Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2007/04/11
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]>she was asking if I knew if I needed them [model releases] This is the eternal, burning question for many photographers. There is an article about this in the latest issue of Shutterbug. This subject seems to be addressed on a semi-regular basis in most photo mags. While the courts have generally come down on the side of the photographer for photographs taken in a public place, still the recipients of one's photographs (be it a magazine or competition, etc.) these days usually state that a model release is required. This is just to protect their asses (they hope). It boils down to if the subject(s) have any presumption of privacy at the time/place the photograph is taken and on the use of the photograph (ie., it cannot be used for commercial purposes, like to sell a product, and made-up attitudes, opinions , thoughts, etc. cannot be attributed to the subjects in accompanying articles or captions). I know a couple contemporary street/documentary photographers who are fairly well known and have published numerous books. They have never gotten model releases. And I'll bet WInogrand/Friedlander never asked for one when working in public. Your case my be different so some homework may be necessary. Dave. -- Web Site: www.david-keenan.com 2007 PAW: www.david-keenan.com/paw 2006 EuroBlog: www.david-keenan.com/euroblog