...when you want to get a model release signed for their kid?
So, I got a few shots that I think are pretty good and want to begin putting together a portfolio. Do I try to catch the parents at the end of the next game? Do I send a very respectful letter and enclose a release?
Considering the number of photographers out there trying to get shots of kids to slobber over, and parents so overprotective they would try to get a legitimate photographer arrested as a pedophile; I would approach them very carefully unless I knew them and they knew me first.
Model release in one hand, an 8x10 glossy of the subject in the other
The photo is a great ice breaker and opens the door for you to lead into the model release conversation. Just tell the parent that you really like the shot and would like to use it in your portfolio. If you have other plans, such as publication, be sure to mention it verbally so there are no surprises if the photo shows up on the cover of a text book or something. Most people I have presented with model releases don't even read them.
If I'm not mistaking and your in the US as long as you do not profit from the photo and you took the picture in a public venue there is no need for a model release... As a photojournalist in the San Diego area I do not need a model release if it is for editorial or news. Meaning I can profit off the sale in that venue.
snaptie2002 wrote:
Model release in one hand, an 8x10 glossy of the subject in the other
The photo is a great ice breaker and opens the door for you to lead into the model release conversation. Just tell the parent that you really like the shot and would like to use it in your portfolio.
Unless you are planning on using the image in an advertisment, or some other commercial use -- forget trying to get a model release.
Image Group wrote:
If I'm not mistaking and your in the US as long as you do not profit from the photo and you took the picture in a public venue there is no need for a model release... As a photojournalist in the San Diego area I do not need a model release if it is for editorial or news. Meaning I can profit off the sale in that venue.
Editorial is a specific circumstance where the rights of the individual take a backseat to the rights of the public to know about newsworthy events. It is not a matter of profit, since obviously a newspaper profits directly from putting photos into it.
I would also guess that very few of the sports fields are public property, unless they are specifically run by a parks department.
Nathan Whitchu wrote:
I would also guess that very few of the sports fields are public property, unless they are specifically run by a parks department.
... and even then, they may be leased to the league for use, during which they are no longer public.
I get a signed release for every photo I use on my website as advertising/portfolio. I don't get a release for any photo that is put on a host for sales.
I get a signed release for every photo I use on my website as advertising/portfolio
Ditto! Even when they're my grandchildren! Their Mommies or Daddies sign releases. Never know when the other parent will run off with someone else (hope that never happens!) and sue me for "exploiting" the little darlings!
World's too uncertain. Even if you are right, winning the lawsuit can be expensive!
If using in your portfolio, get a release. As a parent, I would like a face to face approach or through a league or team official that knows you and me, etc. If (as a casual acquaintance through one of my daughters' sports activities) you came to me asking for a release that's one of the general sorts of releases used for paid model shoots, I might not sign it. If I'm even less acquainted with you, I wouldn't. You'd probably get some parents who would. If you approached me with a release that carefully and narrowly defined your uses to your own portfolio, etc., I probably would.
Of course catching a parent at a game could be difficult and if not successful, if you know the coach or league officials, making contact with them and passing on the release and a note would be OK. The idea being that there is a known or trusted connection, not just a letter out of the blue.
