as you're just getting started, i highly recommend you get your hands on a copy of bert krages legal handbook for photographers. it includes a couple different model releases.
yes, you should have a simple contract with your friends that spells out who is doing what, who is going to own what, and who can do what with what is produced. (yes, that is all vague...it is up to you and your friends to determine the details).
without a contract, the photographer owns the copyright to the works produced. it is up to the copyright holder as to how those works may be licensed and used. even if you are being paid, you would own the rights, unless you had an agreement that you were performing "works for hire" and that the work product would belong to the whoever was paying you. however, even if you own the copyright, you cannot use the images to promote yourself or to make commercial products without having signed model releases. you are on the right track in wanting to get some paperwork in place.
you might want to stop by a barnes and nobles to peruse some of the business of photography books on their shelves.
good luck, and have fun! sounds like a cool project. |
