Model release form template
A model release form records that a model agrees to a photographer, and where relevant the photographer's client, using photographs and video of them from a shoot, and in which ways, where and for how long. This version works for adults, or for under-18s with a parent or guardian signing. A photographer completes one for every model on every shoot, with the shoot, payment, permitted uses and period changing each time.
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What changes each time
19 values. Everything else is your wording, kept exactly.
The parties
- Photographer's name or company, address and email
- Client the images are for, if any
- Model's full name
- Model's address, email and phone
- Agency and booking reference, if booked through one
- Model's date of birth, if under 18
The shoot
- Description of the shoot
- Date and location
- Fee or other payment
Permitted use
- Uses agreed
- Territory
- Period of use
- Any other use
Personal information
- How long details are kept afterwards
- Contact for data questions
Signatures and under-18s
- Parent or guardian's name, relationship, address and phone
- Chaperone's name
- Child performance licence: authority and reference, or why not needed
- Signatories and dates
The rules it usually needs
Written in plain English when the template is set up.
- Only when…
“Include a client line if the images are for a client.”
When the shoot is for a brand, the form names the brand and gives it the same permissions as the photographer.
- One of several wordings
“The model is paid a fee, or receives something else, such as prints and digital copies.”
When the model is not paid, the payment line describes what they receive in return instead.
- One of several wordings
“Use is for a stated period, or has no time limit.”
When a period of 12 months is chosen, the images are not used in new material afterwards, although published or printed material need not be withdrawn.
- Once for each item
“Tick each use that is agreed, and add a row for any other use.”
When only the website and social media are ticked, the form permits nothing beyond those two.
- Only when…
“Include the parent or guardian section, the model's own agreement and the child performance licence line if the model is under 18.”
When the model is 16, a parent or guardian signs, a chaperone is named, and images are never published with the model's full name, school or home address.
Questions people ask
Do I need a model release form?
There is no general rule requiring one, but it is good practice, and clients, agencies and picture libraries often ask for one. It records what the model agreed to, so both sides know the limits.
Does the model own the photographs?
Under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 the photographer is usually the first owner of copyright unless agreed otherwise. This form states that the model does not own the images; it gives permission for specified uses.
What if the model is under 18?
A parent or guardian with parental responsibility signs on the child's behalf. A child of compulsory school age may also need a local authority licence in some cases, for example where anyone is paid for the modelling beyond expenses. The form has a line for the licence.
Can a model withdraw permission later?
The form lets the model ask for an image to stop being used in new material, and the photographer considers any reasonable request. Material already published or printed may not be recalled.
Can I use my own version instead?
Yes. Upload your own Word or PDF and DocuWeave turns it into a template in your wording, with the details that change each time ready to fill in.
Use this template
It opens in DocuWeave as a template you can check, change and publish. Nothing is used until you do.