Model release form
A clear release for photo or video, adult or minor: choose the uses, territory and term, then print it or save it as a PDF.
The release
Use of the images
Model release
Photography
1. Parties. This release is given by [Model] (the “Model”) to [Producer] (the “Producer”).
2. Grant. The Model grants the Producer the right to use the photographs taken of the Model during the shoot (the “Material”), in whole or in part, for the following uses: advertising, social media, websites and e-commerce.
3. Territory and term. The Material may be used worldwide for 5 years from the shoot date. Any other use needs the Model's written consent.
4. Limits. The Material will not be used in a way that is defamatory or that presents the Model in sensitive contexts (including political, medical, adult or tobacco related content) without separate written consent. Retouching is limited to normal professional editing.
5. Payment. No separate fee is paid for this release.
6. Personal data. The Producer processes the Model's personal data, including the Material, only to carry out this release and for the uses above, and keeps it no longer than the term requires. The Model may contact the Producer to exercise their data protection rights.
7. Confirmation. The Model confirms they are of legal age, have read this release and understood it.
What a release has to say
A release is only as useful as it is specific. Vague wording such as “all uses forever” is easy to sign and hard to rely on. A release that holds up names the material, the uses, the territory, the term and the payment.
- The material: photographs, or photographs plus video and sound, from a named shoot and date.
- The uses: advertising, editorial, social media, websites, print, outdoor, video. Pick only what the job needs.
- Territory and term: where and for how long. Wider and longer usually means a higher fee.
- Limits: sensitive contexts (political, medical, adult, tobacco) need separate consent.
- Payment and credit.
Release and usage fee
For agency models, the usage granted in the release should match the usage written in the booking confirmation and paid for in the fee. If a client later wants another territory or a longer term, that is a new usage and normally a new payment. The commission calculator shows how a usage fee is split between agency and model.
Check before the shoot: the release, the booking confirmation and the call sheet should all describe the same job, date and usage.
Minors
For a model under the age of majority, the parent or legal guardian signs. Separate rules on children's working hours, breaks and permits apply in many countries; in the European Union they follow from Council Directive 94/33/EC on the protection of young people at work, implemented differently in each member state.
Personal data
Photos and video of an identifiable person are personal data under the GDPR in the EU. The release should say why the material is processed and for how long it is kept, and how the person can reach the producer about their data.
Sources: Council Directive 94/33/EC of 22 June 1994 on the protection of young people at work (eur-lex.europa.eu); Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR), Articles 4 and 6 (eur-lex.europa.eu).
Frequently asked questions
What is a model release form?
A signed document in which a person who appears in photographs or video allows the producer to use that material for agreed purposes. It records what may be used, where, for how long and for what payment.
Is a model release the same as a booking contract?
No. The booking confirmation between client and agency sets the job, fee and usage. The release is the model's own permission to use their likeness. On agency jobs, usage terms are usually also written in the booking confirmation, and the two should match.
Who signs a release for a minor?
A parent or legal guardian signs on the minor's behalf. Many countries also have separate rules on working hours and permits for children, so check the local requirements before the shoot.
Do I need a release for editorial use?
Rules differ by country. Editorial use often gives more room than advertising, but agencies and publishers commonly still ask for a release because it removes doubt about consent and personal data.
Is this template legally binding?
It is a starting point written in plain English. Image rights, consumer and data protection law differ between countries, so have the final version reviewed for the country where it will be used.