Commercial Model Release

A commercial model release — model and photographer/company, shoot description, consideration/compensation, scope of use (advertising/editorial/packaging/web/print/broadcast), media, territory, term, exclusivity, right to edit/composite, an 18+ attestation or parent/guardian signature for a minor, and signatures.

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COMMERCIAL MODEL RELEASE

Date: June 12, 2026

Model: Jordan T. Reyes
   4218 Maple Avenue, Denver, CO 80211
Company (Releasee): Northwest Light Photography LLC

Project / Images: Studio and lifestyle photos taken 2026-06-10 for Apexa Robotics’ 2026 product-launch advertising campaign (the "Images").

1. GRANT OF RIGHTS
   For the consideration below, the Model irrevocably grants the Company and its
   assigns and licensees the right to use, reproduce, publish, and license the
   Images (and any reproductions or derivatives) for the uses described, and the
   right to use the Model's name, likeness, and image.

2. CONSIDERATION
   $1,500 flat session fee, receipt of which is acknowledged.

3. SCOPE OF USE
   Use: Advertising and trade, including product packaging, point-of-sale, social media, website, digital and print ads, and email.
   Media: All media now known or later developed (digital, print, broadcast, out-of-home).
   Territory: Worldwide     Term: In perpetuity
   Exclusivity: Non-exclusive

4. EDITING
   The company may crop, retouch, alter, composite, and combine the Images with other images, text, or artwork.

5. WAIVER
   The Model waives any right to inspect or approve the finished Images or the
   uses, and releases the Company from any claim (including for invasion of
   privacy, right of publicity, or defamation) arising from authorized use.
   No further compensation is owed for the uses granted here.

6. ATTESTATION
   The Model is at least 18 years old and signs of their own free will.

7. ADDITIONAL TERMS
   No use in a defamatory, unlawful, or pornographic context. Credit not required.

SIGNATURES
  Model: _______________________________   Date: ______________
         Jordan T. Reyes
  Company: _____________________________   Date: ______________
           Northwest Light Photography LLC

About this template

A commercial model release is what lets a business use a person's likeness in advertising and trade without later liability — and it is meaningfully more than a general photo release. Because **commercial use** (advertising/trade) of someone's image triggers state **right-of-publicity and privacy** laws, the release has to grant that specific use with consideration. The deal terms are the substance: the **consideration** (the compensation, even if nominal — there must be value for the grant to bind), and the **scope** — what uses (advertising, packaging, social, web, print, broadcast), which **media**, what **territory**, for how long (**term**, often in perpetuity), and whether it is **exclusive**. Two clauses protect the buyer: the right to **edit and composite** the images (crop, retouch, combine with other artwork), and a **waiver** of any right to inspect/approve and of claims for privacy, publicity, or defamation arising from authorized use, with no further compensation owed. Get the **age right**: an adult attests they are 18+, while for a **minor a parent or guardian must sign** — a minor's own signature does not bind. A few cautions: right-of-publicity laws vary by state (some are statutory, post-mortem rights differ), so for high-value campaigns have counsel review; a release covers the *likeness*, while *copyright in the photos* is a separate matter handled in the photographer's contract/work-for-hire; and you generally cannot use images in a false, defamatory, or unlawful way even with a release. Keep the signed release with the shoot records.

When to use it

  • Licensing a person's likeness for advertising or trade.
  • A paid/commercial photo or video shoot.
  • Defining usage scope, media, territory, term, and exclusivity.
  • Releasing a minor's likeness (with parent/guardian signature).

What to include

  • Model and company, shoot description, and consideration.
  • Scope of use, media, territory, term, and exclusivity.
  • Right to edit/composite and a waiver of inspection/claims.
  • 18+ attestation or parent/guardian consent for a minor.
  • Signatures (and guardian signature if a minor).

Frequently asked

A general photo release grants permission to use someone's image; a commercial model release is a deal document for advertising/trade use — it specifies consideration, scope of use, media, territory, term, exclusivity, and editing rights, and includes a broader waiver. Commercial use of a likeness triggers right-of-publicity laws, so the added specificity matters.
⚠ Legal disclaimer. This commercial model release is a general template, not legal advice. Right-of-publicity and privacy laws governing commercial use of a person's likeness vary by state (some statutory, with differing post-mortem rights), a minor requires a parent/guardian signature, and a release covers likeness — not copyright in the photographs, which is handled separately. For high-value or broad campaigns, have the release reviewed by an attorney.
Jurisdiction: United States — a model release granting commercial use of a person's likeness. Commercial use (advertising/trade) of someone's image generally requires consent under state right-of-publicity / privacy laws (which vary widely; some, like NY and CA, are statutory and post-mortem rights differ). For a minor, a parent/guardian must sign. Distinct from a general photo release: this contemplates a paid, commercial deal with defined usage scope and may pair with a separate photography contract/work-for-hire.
Last reviewed: 2026-05
Reviewed by ScoutMyTool — consult a licensed attorney for binding use.

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