What Are at stake as a photographer without a photo release form?

We often take pictures of people all the time. But did it ever occur to you that you need to ask for permission to photograph someone?  Your answer is definitely yes. As a photographer, it may not have occurred to you that taking a photo of a pretty young lady walking on the streets can lead to all sorts of legal woes.

Whether it’s your clients posing for wedding photos or your best friend getting a few free portraits for their gallery. If you fail to provide the subject with a photo release form and sign it, you’re highly probable to land in hot water with the law.

 So, let’s dig in and learn some of the consequences of not having a photo release form.

What is a photo release form?

A photo release form is a legal document that grants permission for a photographer/ business entity, the releasee to use his/her image, the release in a publication. The release gives the releaser explicit permission to publish a photograph of them or their property by signing the document. 

The agreement provides the right to publish in various media networks, including social media, print, Tv, and website. But it may include a limit of use and expiration dates to ensure there are no grey areas when it comes to the use of an image.

There are several types of release forms, and all of them  differ in some details, including:

• Photo Release Form
• Model Release Form
• Print Release Forms
• Photo Release Form for Minors
• Photo Copyright Release Forms

Get more insight into applying them in your photography business or get the photo release form directly from CocoSign. You’ll learn the circumstances that require the use of a photo release form and what it entails. They’ve simple, downloadable, easy to understand and customize, contract templates.

The consequences of not having a photo release form

• You may lose your revenue.

A photo release form is required when the image in question will be used for commercial purposes such as, promotion services, publication, or raking in any form of money. For the releasee, you won’t be able to market photographs to advertisers or publishers, resulting in revenue loss. 

Without a photo release form, the image owner may stake his/her claim to the profits it brings. However, the releasor will not receive consideration or the royalties for the photographs taken. It’s a significant loss for both parties.

• Face legal suit/issues

It’s considered the best practice to use a photo release form to save yourself from potential legal trouble. You may encounter issues such as defamation of character to the invasion of privacy. Defending such lawsuits will cost you a lot of your time and legal fees.

By default, the photo release form protects the releasor. However, it’s essential to state the license limit regarding the image’s use in the photo release form. Fail to which, the model/ client may also spend tons of money to defend the lawsuits at the court.

Setting limits brings clarity to both parties. Since law varies from state to state, the whole agreement could be subject to interpretation. If you are not sure about your state laws, or even know how to write your own photo release form, visit CocoSign and explore different types of contracts.

• Mental Anguish

Another unexpected and unwanted repercussion resulting from not using a photo release form before publishing an image is the deprivation of peace of mind.  Going through legal suits and losing money can push someone to an extend of mental anguish.

As a photographer, you may develop the fear of using photos or videos in advertisements. That is a niche if not explored, could affect the success of your business. At the same time, the releasor might struggle with the embarrassment of having unwanted photographs published. Nowadays, just one picture on the internet could destroy your self-esteem through cyberbullying.

• You might lose your photography license or business

A business might use an image or video in a wide range of advertising channels, like the Instagram post, YouTube video, printed brochure, website promotion, email flyer, etc. Without a signed Photo release form, a business/ photographer is limited in advertising itself.

Suppose there’s a violation of privacy or improper use of a person’s likeness. In that case, the business runs the risk of being sued in court.  Frequent lawsuits might also force the judge to cancel your photography license, which could lead to your business’s closure. 

Court crisis can destroy your business reputation and bring about the downfall of an organization. There’re many solutions to repair and regain your reputation; however, they’re both expensive and require a great deal of plans and strategies.

Wrap up

Whether you are in photography as a hobby or a professional, obtaining a photo release form is crucial. This guide just highlighted a few of the possible consequences the form can prevent.  CocoSign offers a variety of photo release forms, go and check it out it’ll make your things even easier.