Photography Tips and Tricks

Model releases are important for any photographer who wants to make money from their photography.

A model release is a contract with a person you take photographs of saying that you own all rights to their image in the photograph and that you can publish and sell the photograph however you see fit.

Why do you need a model release?

If you do not have a contract with a person releasing their likeness to be used in a photograph you intend to sell, they can sue you for exploiting their image for commercial use, distorting their image, or invasion of privacy.

So what does a model release look like? The one below is a simple version of an adult model release form. You can also find other versions to use, online.

Note: It is important to get legal counsel before using any type of contract.

Sample Adult Model Release Form

I, ___________________________________, hereby give (photographer’s name) ____________________________________________ and those acting on his/her behalf (heirs, legal representation, etc.) permission to copyright, sell, distribute, use, re-use, publish, and republish the photo(s) described below that contain my image:

(Put a description of the pictures, date of photo shoot, etc.)

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

These photos may be used intact or in part, distorted, with or without my name, with a fictitious name.

These photos may be known as hereafter and used as art, illustrations, graphic media, promotional material, advertising material, or as any material that the photographer sees fit, printed or otherwise.

I have read the terms above and understand them. By signing this agreement, I relinquish all rights to the photos and agree to the terms above. I also agree that I am or am over the legal age to sign legal contracts. This agreement is legal and binding.

Dated: ________________Signed:_____________________________________

Address:__________________________________________________________

City:_____________________________________________________________

State/Zip:__________________________________________________________

Phone:____________________________________________________________

Witness:___________________________________________________________

June is the hot time for weddings…and a great time to use your photography skills to create lasting memories of the happy day. Here are some tips and tricks you can use to make your pictures extra special.

Look for the Uncommon

We’ve all seen photos of the bride and groom exchanging vowels, placing rings on fingers, and having their first kiss. Though these moments are important photo moments, it is just as important to capture those unique moments that make the event special.

For example, you can take photos of the father holding back his tears as the daughter puts on her veil. Capture the flower girl trying on her uncle’s tuxedo jacket. Get a few shots of the ring bearer trying to pry the rings off the pillow. These are the stories that everyone will specifically remember, no matter how many weddings they go to afterwards.

Make Sure the Whites Sparkle

Be sure that in every shot the white bridal dress is white and not grey. You can try using the snow mode on your camera for photos of just the bride. Snow mode automatically adjusts camera settings so that whites look brilliant.

If you don’t have snow mode, go to your white settings and adjust them as needed. To do this go to the exposure compensation setting and press the arrow key in the positive direction. Brighten the image just enough to get rid of the gray, but not so bright that you lose color saturation in other parts of the picture. This will give you the pure whites that you need for a bridal gown.

What? Other People Came, too?

Don’t forget that there are other people at the wedding. Don’t focus all of your energies on just the wedding party! A picture of Uncle Jim feeding a baby wedding cake or a picture of Mom clutching Dad’s hand while they watch their son get married can be priceless to the bride and groom. Before the wedding, practice switching subjects quickly. You need to be ready to find those special people and moments, snap the picture, and go back to snapping the main events.

And don’t forget you! If you are a family member or friend to the bride and groom they will want pictures that contain you. Use your tripod and timer to get great photos of yourself enjoying the festivities.