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DPChallenge Forums >> Business of Photography >> Does this need a model release?
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08/07/2012 02:09:01 PM · #1
I was just asked to license this photo for stock usage:


Since the individual is not recognizable, am I correct in presuming I do NOT need a model release? I can contact the person, but It might be a hassle.
08/07/2012 02:19:28 PM · #2
My understanding is that a model release is only applicable when the person is recognizable, but I'm no expert...
08/07/2012 02:30:30 PM · #3
Most likely you won't but it is sort of tricky. One thing you for sure need to do is clone out those words from his coat and other equipment.
08/07/2012 02:32:03 PM · #4
I'd say the biggest issue here is the goodwill issue with your friend and the fire department..... Legally you probably don't need permission or a release, but other considerations may come into play with this particular image.
08/07/2012 02:35:39 PM · #5
Just reading the description and it looks like you have the possibility of obtaining one so I would say go get it. This article would be a good read too: //www.istockphoto.com/article_view.php?ID=648

eta: Hmm..the shot was from 2 years ago though. Well, if you can get a release signed it would be a good idea

Message edited by author 2012-08-07 14:37:46.
08/07/2012 02:38:56 PM · #6
In the past, iStockphoto required a release for photos where the model was easily recognized. If the eyes were visible for instance, a release was needed, but close-ups of someone’s lips would not require one. However, in some cases the model might appear in a photo and be recognizable, even though no part of her face is shown at all. A scar or tattoo might give the identity away, or it may be the time, place and company kept, which makes the context unique enough to warrant a release.

We call these 'contextual releases' — model releases required when the context of the image makes the person(s) in the photo identifiable.


From Citadel's istockphoto article...

Sounds like you will actually need a release here Spiff, kinda surprising to me, but.... *shrug*

Message edited by author 2012-08-07 14:39:07.
08/07/2012 02:39:37 PM · #7
Who was it that asked? You may have other issues as well such as artifacts from processing. I had this problem with many of my challenge entries I wanted to submit.
08/07/2012 02:53:28 PM · #8
Originally posted by Cory:

I'd say the biggest issue here is the goodwill issue with your friend and the fire department..... Legally you probably don't need permission or a release, but other considerations may come into play with this particular image.


I agree with Cory...they gave you permission to take pictures and so it would be only right to get a model release since you got free models. By the way, awesome picture!!
08/07/2012 02:56:49 PM · #9
I'm not a lawyer, though my mother did voice-overs for LA Law ...

If you clone out the type and logos on the equipment, you should not need a model release. However, since you were shooting from government/agency property, albeit with permission, you might need a property release if the photo is associated (via the article/caption, etc.) with that specific location; you'd get that from the department administrator, not the individual firefighter.

Perhaps you can solve this with a phone call to your co-worker's supervisor/chief ...
08/07/2012 03:16:17 PM · #10
Originally posted by GeneralE:

I'm not a lawyer, though my mother did voice-overs for LA Law ...

Seriously?

Agree with everything said -- the short answer being: No, but...
08/07/2012 03:30:32 PM · #11
I agree... the biggest problem with this as a stock image as presented is the Scott logo on the air pac... and the shoulder badge. While the rest would not require a release, it would not be worth the loss of a friendship or even a friendly relationship (as in with this fire department)to use it without permission.
08/07/2012 03:43:55 PM · #12
Originally posted by bvy:

Originally posted by GeneralE:

I'm not a lawyer, though my mother did voice-overs for LA Law ...

Seriously?

Yes, she had a group of improvisational actors called SuperLoopers which did looping (background vocal work) for TV and movies -- Hill Street Blues, NYPD Blue, LA Law, Raiders of the Lost Ark ... she also appeared on some TV shows including Fernwood Tonight and Happy Days, and her earlier improvisational group appeared on some variety shows (e.g. Merv Griffin) ... and seriously I'm not a lawyer but I once considered taking the LSAT to see what would happen ... ;-)
08/07/2012 05:48:22 PM · #13
Originally posted by Cory:

In the past, iStockphoto required a release for photos where the model was easily recognized. If the eyes were visible for instance, a release was needed, but close-ups of someone’s lips would not require one. However, in some cases the model might appear in a photo and be recognizable, even though no part of her face is shown at all. A scar or tattoo might give the identity away, or it may be the time, place and company kept, which makes the context unique enough to warrant a release.

We call these 'contextual releases' — model releases required when the context of the image makes the person(s) in the photo identifiable.


From Citadel's istockphoto article...

Sounds like you will actually need a release here Spiff, kinda surprising to me, but.... *shrug*

Unless the fire hat is unique enough to ID the fire fighter, I don't see anything in the shot that would provide identification - no city identification, time identification, rank insignia, badge / brigade / engine number, etc. The shot could be from anywhere that they use (or used) this type of fire suit & gear. Virtually all fire departments conduct training exercises, and not even enough of the burning building is visible to identify it or its location. Perhaps the fire fighter's name is spelled out in the flames, though.
I agree, if it isn't a big deal to get the model release from the fire fighter, then get it.
You could submit a model release with anyone's name / signature on it and I would be very surprised if anyone could prove the identity one way or the other.


Message edited by author 2012-08-07 17:49:36.
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