Question on Model Releases from Fashion Shows

PopeBuckfastXVI

So you are taking pictures at a public fashion show, can you provide the pictures to the designers who's pieces are in the show without your own copy of a model release?

I would presume a release is part of the models contract with the designer/show promoter etc, should the photographer have to worry about that, or is it the problem of the designer if they use the photo to advertise or promote their business?

Paulw

My understanding is that the photographer should get the model release in this case.

PopeBuckfastXVI

And if those models were hired and there on a paid assignment, would the photographer (i.e. me) be expected to pay for a release, or should I contact the agency?

Paulw

If you are using images of the models, then you need to deal with the models (or their agency).

It doesn't matter who is paying the model, but if you want to use their image to sell to a business (even sell back to the agency they work for), then you should get a release.

That's my understanding anyway.

PopeBuckfastXVI

Thanks, I presume it doesn't change anything if I am providing the images for free to the business?

Paulw

Nope, free or for large amounts make no difference at all.

The only difference may be for editorial use - to papers, etc.

But to supply to a business (any business, for any commercial/advertising use) you'd need a model release.

PopeBuckfastXVI

Thanks Paul!

ttcomet

To confuse the issue slightly I believe you can sell an image to a business for commercial use without a model release. However they would not be able to use it until they (or you) got a release. Although why any business would buy an image off someone that they may not be subsequently able to use I have no idea.

If you were going to do this I would suggest making sure that it is clearly and prominently stated in any contract that the images were subject to needing a release.

Personally I would try get signed releases before I started to take the images.

Another small point, define "public". If it is held on private property but open to the public you may not be allowed take pictures at the venue without permission. If its out on public property then I think it is fair game.

PopeBuckfastXVI

ttcomet wrote: »

To confuse the issue slightly I believe you can sell an image to a business for commercial use without a model release. However they would not be able to use it until they (or you) got a release. Although why any business would buy an image off someone that they may not be subsequently able to use I have no idea.

If you were going to do this I would suggest making sure that it is clearly and prominently stated in any contract that the images were subject to needing a release.

Personally I would try get signed releases before I started to take the images.

Another small point, define "public". If it is held on private property but open to the public you may not be allowed take pictures at the venue without permission. If its out on public property then I think it is fair game.

It was in a hotel, and I was there officially at the request of one of the designers, and cleared by the event organiser.