Permission from the person in a photo or video to use their likeness. Fill in the shoot and the scope of use, send one link, and the model adds their details and signs from their phone.
A release signed by the person being photographed or filmed (the model) that lets the photographer, brand or producer use their image, name and likeness in the ways the release describes. If the model is a minor, a parent or guardian signs for them.
Sign in to use this template · Set the few terms only you can, reword anything, and send it to be filled in and signed. The people you send to never need an account.
What it covers
The shoot: date, description and the images and recordings covered.
The grant: use of the model’s image, likeness, voice and, if chosen, name, in the scope you select.
Compensation, or the acknowledgement that the model is participating without pay.
Scope of use: media, territory and duration, from portfolio-only to unlimited commercial use.
Ownership of the images stays with the photographer; the model has no approval right over the final use.
No obligation to use the images at all.
Waiver of claims for privacy, publicity and defamation arising from permitted uses.
Parent or guardian consent when the model is under eighteen.
Governing law and electronic signatures.
When to use it
You are a photographer, videographer or brand shooting a person and want to use the images in a portfolio, on social media, on a website or in advertising.
You are running a shoot with paid or volunteer models, actors, extras or real customers and need each person’s permission on file.
You are photographing a child and need the parent’s consent in writing.
You are a stock contributor and the agency requires a signed release for every recognisable person.
What it does not do
It is not a property release. Photographing a private building, artwork or a branded product for commercial use may need the owner’s permission.
It does not cover uses that are defamatory, sexually explicit, or that imply the model endorses a product or cause unless you say so in the scope; a court will read an ambiguous release narrowly against the person relying on it.
It is not a talent contract. It does not set hours, working conditions or union terms; a paid actor or model may also need a services agreement.
It is not legal advice. Right-of-publicity law varies by state, and a few states require a parent’s consent for a minor to be approved by a court for some paid work. For advertising campaigns with celebrity or minor talent, have a lawyer review the release.
Signing, witnesses and delivery
No witness or notary is required. Electronic signature is standard for releases; many stock agencies accept an e-signed PDF with an audit trail, and this product produces both.
If the model is under eighteen, the parent or legal guardian must sign. Choose "Yes" for the minor question and fill in the guardian’s name, then add the guardian as the signer for the model party when you send. The minor does not sign.
Send the release before the shoot, or have the model sign on their phone at the shoot before you start. A release signed after the images are used is still valid but leaves a gap.
The agreement
Model Release
This Model Release (the "Release") is given by [Model full name] ("Model"), of [Model address], born [Model date of birth], to [Photographer or company receiving the release] ("Releasee") and Releasee’s licensees, successors and assigns. It covers all photographs, video, audio and other recordings of Model taken on or about [Date of the shoot] in connection with the following: [Description of the shoot] (the "Images").
1. Grant of Rights
In exchange for the compensation in Section 2, Model irrevocably grants Releasee the right to use, reproduce, edit, crop, retouch, combine with other material, publish, distribute, display and license the Images, and Model’s likeness, appearance, voice and performance as they appear in the Images, in the following scope: [Scope of use]. Use of Model’s name: [May the model’s name be used?].
Within that scope, Releasee may use the Images in any medium now known or later developed, including print, digital, social media, broadcast, packaging and point of sale, and may license others to do so. Uses outside the scope require Model’s separate written consent.
2. Compensation
Model acknowledges receiving, or being entitled to receive, the following in full consideration for this Release: [Compensation the model receives]. Model acknowledges that this consideration is sufficient, that no further payment, royalty or credit is due for any use of the Images within the scope, and that if the consideration is participation in the shoot alone, this Release is nonetheless binding.
3. Ownership
The Images and all copyright in them are and shall remain the property of Releasee or the photographer who created them. Model has no ownership interest in the Images and shall not reproduce or distribute them except as Releasee permits in writing. Any copies given to Model are for Model’s personal, non-commercial use only unless Releasee agrees otherwise.
4. No Right of Inspection or Approval
Model waives any right to inspect or approve the Images, the finished product, the editing, or any text, caption or advertising copy used with the Images. Model acknowledges that the Images may be altered, that Model may be portrayed in a fictional context or with a fictional name, and that Model shall have no claim on that account, provided the use is within the scope and is not defamatory or sexually explicit.
5. No Obligation to Use
Nothing in this Release obliges Releasee to use the Images or to exercise any right granted, and Releasee’s failure to use the Images does not affect the validity of this Release or entitle Model to any refund or additional compensation.
6. Release of Claims
Model releases and discharges Releasee, the photographer, and their licensees, agents, employees, successors and assigns from any claim, demand or liability arising out of the use of the Images within the scope, including claims for invasion of privacy, violation of the right of publicity, defamation, misappropriation, emotional distress, and any claim under any similar law in any jurisdiction. Model shall not sue or bring any proceeding based on such a claim. This Section does not release claims arising from uses outside the scope or from Releasee’s breach of this Release.
7. Representations
Model represents that Model has read and understands this Release, has had the opportunity to consult a lawyer, and is signing it freely. If Model is eighteen (18) years of age or older, Model represents that Model has full legal capacity to sign this Release. Model represents that Model is not bound by any exclusive agreement with any agency, brand or other person that would prevent this grant, and that any wardrobe, props or other items Model brings to the shoot are Model’s own or lawfully borrowed.
8. Minor Model; Parent or Guardian Consent
Is Model under eighteen (18) years of age: [Is the model under 18?]. If so, this Release is signed on Model’s behalf by [Parent or guardian name (or "None" if the model is an adult)] ("Guardian"), who represents that Guardian is Model’s parent or legal guardian with full authority to consent on Model’s behalf, has read this Release, consents to it in full, agrees to be bound by it, and shall not revoke it or seek to disaffirm it on Model’s behalf or permit Model to do so. Guardian agrees to indemnify Releasee against any claim by Model or on Model’s behalf that is inconsistent with this Release. If Model is an adult, Model signs personally and this Section does not apply.
9. Duration and Survival
This Release is effective on signing and continues for the duration stated in the scope. Where the scope is perpetual, this Release survives Model’s death and binds Model’s heirs and estate to the extent the law permits. Releasee may continue to distribute material produced before the end of any fixed term for the useful life of that material.
10. General
This Release is governed by the laws of the State of [Governing law (state)]. It is the entire agreement between Model and Releasee about the Images and supersedes all prior discussions. It may be amended only in a writing signed by both. If any provision is held unenforceable, the rest remains in effect. Releasee may assign this Release or license the rights it grants to any person.
This Release may be signed electronically, and the electronic execution record, timestamps and document fingerprints kept by the signing platform are conclusive evidence of its execution.
Signatures
Photographer / company (releasee) · Model (or parent/guardian if a minor)
Model Release Form FAQ
Do I need a model release to post photos of someone?
For editorial, news or personal use, generally no. For commercial use, meaning advertising, promoting a product or service, or selling the image as stock, yes, in almost every state, because using a person’s likeness for a commercial purpose without consent violates their right of publicity. A signed release removes that risk and is what stock agencies and brands ask for.
What if the model is a minor?
A minor cannot give binding consent, so the parent or legal guardian signs instead. Choose “Yes” to the minor question, enter the guardian’s name, and add the guardian as the signer. The release includes the guardian’s statement that they have authority to consent on the child’s behalf. Note that a few states give a minor the right to disaffirm a contract on reaching eighteen unless a court approved it; that is rare for a simple release but matters for a large advertising campaign.
Does the model have to be paid for the release to be valid?
No. A release is enforceable if it is supported by any consideration, which can be payment, a copy of the images, the opportunity to be photographed, or the experience of the shoot. The form lets you write what the model receives, and if it is nothing more than participation, say so; the release covers that.
Can the model approve how the photos are used?
Not under this release. The model waives the right to inspect or approve the final images, the editing and the accompanying text. If a model wants an approval right, that is a negotiated term and you should add it in the scope field or use a separate agreement, because an approval right makes the release far less useful to a photographer.
Can I send this to the model to fill in their own details?
Yes. Fill in the shoot, the scope and the compensation, leave the model’s name, address and date of birth blank, and send the link. The model fills those in when they open it, and if they are a minor the guardian enters their own name in the guardian field and signs.
How long does a model release last?
As long as it says. Choose “in perpetuity” for portfolio and stock use, where you cannot practically recall published images, or a fixed term for an advertising campaign. A release does not expire on its own, and it survives the death of the model in most states, though heirs may hold publicity rights for new uses.