Model Release Form
Modeling-specific release — for paid models, advertising shoots, and stock photography submissions.
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MODEL RELEASE FORM
Effective: May 11, 2026
Shoot date(s): May 11, 2026
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MODEL
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Name: Sarah H. Mitchell
Address: 7204 Tradd Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: +1 843 555 0241
Date of birth: March 22, 1995
Agency: ____________________
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PHOTOGRAPHER / PRODUCER ("Releasee")
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Name: Northwest Light Photography LLC
Address: 1408 SE Division Street, Portland, OR 97202
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SHOOT DESCRIPTION
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Stock photography session for lifestyle and business imagery — office settings, casual portraits, and group/team shots. Approximately 200 frames; final delivery to Adobe Stock and Getty Images marketplaces. No nudity, no swimwear.
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GRANT OF RIGHTS
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For the compensation set forth below, Model irrevocably grants to Releasee, its successors, assigns, and licensees, the right to use Model's name, image, likeness, voice, and performance (collectively, the "Likeness") in photographs, video, and audio (the "Materials") taken in connection with the shoot, throughout worldwide, in perpetuity (no time limit), for unlimited commercial use, including all advertising, marketing, packaging, point-of-sale, editorial, and stock-photography distribution.
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PERMITTED MEDIA AND PROHIBITED CATEGORIES
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All print and digital media including: stock photography platforms (Adobe Stock, Getty, Shutterstock, iStock), websites, social media, advertising (online and offline), packaging, billboards, books, magazines, point-of-sale, presentations, video stills, and all derivative works.
Prohibited categories WITHOUT additional written consent: pornographic / adult content, controversial political campaigns, tobacco / firearms advertising, hate-group materials, content that could reasonably embarrass the Model.
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COMPENSATION
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Day rate of $1,200 paid by check or ACH within 14 days of shoot.
Meals provided on shoot day.
5 retouched images delivered for Model's personal portfolio use within 30 days.
No additional residuals; this is a buyout.
If shoot extends beyond 8 hours, overtime at $200/hour pro-rated.
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WAIVERS BY MODEL
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Model waives:
(a) Right of inspection or approval of the Materials, captions, or context;
(b) Right of publicity / privacy claims under California Civil Code §3344, New York Civil Rights Law §50-51, or any equivalent state, federal, or foreign law, except for uses prohibited herein;
(c) Right to additional compensation, royalties, or residuals beyond the agreed compensation, except as expressly provided;
(d) Right of attribution (credit), except as Releasee elects to provide.
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RELEASEE OBLIGATIONS
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Releasee shall not use the Materials in:
(a) Pornographic or adult content;
(b) Hate-group materials;
(c) Content that misrepresents Model's character, beliefs, or affiliations;
(d) Any prohibited category listed above.
Such uses require Model's prior written consent and additional compensation.
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COPYRIGHT
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Releasee owns the copyright in the Materials. This release transfers no copyright to Model. Model has no right to reproduce, distribute, or display the Materials without Releasee's consent, except as expressly permitted (e.g., personal portfolio use as specified in compensation).
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REPRESENTATIONS
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Model represents and warrants that:
(a) Model is over 18 years of age (or, if a minor, parent/guardian co-signs);
(b) Model is not under contract to any agency or entity that would prevent execution of this release;
(c) Model has read and understood this release and executes it freely;
(d) The information provided about Model is accurate.
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GOVERNING LAW
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This release is governed by the laws of the State of Oregon.
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SIGNATURES
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MODEL:
_______________________________
Sarah H. Mitchell
Signature: _______________________________
Date: _______________________________
WITNESS:
Name: _______________________________
Signature: _______________________________
Date: _______________________________
About this template
A model release is the photo-release's heavier sibling, designed for paid modeling work, stock photography, and commercial campaigns where the imagery has substantial commercial value. The fundamental difference from a basic photo release: a model release explicitly contemplates compensation in exchange for broad commercial rights, and the model is typically a professional or paid talent rather than a casual subject. Stock-photography platforms (Adobe Stock, Getty, Shutterstock, iStock) all REQUIRE model releases for any image with identifiable people — without one, the photograph cannot be sold as commercial stock. The platforms have their own preferred forms, and most photographers either use the platform-specific release or one that meets all the platforms' requirements (this template aims at the latter). Critical components: (1) Identification — full legal name, address, date of birth (to verify majority), agency relationship if any. (2) Compensation — explicitly stated; even a "buyout" recital with day rate and any additional consideration. Modern stock-photography model releases almost always recite a payment to satisfy any state-law requirement of consideration. (3) Rights granted — usage scope, territory, duration. For stock photography, "unlimited commercial use, worldwide, in perpetuity" is standard. (4) Prohibited uses — pornographic, hate-group, defamatory, controversial-political; these carve-outs protect the model from being associated with content they would object to. (5) Copyright clarity — Releasee (photographer) owns the copyright; the model release transfers no copyright. The model has rights only in their likeness, not in the photograph itself. (6) Agency acknowledgment — if the model is represented by an agency, the agency typically needs to acknowledge the release to confirm the model's authority to bind the agency relationship. Stock-photography-specific considerations: each major stock platform has specific release requirements. Adobe Stock requires releases that specify the model's name, signature, date, and witness; Getty/iStock require model name, address, signature, date, and either a witness or notarization for some uses. Following the most-stringent requirements (this template) usually satisfies all platforms. Minors: under 18 modeling requires parent/guardian co-signature. California Coogan Law (Family Code §6750-6753) requires court approval and trust accounts for minor-performer earnings. New York Arts and Cultural Affairs Law §35.01 has similar provisions. For substantial minor-talent work, consult counsel. Editorial vs. commercial: as with photo releases, editorial use is often First-Amendment protected and doesn't require a release. But stock photography is presumed commercial regardless of the eventual licensee's use, so platforms always require releases. International: the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU treats facial images as personal data; commercial use of EU-citizen imagery may require additional consent meeting GDPR Article 6 lawful-basis requirements. For multinational stock distribution, ensure consent meets both US and EU standards. Use this template for: paid modeling sessions, stock-photography submissions, brand campaign shoots, and lifestyle/commercial photography with paid models. For high-value advertising campaigns ($50K+), use detailed campaign-specific releases with usage tiers (extended rights renewable for additional fees).
When to use it
- Stock photography submission (Adobe Stock, Getty, Shutterstock, iStock).
- Paid commercial photography with hired models.
- Brand/advertising campaign shoots.
- Lifestyle photography for marketing libraries.
- Video / film with paid talent for commercial use.
What to include
- Model identification (name, DOB, address, agency).
- Photographer/Releasee identification.
- Shoot description with date(s) and scope.
- Rights granted (unlimited commercial / campaign / editorial).
- Permitted media and prohibited use carve-outs.
- Compensation (day rate, residuals if any, retouched images).
- Territory and duration.
- Copyright clarity (photographer owns).
- Agency acknowledgment (if represented).