matt_h Posted June 9, 2004 Share Posted June 9, 2004 I recently shot a sporting event, sort of an underground sport. I took a lot of rolls with the intent of using the pics for editorial purposes so bringing releases didnt even cross my mind. It wasnt until I got there and talked to some of the atheletes that I realized their sponsors may be interested in some pics for advertising purposes. I guess my question is, if I were to contact their sponsors and tell them I had some good pics of their riders, would I still need a release even though these guys are sponsored by this particular company? I assume I would. Which leads to my topic question. Is it cool to get a release after the fact? Meaning, can I mail the athelete a release, have them sign it, mail it back, and then contact their sponsors? That would probably be the safest route legally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry_ Posted June 9, 2004 Share Posted June 9, 2004 --this is not legal advice-- but in the U.S., a contract has to have an exchange of something of value [$1.00, $5.00, $10.00] for a binding agreement. Plus a witness generally has to sign the contract. A model release is sort of like a contract. If a minor (under the age of 18) is involved, the parent or guardian has to sign the release. If you send a release for signing, and include a five dollar bill, my guess you will be out five bucks. Face-to-face is the best way to present your case. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_mcneely Posted June 9, 2004 Share Posted June 9, 2004 I agree with "face to face." I recently needed a model release for a picture I took a year ago. I showed up with the form and the subject signed it with no problem. It also appears far more credible when you are in person. -john Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r_miller1 Posted June 9, 2004 Share Posted June 9, 2004 Matt, For a number of reasons, you should contact the reasons personally, whether by phone or otherwise to get the ball rolling. Probably sooner rather than later, while the contact with you is fresh in their mind. That said, depending upon the nature of the sponsor arrangement, the sponsor may already have a release, i.e., the sponsor agreement may well provide for the right to use the sponsored person's likeness for commercial purposes. Even assuming if that is the case, you would still want a release granted to you, if possible, for other possible commercial usage. Regards, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matt_h Posted June 9, 2004 Author Share Posted June 9, 2004 Wow, thanks for all the quick replies. The problem with getting the releases at this point is that most of these atheletes flew in for the event, and they are now many miles away. I am also getting ahead of myself a bit becuase I have yet to see my slides (pick them up today). So I don't know who came out and how well they came out. I do have the email addresses of some of the athletes so I will probably start there. Again, thanks for the replies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_b3 Posted June 9, 2004 Share Posted June 9, 2004 The exchahnge has to be something of value, not necessarly money but perhaps a copy of the picture. Just keep that in mind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matt_h Posted June 9, 2004 Author Share Posted June 9, 2004 Okay good to know. This is my first time (possibly) working with releases. I would prefer to do it by the book. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.W. Wall Posted June 11, 2004 Share Posted June 11, 2004 Call the sponsor and ask what their contract provides? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matthewkane Posted June 13, 2004 Share Posted June 13, 2004 In case you do need a release this one is extensive! Some other fellow photo.netter posted this for me a while a go. You'll just have to copy and paste it to like a word program and personalize it. Or add a few things even if you'd like to. http://www.alamy.com/help/model_release_form.html this should cover ya! Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_h.1 Posted June 14, 2004 Share Posted June 14, 2004 "would I still need a release even though these guys are sponsored by this particular company? I assume I would." This too is not legal advice... Obtaining a release from the individuals is the only reliable means to cover you for using their likeness for non-priviledged purposes. Some sports owners and orginizations own trademarks, logos, copyrights of game imagery and so on. Watch for those kind of restrictions too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matt_h Posted June 15, 2004 Author Share Posted June 15, 2004 Thanks you again to all who have replied. So far it just looks like I will be using these for editorial purposes. I hope to be attending another event at which point I will bring releases, as most of the same atheletes will be there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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