Model Releases...Is it really needeed?

[Sagelike31]

Okidoke, I'm going to be heading out soon and start taking portraits of regular people on the street.

This is something that would like to add to my portfolio. Plus I'm kinda getting tired of the general nature/environment/macro/landscape shots.

Now I have been reading Beyond Portraiture: Creative People Photography by Bryan Peterson. And he touts when you ask anyone to take photographs ask them to sign a model release if you are looking to put it in your portfolio.Now, I have read these model releases and I don't like the way they are written.

Here is an example:
For valuable consideration received, I hereby grant to , and his legal representatives and assigns, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to use and publish photographs of me, or in which I may be included, for editorial trade, advertising and any other purpose and in any manner and medium; and to alter the same without restriction. I hereby release photographer and his legal representatives and assigns from all claims and liability relating to said photographs.

Now I know as a person walking the street and minding my business to have someone ask me for a photo of myself is weird enough. Then when someone asks me to sign this form where it says "and any other purpose and in any manner and medium; and to alter the same without restriction"; it just doesn't seem realistic for anyone in this day and age of photoshop for some one to want me to take their shot at that point.

What I figured I would do is go up strike up conversation, ask to take a picture, explain I am a aspiring photographer and give them a business card with my info if they would like a print.

But I have been hearing a lot of grumbling about having people sign these model releases.

Any thoughts?

[heartseye]

It is a really annoying problem....some photographers I know use a more gentle form of release, not asking for all the bells and whistles. I have always felt a person would have to crazy to sign a standard release...unless they were in a shoot for money, etc....

Laws are different here, Canada, so I wont go into specifics...but usually if it's a person out in a public place then you are not likely to have a problem UNLESS you post the image in such a way as to have seemed to gain a financial reward. Even then....the final disposition is up to how the court judges the case. The law in this area CAN be very open to interpretation......so shoot lots.....carefully....cheers...Bob