Protecting your image!

[Lolita Black]

So i ran a search and actually didn't come up with much about protecting your image as a model. I am very interested in this as I am starting to have people come up to me and ask em to model for them. But i want to make sure my likeness is protected. My mother is also very concerned about this. So how do you protect your image? Can models create their own release forms? If so what should the put in it? How binding is it? I've been asked to be a model in a makeup contest, do I even need a release for this? I just want to make sure i do this the safe way so any adice would be helpful I'm sure! Thank you ladies and gentlemen.

[Miss Ashlea V]

most photographers ask you to sign a release. but im under the understanding that once they take the pic of you basically they own it not you, you can use the pic with the photographers permission but its their property, unless stated otherwise in the release or contract. i think its best to ask the person or company what their deal is. im not 100% sure on this but its what ive been told in the past. good luck!

[Roxy Tart {PL Team / Comm. Mgr}]

What do you want protection from? People using it on their site, on their blog, spreading it around, sending it to magazines, making money off it? As a model you want you image to get out there as much as possible, and if you are the only one who has access to it, it won't. As baby Lou said, most photogs have you sign a release that states they can use it and so can you. Always read the release carefully, and if there is something you don't agree with, talk it over with them. There is no reason you can't have one made up as well, but most photographers are not going to give up rights to photos they have taken. 

 

 

[Lolita Black]

Thank you Roxy and Baby Lou, i suppose what protection i really want is that the pictures won't be used for any unsavory productions, I have heard form some models that someone wanted their picture and put it on some porn site or promoting. That's one thing I'd like to protect myself from. I just basically wanted to know what's what, whatever people have to offer is fine advice. Thank you for all your advice dolls. :)

Roxy Tart {Madam} said:

What do you want protection from? People using it on their site, on their blog, spreading it around, sending it to magazines, making money off it? As a model you want you image to get out there as much as possible, and if you are the only one who has access to it, it won't. As baby Lou said, most photogs have you sign a release that states they can use it and so can you. Always read the release carefully, and if there is something you don't agree with, talk it over with them. There is no reason you can't have one made up as well, but most photographers are not going to give up rights to photos they have taken. 

 

 

[The Trousseau]

It kind of depends on what you want and what your expectations are.  This came up on modelmayhem not long ago and the consensus was that you can write your own release and still pose, but the likelihood of having a pro or experienced hobbyist take your pictures is very slim. And a creep is going to do what his creepiness makes him do, and then what do you do, if you do find out-- are you going to actually sue? 

 

If you are concerned about people doing weird things with your face-- like putting it on some nude body, then make sure you work with people you trust.  Work with people who have a body of work and a reputation to protect.  Anyone who gives off a creep vibe is a good excuse to get some exercise and walk out. 

 

So, if some guy wants to take your picture, ask to see his work-- his website or his flicker account should be available on a phone with wifi.  Ask him who he has worked with, what his favorite type of photography is... anything to get him to talk long enough to find out the creep factor.  Find out what he plans to do with your pictures and what you get out of it. 

[The Trousseau]

By the way, if you have your face on anything on the internet, anyone can copy it, play with photoshop and turn you into whatever they want.  There is no protection once you decide to upload.

[richardwangphotography]

Wrong.

 

If you PAY for the pictures, you own it.  Don't let the photographer fool you into thinking otherwise.

 

I'm amazed about the numbers of girls in the "pin up" scene pay a guy to take their picture, then he tells her how many images she gets to keep.  Then he put his watermark all over them.  The he puts the pict's on his site.  And he tells you you need his permission to use the picts....Like you're doing him a favor.  Please.

 

You pay.  You keep.  He asks YOU for permission.  If the release says anything else.  Laugh in his face!

 

Baby Lou said:

most photographers ask you to sign a release. but im under the understanding that once they take the pic of you basically they own it not you, you can use the pic with the photographers permission but its their property, unless stated otherwise in the release or contract. i think its best to ask the person or company what their deal is. im not 100% sure on this but its what ive been told in the past. good luck!