Photography and Media Templates

Using a person's name or likeness to advertise or sell something generally requires their permission, and in several states and provinces that permission must be in writing. A model release that names the wrong uses, leaves out the media, omits a minor's guardian or does not deal with payment can leave a photographer, agency or business unable to use images they paid for, or liable to the person shown.

The templates here are written to the privacy and right of publicity law of a named jurisdiction. Each release identifies the parties and the session, describes the permitted uses, media and territory, deals with compensation, approval and credit, and provides for a parent or guardian when the subject is a minor. Guidance notes explain what the law requires and the choices you can make.

Have the release signed before or at the shoot, keep it with the image files, and make sure every later use falls inside its terms.