model release

LICENSE TERMS

view or download your complete license terms:

Individual Use License Basic Production License Standard Editorial License Standard Commercial License Extended Commercial License

What is Model Release?

Model Release is a legal binding document indicating that you have consent from the people (model) within your photo. They are aware of being photographed and grant you permission to use their portrait or likeness for commercial purposes.

Why do we request Model Release?

Some jurisdictions provide legal protection against a person's image, likeness or property being used for commercial purposes when they have not provided a release. Therefore buyers, especially business buyers are very cautious about the images with portraits they intend to use in commercials. This typically increases the value of said images with release clearance.

What's the difference between Commercial License and Editorial License?

Commercial Use

Both Standard Commercial License and Extended Commercial License are to be purchased for images used in connection with the operation of a business and / or any commercial use.

Model release cleared: identifiable persons shot in the image have granted permissions to use their portrait and to publish content including their face in a commercial context.
Copyright notice is not required if a commercial license is purchased.

Editorial Use

The Standard Editorial License is purchased for images that are only used within the context of editorial or journalistic print and online articles. No commercial use is allowed under this license.

Model release NOT cleared: use of these images in commercial context may be in breach of local laws protecting a person’s portrait and likeness in many countries.
Copyright notice is required to indicate the source and the copyright owner.

Apart from the Model Releases, some jurisdictions also provide legal protection for properties too. We suggest buyers verify if a property release shall be obtained, verified or validated before use of the image.

What are the steps to submit a Model Release?

step

Download the template(s) which suits your situation.

Templates

Adult's Model Release is the most detailed and formal, and it should be used whenever possible. It is particularly suitable for commercial photographs with professional models. Please note: If the model has not attained the age of a legal adult (e.g. under 18), use the Minor Child’s Model Release, which is signed by the child's parent or guardian.

step

On the chosen template, replace the photographer’s name with your own full name shown on your formal ID document. This is the Model Release.

step

Print the Model Release.

step

Contact the model(s) in your photo and ask the model(s) to sign the Model Release. You need Model Release for EVERY identifiable face on your photo.

What if I don’t know the model(s) or if I am unable to get their consent?

Don’t panic. Your photo is still sellable in Fotor Market under the Fotor Editorial License. No model release is required for publication as news ('Editorial Use') of a photo taken of an identifiable person when the person is in a public space. But since there are many constraints in usage of these photos, they have very limited value for business buyers other than news agencies.

step

Take a photo of the signed Model Release or have it scanned. (Doc 1) Release.

step

Ask the model(s) to hold the signed Model Release and take a photo of them. Make sure both the face of the model(s) and the title / signature of the Model Release can be seen clearly from that photo. (Doc 2) Release.

step

Send Doc 1 AND Doc 2 to [email protected] . For a faster review and subsequent display / archiving, we strongly recommend you submit the documents by replying our email. Otherwise, please make sure you include your photo ID assigned by Fotor as your email’s subject.