Not legal advice. These are general templates; laws and enforceability vary by state. Consult a licensed attorney in your state.
Photo release form (model and client release)
A photo release form is a signed document in which a person allows a photographer or business to use photos or video of them for stated purposes. Fill in the short form below to build one that says where you will use the images, whether anything is paid, how permission can be withdrawn and, for minors, a parent or guardian signature.
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What the form says
The release identifies the person photographed (the subject) and the photographer, grants permission to use and publish the images for the purposes you list, says whether the subject is paid or receives something else, says the photographer is not required to use the images, and explains that permission can be withdrawn for future uses but cannot undo past ones.
Photo release form for client social media
If you want to post client photos on your business pages, say that in the "Where you will use the photos" field, for example "my business website and Instagram and Facebook pages." Be specific and honest about the use. If someone later asks you to stop, follow the withdrawal clause and tell them what you can and cannot remove.
Minors
Choose Yes in the minor field to add the parent or guardian block. Releases signed by a parent for a minor are not enforceable in some states; the form says so. Ask a licensed attorney in your state if you regularly photograph children.
Build it in four steps
- Enter the photographer and the person photographed. Business and subject names.
- Say where you will use the photos. Website, social media, print.
- Choose compensation and minor status. None or another benefit; add a guardian block if needed.
- Preview, edit and download. Read it free; downloads are paid.
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Questions and answers
Photo release form for client social media: what should it say?
It should name the business and the person photographed, list where the images will be used (for example your website and social media pages), say whether anything is paid, say that permission can be withdrawn for future use, and be signed and dated. If the person is under 18, a parent or guardian should sign. This template does all of that.
Do I need a release for every photo?
Releases are commonly used when you plan to publish or promote images of identifiable people. Requirements vary, so ask a licensed attorney in your state.
Can someone cancel a release?
The form lets the subject ask in writing to stop future use. It does not undo uses already made.
Is a release the same as a photography contract?
No. The contract covers your deal with a client. A release covers permission to use a person's image.