In an effort to help my fellow photographers, I’ve included here a number of legal forms for your use. While generic forms are generally acceptable under most jurisdictions, I am not offering you any legal advice, other than a copy of these generic forms and agreements. You should check with your attorney to see if these forms would be considered legal in your specific case or jurisdiction. I make no claims for applicability.

The forms are all in Microsoft Word format, easy to edit and change. There are areas that require you to customize your name/address, etc., those areas are usually in red text to make them stand out.

You should read through the forms and customize them to make them applicable to your specific situation.

Included in this post are several forms:

Simple Model Release – This is a very simple one page model release form. It spells out the basics about your usage and their release of their likeness for commercial and promotional purposes. This is the most basic version of a model release.

Generic Adult and Minor Model Release – This form is more specific than the “simple” version and includes an “Adult” as well as a “Minor” model release clause.

Simple Photography Contract – A very basic contract, spelling out a work for hire situation, amount paid, and model release. This is the most basic version of this type of contract.

Model Agreement and Release – This is a more detailed version of a work for hire contract and model release form. It is used specifically when photographing models for print and media work, advertising, stock photography, etc. It’s a combination “work for hire” agreement and a “model release” form.

Wedding Photography Agreement – For those of you new to wedding photography, this is a fairly detailed generic agreement that you can customize to spell out the details of your wedding photography agreement with a client. Again, you will need to read through it and customize the form to suit your needs.

Generic Limited Copyright Release Form - Specifically to allow your clients to use photographs and digital "negatives" for personal use. Give this letter to a client when they purchase your images on CD or download images from your download dock.

Good luck! - Jay

Hi Jay,
Here’s one thing that certainly will be very useful for many people.
I'm already familiar with MR. I have to use them on microstock sales but I will peek at the same.
Thank you for sharing.
Have a great week!

Pedro:

Glad to be of service. It's should be noted however, some stock photo houses require their own model releases, so for others who are considering selling stock photography, contact the service first to obtain their version of a model release to ensure that your submissions will be accepted.

If anyone else has any other necessary documents to post, please feel free! That's what this section is all about.

- Jay

Well done & thanks for sharing...

Jay,

Another super-useful post!

Thanks!

With every country and province or state having different laws, I went hunting a bit for some Canadian specific forms. For a model release in which the photographer maintains all rights, here is a link where you can fill out and download save a template and you can choose to make one out to be province specific.

http://www.lawdepot.com/contracts/model-release-form/

Nice! Great post Randy! Thanks - Jay

It happens to me every time! I spend time and energy creating my own forms, editing and editing and as soon as i think I'm finished....






I find something better on the web!

Thanks for the info and for sharing.

Jeff

Hey Jeff!

Glad you found this post useful. There are a lot of resources on the web, but in the end, you need to make it yours anyway. With the legal forms, make sure they are applicable in your jurisdiction and legally binding by having your attorney or a paralegal resource review them. These are generic templates and offer the theory that something is better than nothing!

I've drafted my own wedding contract that is similar to the one posted here. The only difference is that I've added a "bridezilla/groomzilla" clause which basically says if you get on my nerves, I can give you a full refund and I am done with you. (Fortunately, I've never had to enforce that clause!)

Good luck! - Jay

Jay!!!!!!!!!!!!This is fantastic my friend. Very useful information and thank you for taking the time to post all of this.................................................................

Thanks Jay - will check them out