A photography model release is the model’s written permission for a photographer (and usually the photographer’s client) to use pictures of them in specific ways, in exchange for a fee. This template is built for posed commercial shoots: a product campaign, a restaurant’s new menu photos with a hired model, a stock photo session. It spells out what the model is paid, where the images can appear, for how long, and what they can’t be used for.
It depends on the shoot. If you’re photographing a charity 5K, a classroom, a company offsite or a staff headshot for the website, our photo release form is shorter and fits better. It’s a general permission slip for everyday photos.
This model release is for when someone is hired to pose. Say a small skincare brand books a model for a half-day shoot at $400, with the images going on the brand’s website, social ads and packaging for two years. Now you need more than “I consent to be photographed.” You need the fee, the usage, the media, the term, what happens if the brand wants to extend, and a promise that the photos won’t be used in ways the model never agreed to.
If you also need to agree terms between the photographer and the client (deliverables, fees, licensing to the brand), that belongs in a photography contract. The model release sits alongside it.
Why does a written model release matter?
Because using someone’s face to sell something without permission can get you into legal trouble, and the rules change from state to state. The right of publicity, as Cornell’s Legal Information Institute describes it, prevents the unauthorized commercial use of a person’s name, likeness or other recognizable parts of their persona. It’s largely a matter of state common law or statute, so there isn’t one national rule.
New York gives a clear example. Its Civil Rights Law section 50 says using a living person’s name, portrait, picture, likeness or voice for advertising or trade purposes without first getting their written consent, or a parent’s or guardian’s written consent for a minor, is a misdemeanor. Other states have their own versions. A signed model release is how a photographer and client show they got that consent, and for what.
If you plan to submit the images to a stock agency, check its release requirements before the shoot. Getting a release signed after the fact is much harder than getting it signed on the day.
What does this photography model release template cover?
Parties and the shoot. The model, the photographer, the client (if any), the date and location, and a short description of the shoot.
Payment. The fee, when it’s paid, and whether it covers the usage listed or only the session. Payment is what makes this a paid commercial release rather than a favor.
What the photos can be used for. Tick boxes for the kind of use (advertising, the client’s website and social media, packaging, editorial, stock licensing) and the media. You can list who else may use them, like the brand that commissioned the shoot.
How long. A fixed term, or no end date. A fixed term with an option to extend for an extra fee is fairer for many commercial jobs, and it’s a common point of negotiation.
Editing and sensitive uses. Normal retouching is allowed. The model can rule out uses that would embarrass them, such as implying they endorse a political cause or have a medical condition, or putting their image on adult content. If the client wants any sensitive use, it has to be agreed separately and in writing.
Copyright. The photographer keeps copyright unless a separate agreement says otherwise. Under 17 U.S.C. 201, copyright starts with the author of the work. The release is about the model’s likeness, not about who owns the files.
Minors. If the model is under 18, a parent or guardian signs too. New York’s statute, for one, requires a parent’s or guardian’s written consent for a minor.
How do you fill in a model release and get it signed?
- Agree the fee and the usage with the model before shoot day, not in the studio five minutes before you start.
- Fill in the usage boxes to match what the client actually bought. If the brand only licensed web and social use, don’t tick packaging.
- Attach a reference photo or contact sheet identifying the model, if you’ll be managing lots of releases.
- Have everyone sign before the shoot starts, including a parent or guardian for a minor.
- Give the model a copy and file yours with the image set. You’ll want to find it years later when someone asks.
Tablets and phones make this easy on set, and e-signatures generally work for this kind of consent. The federal ESIGN Act says a contract or signature can’t be denied legal effect solely because it’s electronic. For the basics, see are electronic signatures legally binding.
Download it, fill in the blanks, and send it for e-signature with whatever you normally use. (We’re building SignWren for this; join the waitlist if you’d like early access.)
This template and guide are general information, not legal advice. Publicity and privacy rules differ by state, so for a specific campaign, talk to a lawyer licensed where you work.
Template from signwren.com. General information, not legal advice. Check your state's rules and adapt it before you use it. For event or everyday photos, use a simpler photo release form instead.
MODEL RELEASE (COMMERCIAL PHOTO SHOOT)
This Model Release ("Release") is made on [date] between:
Model: [Model's full legal name], of [address], date of birth [date] ("Model"), and
Photographer: [Photographer's full name or business name], of [address] ("Photographer").
Client (if the shoot is for a client): [Client's business name] ("Client"). ☐ No client; Photographer is shooting for Photographer's own use or stock.
1. The shoot
Date: [date]
Location: [address or studio]
Description: [e.g. "Lifestyle product photos for a skincare line, indoor studio, wardrobe provided by Client"]
Wardrobe and styling agreed in advance: [describe, e.g. "casual clothing, no swimwear or lingerie"]
The images, video and audio recorded at this shoot, and any edits of them, are called the "Images."
2. Payment
Photographer ☐ / Client ☐ will pay Model [$ amount] for the shoot and the uses in section 3, paid by [method] ☐ on the shoot day ☐ within [number] days after the shoot.
☐ Overtime beyond [number] hours is paid at [$ amount] per hour.
☐ Other compensation: [e.g. "prints of selected images", or "None"].
3. Permission to use the Images
In exchange for the payment in section 2, Model gives Photographer and ☐ Client, and their licensees and assigns (only for the uses ticked below), permission to use the Images and Model's name ☐ (tick if name may be used) for these purposes:
Types of use:
☐ Advertising and marketing for [Client or product/brand name]
☐ Client's website and social media accounts
☐ Paid social and online ads
☐ Print ads, brochures and point-of-sale materials
☐ Product packaging
☐ Editorial use (articles, not advertising)
☐ Photographer's portfolio, website and social media
☐ Stock licensing to third parties, subject to section 5
☐ Other: [describe]
Territory: ☐ United States ☐ Worldwide ☐ Other: [describe]
Term: ☐ [number] years from the shoot date ☐ No time limit
If the term is limited, Client may extend it for another [number] years by paying Model [$ amount] before the term ends. Images already printed or published before the term ends may continue in circulation, but no new uses may start after the term ends.
4. Editing
Images may be cropped, color-corrected and retouched in normal ways, and combined with text and graphics. Images may not be altered to change Model's body or appearance in a way that makes Model unrecognizable or misrepresents Model, beyond ordinary retouching, without Model's written consent.
5. Sensitive uses not allowed
Unless Model agrees separately and in writing, the Images will not be used:
- in a way that suggests Model personally uses or endorses a product or service, other than [Client or brand name]'s products, where the Image appears alongside it;
- to suggest Model has a physical or mental health condition, or is connected with a political, religious or social cause;
- in sexual, adult or defamatory content; or
- for tobacco, vaping, alcohol, firearms or gambling advertising ☐ (tick if this restriction applies).
6. Copyright
Photographer owns the copyright in the Images unless Photographer and Client agree otherwise in a separate written agreement. This Release gives permission to use Model's likeness; it does not transfer any copyright to Model.
7. No further payment
Other than the payment in section 2, and any extension fee in section 3, Model will not receive further payment for the uses permitted in this Release, and Model gives up any claim for those permitted uses based on rights of privacy or publicity. This does not apply to uses outside this Release.
8. Model's statements
Model confirms that Model is 18 or older, or that a parent or guardian signs below; that Model has read this Release before signing; and that Model has no other agreement (such as an agency contract or an exclusive deal) that conflicts with it, except: [describe, or "None"]. If Model is represented by an agency: [agency name and contact].
9. Minors
If Model is under 18, the parent or legal guardian signing below confirms they have the legal authority to sign for Model, consents to this Release on Model's behalf, and agrees to its terms. The fee in section 2 will be paid to [parent/guardian name, or a named account for the minor].
10. General terms
Entire agreement. This Release is the entire agreement between Model and Photographer about the use of the Images.
Changes. Any change must be in writing and signed by Model (and a parent or guardian for a minor) and Photographer.
Governing law. This Release is governed by the laws of the State of [State].
Severability. If any part of this Release is found invalid, the rest stays in effect.
Counterparts and electronic signatures. The parties agree this agreement may be signed electronically and in counterparts, and an electronic signature has the same effect as a handwritten one.
Signatures
Model
Signature: ______________________________
Name: [full name]
Date: [date]
Photographer
Signature: ______________________________
Name: [full name]
Date: [date]
Parent or Guardian (if model is a minor)
Signature: ______________________________
Name: [full name]
Date: [date]