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Wedding Photography and Videography Forum
Model Release- Photography
I have a question regarding the model release on our photography contract. I understand that this is normal for all wedding photography contracts, but I am wondering if anyone has worked to have their reworded or taken out for privacy?
My fiance and I are both very private people. Neither of us are on social media. We feel uncomfortable that our pictures would be posted on Facebook when neither of us are on Facebook ourselves. Although unlikely that this would happen, I don't feel comfortable that they could use the pictures as advertisements as well.
I certainly don't want to overreact, I just want to make sure that we feel comfortable before signing the contract. Does anyone have any tips on how I should ask it to be worded or if this request is outrageous?
Thank you!
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Re: Model Release- Photography
I would find out more details on how your photos would be used. Would the be on the photographers facebook page, or just their website, or would it be just for their professional profile to show potential clients when they come in to meet? Knowing exactley where the photos may end up may make a difference on how you want to deal with this. I would also explain to your photographer you desire to remain private.
But keep in mind, there is a good chance you will still end up on facebook as guests at your wedding may take photos and post them.
Definitely agree.
You may also want to find out if the photos are used to promote the photog's business in the future, are your names mentioned anywhere? For example: "Jane & Joe" or "Smith Wedding" or "Jane & Joe Smith" etc.
If you are more uncomfortable about having your names out there along with your photos because it's easier for people to find these pics in an online search, ask the photog if you can simply alter the contract to allow use of the photos but without names. This way, you are not spending a ton of money to purchase full & exclusive rights as PP mentioned, but you are still preserving your privacy.
@klk111425 is on the right track but copyrights are not the same as reprint rights. Almost all photographers today grant reprint rights to the couple (hence why we're all so eager to get our USB/DVD of images) so the couple may make as many unwatermarked prints of the images as they like for personal use (ie to share with your family and friends or to put on your personal Facebook page). Most photographers will not give up the copyrights to the images without a massive fee as the actual image is their intellectual property, just like a writer wouldn't let you print a copy of their novel and sell it for your own profit. The photographer generally retains rights to use images in marketing capacities while you cannot use them for any monetary/personal gain without notifying the photographer. If you want to submit them to Style Me Pretty or a contest page or to advertise your floral business since you did all your bouquets, the photographer must okay it. The actual images remain the photographers property. You can negotiate your contract with the photographer to state how he may use the images (on his blog without names or at a wedding show or in a print ad for his business but not to be resold to a third party; or that she'll give you notice prior to using the images) but ultimately if you're not happy with how the photos will be used by the photographer you need to pick another photographer. I also find it interesting that people get caught up in the model clause in a wedding photography contract. It's there every time you have a professional photo taken. The studio/photographer retains the right to use your photo in their marketing with or without informing you.