part about shooting with models for us creatives. BUT, this is something you really can’t skip!

We always trust enough our clients or even friends we are shooting with to don’t have to handle them any contract. However, this has to change! I have been veeeeery guilty of doing this myself.

I know that we all start in photography as a hobby. But this hobby will become our full-time job JUST if we take it seriously.

I’ve found myself in trouble for trusting even my own friends when working with them. So many times, you will think that is ok to don’t include paperwork when you have confidence with the person you are shooting. Actually, it’s quite the opposite! Every time I encounter a problem, it was never with a new client… but with people, I already knew!

There are a few reasons why you can get in trouble if you don’t get a model release signed with an agreement:

Posting in your social media channels or website for self-promotion without their consent.
If you do commercial use from the shots. (If you make a profit from pictures where they appear)
If you publish the pictures in magazines or printed media.
If you shoot for e-commerce and you didn’t agree for how long those pictures can be online. And more…

You really need to keep yourself away from any of those uncomfortable situations. What do I do to be “safe”? Fill the model release making the model agree to every single clause explained above. Why? because you never know if, after two years of that shoot, you may use those pictures for something the model didn’t agree for at that time. This already happened to me once with a London model! Never again though! :D

Make the model sign the release form I attach below before every photoshoot! And make sure you cover all the situations above. This way you can have a peace of mind if you decide to use those pictures for anything else in the future.

You will be tempted to grab the model release template I attach and don’t watch the video itself. You are free to do so! :D But if you want to learn this craft properly and avoid uncomfortable situations with your clients, take 9 minutes of your time to listen to what I say. I promise I really go straight to the point! :D

FREE MODEL RELEASE FORM HERE

Please feel free to drop a comment below if you have any questions about the model release. I can help you with it very happily! I struggled so much myself in the past and I would have loved someone to help me out! Don’t be shy!

SOFTWARE I USE TO EDIT ALL MY PICTURES:

• Adobe Photography Bundle: Get the deal here!

• Luminar AI: No subscription AI software. Get it here and use code LAURA at check out!

- YOU MAY ALSO LIKE THESE POSTS:

4 Photoshop tools you MUST know as a Portrait Photographer
How to Edit a Professional Portrait Super quick with Luminar AI

If you want to know more, check the Youtube video above and Subscribe to my Youtube channel for weekly videos about Photography, Tutorials and Creative inspiration! I hope to see you there!

CHECK OUT MY EDITORIAL COLLECTION LIGHTROOM PRESETS FOR THAT HIGH-END EDITING IN A CLICK!

Featured