Full Template Text
Copy the usable agreement below, replace every [BRACKET] placeholder, then customize for your situation.
Photo Release Form
PHOTO AND VIDEO RELEASE FORM (MODEL RELEASE)
This Photo and Video Release Form (the “Release”) is entered into as of [Effective Date] (the “Effective Date”),
BETWEEN:
[Photographer or Organization Name], with an address at [Photographer or Organization Address] (the “Photographer”);
AND
[Model Name], with an address at [Model Address] and email [Model Email] (the “Model”).
The Photographer and the Model may be referred to individually as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties.”
1. SCOPE OF THE SESSION
This Release covers photographs, video recordings and audio recordings of the Model taken on [Shoot Date] at [Shoot Location], and any related sessions agreed in writing (together, the “Materials”), for the following project or purpose: [Project or Purpose Description].
2. GRANT OF RIGHTS
The Model grants the Photographer, and those acting with the Photographer’s permission, the non-exclusive right to record, reproduce, publish, display and distribute the Model’s name, image, likeness and voice as captured in the Materials, within the limits of this Release.
3. PERMITTED MEDIA AND TERRITORY
The Materials may be used in the following media: [Permitted Media] (for example, website, social media, print, advertising, portfolio, broadcast). The territory of use is [Territory]. Any use outside these media or this territory requires the Model’s separate written consent.
4. DURATION OF RIGHTS
The rights granted in this Release last for [Duration of Rights], starting on the Effective Date, unless revoked for future use under Section 10 or ended earlier by written agreement of the Parties.
5. COMPENSATION
In exchange for this Release, the Model will receive: [Compensation]. If no compensation is stated, the Model confirms that the Release is given voluntarily and without payment. Credit or attribution, if any: [Credit Preference].
6. RIGHT TO EDIT
The Photographer may crop, retouch, color-correct, combine and otherwise edit the Materials for technical and creative purposes, provided that edits do not distort the Model’s identity or character in a misleading or offensive way.
7. NO APPROVAL OF FINAL USE
The Model waives any right to inspect or approve the finished Materials, captions or the specific context in which they appear, except as stated in Section 8.
8. RESTRICTIONS ON USE
The Photographer will not use the Materials in a manner that is defamatory, pornographic or unlawful, or that falsely suggests the Model personally endorses a product, political position or sensitive cause, without the Model’s separate written consent.
9. OWNERSHIP OF MATERIALS
The Photographer owns the copyright in the Materials. This Release does not transfer any copyright to the Model and does not grant the Model a right to use the Materials unless agreed in writing.
10. REVOCATION FOR FUTURE USE
The Model may revoke this Release for future uses by written notice sent to [Revocation Notice Address]. Revocation takes effect within a reasonable time after receipt and does not require the Photographer to recall printed materials or remove Materials already published or distributed before revocation, unless applicable law requires otherwise.
11. PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION
The Photographer will process the Model’s personal data, including the Materials, only for the purposes described in this Release and in accordance with applicable privacy and data protection laws. Where those laws apply, the Model may exercise rights of access, correction, deletion and objection by contacting [Privacy Contact].
12. MINORS: PARENT OR GUARDIAN CONSENT
If the Model is under the age of majority, this Release must also be signed by a parent or legal guardian. The undersigned [Parent or Guardian Name], acting as [Relationship to Minor] of the Model, born on [Minor Date of Birth], confirms they have legal authority to grant this Release on the minor’s behalf and agrees to its terms. Where the law requires the minor’s own consent based on age or maturity, the minor will also sign.
13. GOVERNING LAW
This Release is governed by the laws of [Governing Law / Jurisdiction], without regard to conflict-of-law principles. The courts located in [Governing Law / Jurisdiction] will have jurisdiction over disputes arising out of or relating to this Release.
14. GENERAL PROVISIONS
(a) Entire Agreement. This Release is the entire agreement between the Parties about its subject matter and supersedes prior discussions on that subject.
(b) Amendments. Changes must be in writing and signed by both Parties.
(c) Severability. If any provision is held unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in effect.
(d) Counterparts and Electronic Signatures. This Release may be executed in counterparts, including by electronic signature, each of which will be deemed an original.
The Model confirms they have read this Release, understand it and sign it voluntarily.
MODEL
Name: [Model Name]
Signature: _______________________________
Date: ____________________________________
PARENT OR GUARDIAN (required if the Model is a minor)
Name: [Parent or Guardian Name]
Relationship: [Relationship to Minor]
Signature: _______________________________
Date: ____________________________________
PHOTOGRAPHER
Name: [Photographer or Organization Name]
Signature: _______________________________
Name of Signatory: _______________________
Title: ___________________________________
Date: ____________________________________
This is a starting template, not legal advice. Have a qualified attorney review it for your jurisdiction and use case before signing.
A photo release form template gives photographers, agencies, brands, schools and nonprofits written permission to use a person’s name, image, likeness and voice. Whether you are shooting a marketing campaign, a corporate headshot session or event coverage, a signed model release makes clear where the photos and videos can appear, for how long and on what terms.
Disclaimer: This template is general reference material, not legal advice. Image rights, privacy and consent rules vary by country and state. Adapt it to your jurisdiction and consult a lawyer before using it for high-value or sensitive projects.
What Is a Photo Release Form?
A photo release form is a short agreement in which the person photographed (the model) grants the photographer or organization permission to publish and distribute recordings of them. It complements a photography contract, which covers the service between photographer and client: the release covers the rights of the people who appear in front of the camera.
Electronic signatures are generally valid and enforceable under the ESIGN Act and UETA in the US and eIDAS in the EU when signers show consent and intent and an audit trail exists. Some uses still need extra care, for example releases involving minors, government or school forms that prescribe their own format, and sensitive or health-related imagery.
Key Clauses in This Photo Release Template
- Grant of rights — Permission to use the model’s name, image, likeness and voice.
- Permitted media and territory — Website, social media, print, advertising or broadcast, and where.
- Duration — A fixed period or an open-ended term, stated in writing.
- Compensation — A fee, products, prints, or an express statement that no payment is made.
- Right to edit and no approval — Normal editing is allowed and the model does not approve each final use, with limits against misleading or offensive uses.
- Minors — A parent or guardian block for anyone under the age of majority.
- Revocation for future use — How the model can withdraw consent going forward.
- Privacy and data protection — How personal data is handled, including GDPR rights where applicable.
How to Customize This Template
- Describe the project precisely — The clearer the purpose, the easier it is to show the use was authorized.
- List the media you really need — Broad releases are convenient, but specific ones are easier to defend and fairer to the model.
- Choose a realistic duration — Campaign-limited releases are common for paid models; portfolio use is often longer.
- Check minor and school rules — Some institutions require their own consent forms.
- Align with your privacy notice — If you operate in the EU or UK, connect the release to your GDPR privacy information.
How to E-Sign with WPsigner
- Upload — Add the completed photo release form to your WPsigner dashboard.
- Add fields — Place signature and date fields for the model, the parent or guardian, and the photographer.
- Send — Email secure signing links; models can sign on their phone right after the shoot.
- Track — See when each release is opened and signed from WordPress.
- Store — Keep the signed PDF and audit trail on your own server, next to your project files.
Use this photo release form template as a reusable starting point every time you photograph or film people for your business.