How to Write a Photo Copyright Release Form

A photograph is considered intellectual property and is automatically copyrighted to the photographer as soon as it created. Therefore, it is important for both the photographer and the subject to have a photo copyright release form signed to document the release of rights on certain photographs for a certain amount of time or for a specific purpose.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Provide space for the following information to be filled in when you create your photo copyright release form: photographer's name and photographer's business (if applicable); name of the person or business who will be using/printing the photos; name, number or description of photo(s) that will be used and what format they will be used in; photographer's contact information; photographer's and subject's signatures; date of signatures.

2. Be as specific as possible pertaining to where and how the photo will be used. Include the specific format and location where the photos will be reproduced, such as a company's website or newsletter, whenever possible.

3. Include a sentence such as, "I ___________ (photographer's name), hereby grant permission to ____________________ (client or company name) to use the photos listed below for use on their website and in their brochures for a time period of ___________."

4. Check with a lawyer and/or get your photo copyright release form notarized (if photographer and customer can sign in person with a notary present) to increase the legality of your form.

Tips & Warnings

• Include a copyright notice on all photographs (i.e., "© 2009 Susan M. Photographer") as extra copyright protection.

References

• Photographer's Market; Donna Poehner; 2001