Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2002/06/07
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]If the lawyers have their way....(which they seem to do so far to often)... I am sure the day is coming when in order to take a photo of someone standing in the middle of a public park, you will have to get their written consent PRIOR to taking the snap, have the document signed, witnessed and notarized and recorded with the country clerk's office.. and you need a separate document (which looks like a mortgage application) for each individual frame you snap..... But..... Until then, under the premise that 'any signed model release is better than nothing'... I am adopting the use of a small, simple card with the least amount of verbiage and legalese. I realize that not having all the clauses and details included on the release leaves me somewhat exposed to potential problems... but I have to weigh the risks against the benefits. For example, in almost 30 years of work, I have never had a single problem with releases or uses. Of course, I understand that it could happen tomorrow, and one time could bankrupt me... but I can't worry about this overly... I could also get struck by lightening tomorrow also. But on the otherhand, I want to make getting permission as easy and painless as possible. The likelihood of losing a good shot because a subject refuses due to a lengthy, intimidating all inclusive model release is far greater than having legal problems with a small, simple signed release in hand. Therefore, for posed, planned or studio work with models... I use the full blown ASMP release. For other, on the spot use, I use a simple card, that does not look like a Supreme Court Legal Brief. By the way, the resource Tina mentioned about multi language releases is a great tip! Thanks Tina! Cheers