PERMISSION MATTERS

WHAT PERMISSION DO I NEED TO SELL STOCK IMAGES? FOR EXAMPLE, DO I NEED A MODEL RELEASE IF A PERSON IS IN MY IMAGE?

MARTHA WEBB

When it comes to selling stock, the nitty gritty paperwork bit is important to get your head around. You need to make sure you’ve read the terms and conditions of the stock site you are uploading to, and are clear with how your images are going to be used.

Whether you need a model release form depends on whether you are selling your image for commercial or editorial use. For editorial use (that’s magazines and newspapers, etc.) you don’t need a model release form. For commercial use you do if you can identify the person/s in the image. On the Adobe Stock website the guidelines are, “Ask yourself:

Would the person recognise him/herself in my photo? If your answer is ‘Yes,’ then you need to include a model release with your submission.” You may also need to consider if you need a location release form. Again the Adobe Stock guide states that “If it features intellectual or private property, you need a Property Release.”

These things are your responsibility to check and get in order, so make sure your paperwork is up to date. When shooting images keep these considerations in mind, and have to hand model release and location release forms, so if you do see an opportunity you can seize it. WHEN IT COMES TO SELLING STOCK FOR COMMERCIAL USE, IF YOU CAN’T IDENTIFY THE PERSON IN THE IMAGE YOU DON’T NEED A MODEL RELEASE FORM. IF YOU CAN THEN YOU DO