At every photo session you will be required to sign a model release form. This will deal with your rights and the use of your image. By signing a model release form you are giving permission to a third party for them to use your pictures in the manner agreed.

A Model Release Form will usually have the following:

Model Release Number
Photographers Name
Model’s Name
Model’s Address
Model’s Phone Number
Model’s Email

I also includes a section where the model authorises that their image may be reproduced by the photographer or any of the photographer’s clients. It may say “the images can be used in any manner, for any purpose without restriction and without further compensation to the model”.

Are you happy with that?

It will usually cover absolving the photographer or the clients using the picture of any harm that may come to the model arising from the use of the images.

It will then require that you sign and date the release form. If you are under 18, it will also need to be signed by your legal guardian.

The most important part of the model release form is the agreement. This doesn’t have to be set in stone. You may wish to have your own terms and conditions for use in there. Make sure you are happy with all the agreement; because once it is signed you may no longer have any say over how your image is used, or who uses it.