Model Release Forms

A model release is your legal permission to use someone's likeness in your photography. Without one, you can take the photo but cannot legally use it for commercial purposes, marketing, or even your portfolio in some jurisdictions.

When You Need a Model Release

Portfolio and website: Yes. Even for wedding and portrait clients you want to feature.
Social media marketing: Yes. Posting client images to promote your business is commercial use.
Competition entries: Usually yes. Check competition rules.
Stock photography: Always. No exceptions.
Fine art prints for sale: Depends on jurisdiction, but get one anyway.
Editorial/news: Generally no, but this does not apply to most photographers.

Creating a Model Release in creavio

Go to Money > Contracts > Templates and select the Model Release template. The built-in template covers:

Full legal name and contact of the model/subject
Description of the photography (session date, type, location)
Grant of rights: specific uses permitted (portfolio, social media, advertising, stock, etc.)
Duration: perpetual or time-limited
Compensation: paid model or trade (free photos in exchange for release)
Revocation terms: can the model revoke permission? Under what conditions?
Minor clause: parent/guardian signature required for subjects under 18

Sending Model Releases

You can send model releases two ways:

Bundled with your main contract: Include model release language as a section in your session contract. One signature covers everything. This works well for wedding and portrait clients.
As a separate document: For commercial shoots, styled sessions, or situations where the model release terms differ from the main contract. Send it as its own contract from the client record.

For in-person signing (at an event or styled shoot), open the model release on your phone and have the subject sign on-screen.

Minor Model Releases

Photographing anyone under 18 requires a parent or legal guardian's signature. The built-in template includes a minor clause with fields for:

Minor's name and date of birth
Parent/guardian's name and relationship
Parent/guardian's signature

For family sessions with children, include the minor model release in the main contract. List each child by name.

Group Model Releases

For events or group shoots, you may need releases from multiple people. Options:

Individual releases: Send a separate release to each person. Best for small groups.
Sign-in sheet with release language: For large events, use a Form (from Website > Forms) that includes release language and a digital signature field. Share the form link at check-in.

Storing and Managing Releases

All signed releases are stored in the client record under the Contracts tab. You can search by client name, date, or session type. When submitting to competitions or stock agencies, you can quickly pull the relevant release.

What Happens Without a Release

Without a signed model release:

Stock agencies will reject your submission
The subject can demand you remove their image from your marketing
You may face legal liability if the image is used commercially
Some social media platforms will remove content if the subject files a complaint

Get the release signed before or during the session. Not after. Once a client has their images, they have less incentive to sign.