This Model Release Agreement is entered into between [Photographer] (“Photographer”) and [Model] NAME (“Model”), effective as of the date of signing this Agreement.
1. Scope of photography
Model is being photographed by Photographer on [Date] . The type of photography will be [Type] (“Photographs”).
Panda Tip: This clause refers to still vs. video photography. There are well-publicized cases of models thinking that they were posing for still photographs, but someone was actually also videotaping them secretly. Be up front; let the model know what type of images are being taken.
2. Scope of release
Subject only to the restrictions in paragraph 3, below, Model is granting Photographer the unrestricted, irrevocable, and worldwide permission to use and publish the Photographs, in whole or in part, with or without alterations, for any legal purpose, public or private, commercial or otherwise. Model’s payment in exchange for this release is limited to that set forth in this Model Release Agreement and Photographer will not provide any additional compensation to Model based on commercial success of use of any of the photographs.
3. Limitations on use
Model’s release in paragraph 2, above, is restricted as to the items that Model has initialed below:
— Model does not agree to alterations being made to the Photographs that would make the images appear to be pornographic, defamatory, or illegal
— Model does not agree to use of Model’s name in connection with the Photographs
— Model does not agree to use of any personal information of Model in connection with display or use of the Photographs
Panda Tip: It is only fair, and good business practice, to be upfront about types of uses that the Model may find personally unacceptable, or in ways that could cause the Model to incur liability (or wrath) from third-parties.
4. Compensation
In exchange for the releases given above in this Model Release Agreement, Model is being paid the following compensation:
Panda Tip: In order for this to be a valid contract, the Model must get something of value in return for his/her release of rights. What that is will vary greatly depending on the context of the photography being taken.
5. Copyright
Photographer owns, and will retain all copyright interest in, the Photographs. Model has no ownership or intellectual property rights to the Photographs.
Panda Tip: This would be the legal default anyway, but its best to explain it up front. These photographs will belong entirely to the photographer to do with as they see fit.
6. Assignment
Photographer may assign or sell Photographer’s rights under this Model Release Agreement to a third-party without restriction.
7. Representations
Model is a legally competent adult, 18 years of age or older, and has the right to legally enter into this Model Release Agreement.
Panda Tip: A person has to be at least 18 in order to enter into contracts, otherwise, they have the option to get out of an agreement entirely. The language about being legally allowed to enter into the contract is to ensure they are not, for example, under an exclusive agreement with some other photographer or modeling agency.
8. Other terms
OTHER AGREEMENT TERMS
THE PARTIES HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE TERMS OF THIS MODEL RELEASE AGREEMENT ABOVE AND AGREE THAT IT IS THE ENTIRE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES AS TO THE PHOTOGRAPHY REFERENCED THEREIN.
Executed this SIGN DATE OF SIGN MONTH, SIGN YEAR