
Get exclusive money-saving offers and guides
Straight to your inbox
Updated
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
Are you a photographer, artist, or model looking to acquire or protect rights to images? You are going to need a model release form. This document ensures that images of models are obtained and used legally.
A model release form is a legal document between a photographer and a model that defines how and where the images may be used and the basis for compensation.
The document gives artists the full legal right to acquire images of an individual (i.e., the "model") who has been photographed or filmed in their work. The form basically "releases" the rights to the specific images to the photographer or artist. In this scenario, the model agrees that the artist can do anything they would like with the photographs, including publishing, distributing, or editing.
You should use a model release form if:
Other names for a model release form include:
A model release form includes:
A model release form does not include:
A licensing agreement is where one party (the licensor) grants another party (the licensee) the right to produce and sell goods or apply a brand name owned by the licensor. A model release form is different because the model doesn't own the photographs, which means there is nothing to "license" to the other party per se. They are simply agreeing to terms by which their images can be used in the future.
A model release form is effective in protecting both the photographer and the model in the event of any dispute. When written clearly, a model release form grants permission to the photographer to use images of a particular person without infringing intellectual property, copyright, privacy, or contract law.
A model release form can help in the following:
There are many online templates that give you general guidelines for putting together a model release form. If you are dealing with more complex matters, it's generally recommended that you seek out the advice of a lawyer. This is especially the case if a model would like to place certain restrictions on how their images may be used in the future. Because model release forms in Australia may be affected by a myriad of laws (intellectual property, copyright, privacy, contract) it's always good practice to have a lawyer review your document.
While there are many online templates to choose from, a model release form should be reviewed by a lawyer who can customise your contract and advise you on applicable law.
A template can still be useful in providing broad details about the photographs, their intended use, and the assignment of rights from model to photographer.
Model release forms vary in length, but you can get a general idea of what they entail by visiting a legal website and downloading a template. Here's a list of websites that allow you to view and download a model release form for free:
Are there different types of model release forms?
Yes, model release forms have several types of release, including:
Is a model release form needed for photos taken in public?
Typically, photos that are taken in public do not require a model release form unless the image is going to be used for an endorsement.
From practical steps to key legal documents, here's your checklist for launching an event photography company.
From business loans to perfecting your sales expertise, helpful tips for launching your business.
Start your own eBook writing business with our guide to the skills, equipment and legal documents you’ll need.
Find templates that help you write a GDPR-compliant privacy policy for your business.
From qualifications to getting the right insurance in place, here’s our guide to starting your beautician business.
A personal hygiene in the workplace policy will help keep visitors and customers safe.
Rebrand and evolve your business the right way with a change of business name template.
Learn about how to secure consent for the use of a personal testimonial.
Get peace of mind that you're keeping within the law when adapting a copyrighted work.
Streamline your record-keeping processes with an employee record form.