General Tips and Contract
I'm always interested in shooting fresh faces (and bodies!) and I don’t require experience. All I need from you is a desire to be in front of the camera, a great attitude (a great wardrobe also helps), and an ability to have a good time. If you’re not having fun, what’s the point?
If you're interested, you should be at least 18 and able to send us a recent photo of yourself. You will be required sign a model release. I have our release available which explains everything in plain English down below.
You can bring friends to the shoot, either male or female, as long as they don't get in the way. For space considerations, I request that you bring no more than two people. I can do a shoot with your friends if you'd like, but everyone will have to be of age and be able to prove it (I will photograph your driver’s license and keep it in your file). Anyone who is going to be in the pictures will need to sign a model release.
I can set up the shoot at our studio, or at a location. The choice is up to you and depends mostly on the end goal.
I'm pretty flexible and understanding of beginners. Just let me know what you need and I’ll do my best to oblige.
On the day of your shoot, please do not wear anything tight fitting. Please bring the clothes, makeup, jewelry, shoes, and whatever props you’d like (that we have all agreed upon), with you. I may provide a stylist either at our discretion or upon a specific request.
If you’re looking to build your portfolio, all of the above still applies, but you’ll need to let me know which elements you’re missing. Or, if you’re starting from scratch, let me know! I am happy to give ya some helpful hints and advice.
That’s pretty much it. If you have any questions, please contact me. Continue on to look over the model release.
TFP Model Release
In consideration of my engagement as a model, upon the terms herewith stated, I hereby give to
Steel Veils his/her heirs, legal representatives and assigns, those for whom Steel Veils is acting, and those acting with his/her authority and permission:
Authorization. I give the unrestricted right and permission to use, re-use, publish, and republish Released Image photographic portraits or pictures of me or in which I may be included intact or in part, composite or distorted in character or form, including changes or transformations or reproduction hereof in color or otherwise, now or hereafter for purposes of Photographer’s self-promotion, made through any and all media now or hereafter known for illustration, art, promotion, advertising, trade, or any other purpose whatsoever.
This is the standard release language - you are granting me permission to use the images I create. The enumeration of all the different ways that images can be used simply ensures that I can retouch, crop, composite and do all those other cool technical things with the photos, print them, post them online, put them in books, magazines etc.
Copyright and Reproduction. The Photographer shall own the copyright in all images created and shall have the exclusive right to make reproductions. The Photographer shall make reproductions for the Photographer’s portfolio, samples, self-promotions, entry in photographic contests or art exhibitions, editorial use, or for display within or outside of the Photographer’s studio, or any public display of material in connection herewith, either in printed or digital form. If the Photographer desires to make other uses, the Photographer shall not do so without first obtaining the written permission of the Client.
This is much like above only furthering the copyright point. All artistic work is automatically copyrighted by the creator. Photography isn’t any different. The “rights” do vary however, with purchased or commissioned work.
Photo Sessions. I acknowledge that a photo session may be attended by others, including but not limited to makeup artists, hair stylists, assistant and backup photographers. All photo sessions are subject to documentation photography and/or videography for both archival as well as display and promotion purposes.
Just what it said. I may have stylists, wardrobe people, make up people, assistants on the set.
Examinations. I hereby relinquish any right that I may have to examine or approve the completed product or products or the advertising copy or printed matter that may be used in conjunction therewith or the use to which it may be applied. The selection of the images is at the sole discretion of Steel Veils.
I bring to the table fairly extensive experience and hope that since you’ve chosen us for the job, that you trust our vision.
Liability. I hereby release, discharge and agree to save harmless Steel Veils, its heirs, legal representatives or assigns, and all persons functioning under Steel Veils’ permission or authority, or those for whom Steel Veils is functioning, from any liability by virtue of any blurring, distortion, alteration, optical illusion, or use in composite form whether intention or otherwise, that may occur or be produced in the taking of said or in any subsequent processing thereof, as well as any publication thereof, including without limitation any claims for libel or invasion of privacy.
This is the clause that covers my rear. It says that you, the model, understand that I'm going to use the photos, and they might very-well be altered artistically, composited with other photographs, and have describing text included with them. This clause means that you understand this, and you won't come back and try to sue me later for doing this. For example, if I take a picture of you against a white background, and then insert that shot of you, digitally, to make it look like you're sitting at a steak and seafood place, and you're offended because you're a die-hard vegetarian, you can't sue me. Of course, if this happens, let me know - I’ll do what I can to make it right.
Compensation and Rights. I acknowledge that in consideration of my engagement as a model, I will receive non-branded, embedded copyright full-size images (~4000px on the long edge) in JPG format between 200 and 300 ppi. I will also receive branded, embedded copyright images in JPG format in 1000x677px, at 72 ppi. Both options will be available via password-protected online gallery (or another agreed upon delivery system, such as drop-box). I understand that no prints will be provided, unless I request them with my understanding of additional cost. I understand that delivery time can be affected by the Photographer’s employment commitments, other photography commitments and failure of necessary equipment. I agree that any public posting of images other than on my own web site will be branded images. In all cases, all photographs made available for viewing will be credited to “Steel Veils” and, if the image is posted on the Internet, a hotlink to http://www.steelveils.com will be included. I acknowledge that the providing of such images in no way conveys ownership of copyright.
This is saying that as part of our most basic setup, you will receive both low and high resolution images. The low-res will be branded with the Steel Veils logo. When we’re done with the images, you will have access to them via your own password protected directory on our web site. Feel free to use those images, if you like.
This is also saying that if you’re going to post your images on social media, for example, you should post the images that have the Steel Veils logo on it, along with appropriate credit and link to the web site. This is pretty standard etiquette and I appreciate the credit greatly. If you have your own web site however, you may post the images without my brand on them.
And lastly, this asks you to acknowledge that you do not hold copyright to the images simply because you have them in your possession. This means you cannot crop, modify or adjust - in any way - the photos you receive. If you need something done, please ask me. I’ll be happy to oblige.
I hereby affirm that I am over the age of majority and have the right to contract in my own name. I have read the above authorization, release and agreement, prior to its execution; I fully understand the contents thereof.
You're over 18, right? If not, I shouldn't be shooting unless your parents are here and I have a very clear understanding of what we're doing, and that requires a different release. You're agreeing that you're over 18, you've read this release, and you understand and agree to it.
This agreement shall be binding upon me and my heirs, legal representatives and assigns.
_______ {contact details and signatures} __________