Getty Images Model and Property Releases

At Getty Images we have developed a range of model and property releases for our photographers and filmmakers to use when supplying their images to us. These are now available for all photographers to download and use.

The releases are currently available for use in the following languages and countries:

English
Model Release
Property Release

Brazilian Portuguese
Model Release
Property Release

Chinese (Simplified)
Model Release
Property Release

Chinese (Taiwan)
Model Release
Property Release

European Portuguese
Model Release
Property Release

French
Model Release (Standard)
Model Release (for French Models photographed in France)
Property Release (for property photographed in France)
Property Release (property outside of France)

German
Model Release
Property Release

Italian
Model Release
Property Release

Japanese
Model Release
Property Release

Poland
Model Release
Property Release

Russian
Model Release
Property Release

Spanish
Model Release
Property Release

Why use a release?
For any image to be available for commercial use a release is required for any recognizable people or property in the image.
A release is a written permission from an individual or property owner allowing the use of that person's likeness or property (for example, a private home, a place of business, a copyrighted work of art, or in some cases, an animal) in an image for commercial purposes. (Generally speaking, commercial use means a use that is intended to sell a product, raise money or promote or endorse something.) Right-to-privacy, right-to-publicity (in the case of celebrities), trademark, and copyright laws require that you have releases if the images are to be used for commercial purposes.

Benefits of using Model and Property Releases:
Getty Images model and property releases are designed to clearly indicate that the model or property representative grants his or her permission to use his or her likeness or property for commercial uses. This legally binding document helps models, photographers and the client or end user of the image by ensuring that each is aware of what has been agreed to.

Our releases are designed:

• For ease of use with clear, everyday language

• To be legally binding

• To be irrevocable

• Containing clear reference to pornographic and defamation exclusions

• To include definitions for clarity

• With a global standard for consistency, with the exception of France, which has specific requirements (see explanation on the French model and property release page)*

• To relinquish further claims by a model/owner, including all claims to further payments

How to complete the releases
The Model release should include (where possible):

• Model's name, contact details and signature: we strongly advise obtaining the model's phone number and e-mail address should contacting the model later becomes necessary

• A Polaroid photo, spare transparency or print of the model or property attached to the Release

• Name of photographer

• Date

• Consideration agreed by model/property owner (for example, model's day rate or payment)

• Minor Releases: information should be provided by the legal guardian of the minor model and must be signed by the legal guardian, not the minor

• Ethnicity: Presented as optional to the model, these fields capture information that if used as keywords associated with the images should add greater marketability to them

• Shoot Ref: may be excluded if you don't use shoot references to organize and locate your original releases (all original releases should stay with the photographer, but be easily retrieved if necessary)

The Property release should include (where possible):

• Information provided by the authorized signatory for that property. Information on what property is being released (i.e. the private home, the statue that is protected by copyright). Only one information box need be completed depending on whether the authorized signatory is an individual or a corporation

• Any other relevant info as per the model release above

NB: The releases and the information provided on this page are consistent with Getty Images practices and policies, and in no way constitute legal advice.