How to Set Up Simple Model Release Forms

July 15, 2024
Table of Contents
Table of Contents

Are you a photographer or content creator working with models or subjects? To protect your creative work, you must get them to sign a model release form. 

In this guide, we’ll teach you how to quickly set up a simple model release form to protect both parties from legal hassles. Before proceeding to the steps, let’s first understand a few basics about model release forms. Ready? Let’s dive in!

What is a model release form?

A model release form is a legally binding document that obtains permission from models or subjects to use their likenesses in photographs or videos for various purposes. It's commonly used in photography and videography projects.

When a model or subject signs a model release form, they grant the photographer or content creator permission to use their image in the specified ways and acknowledge that they have no further claim to the images or any profits derived from their use.

What must a model release include?

For a model release form to be comprehensive and effective, it must include the following elements:

  • Parties involved: Both parties, as in the model and the photographer, should be clearly identified
  • Description of the images: Some manner of identifying the images to which the model release pertains
  • Terms of use: The release should specify the rights granted and include details about how the likeness or performance will be used
  • Duration: The release should state the duration for which the rights are granted
  • Compensation: If applicable, terms of payment should be clearly outlined

Model release form vs. photo release form

A model release form is used to get permission from individuals (models) who are recognizable in a photograph. It's commonly used in commercial photography, advertising, and any context where the individual's likeness is prominently featured. 

A photo release form has a broader purview and can apply to any person, object, or property depicted in a photograph. It grants permission for the use of the entire photograph, including all elements within it, such as people, landmarks, artwork, or other identifiable features. 

The model or the talent being photographed signs a model release form. Meanwhile, the photographer signs the photo release form, releasing the captured photograph for commercial or other purposes. 

Let’s build a generic model release form template together

Step 1: Create a new Google Form

Here are your steps to building a generic model release form in Google Forms.

Start a new form by clicking on the ‘Blank form’ button. 

Title your form appropriately and insert your model release agreement in the description of the form. You may want to consult a legal professional before finalizing the agreement.

Step 2: Add a field to enter personal details as needed

Every new Google Form starts with a default multiple-choice question. Enter ‘Name’ in the question field and change the ‘Multiple-choice’ format to ‘Short answer’ from the drop-down menu next to the question field.

Click the ‘Add question’ button to add another question to gather personal details such as address and contact information. 

You can also enter a capacity declaration here and choose the ‘Checkboxes’ questions format.

Step 3: Add a paragraph question to describe images

The next step is to clarify to which photographs the agreement applies. Add a new question as described in the previous step.

Enter ‘Description of Images’ and opt for a ‘Paragraph’ format for it. Your model may choose to describe the images by project name, session, or date and venue of the photo shoot. You may even choose to include a file upload question where the image can be uploaded directly.

Step 4: Include an agreement (or e-signature)

You’ve included all the elements of a model release form now. To make your form legally binding and enforceable, you should also obtain your model’s e-signatures. 

You can easily do this with a simple add-on called Form Publisher. Form Publisher is the ultimate companion to Google Forms. It allows you to add e-signature requests to Google Forms, turn a model release form into a printable document, and even divert them to a safe location on your Google Drive for safekeeping. 

Step 5: Publish your model release forms automatically

With that, your model release form is complete! All that’s left to do is send it to your model for them to sign. Since this is a legally binding document, again, you may even want to get it vetted by a legal professional. 

Google Forms allows you to do both, share forms easily, and give individuals with editing rights access. Learn how to share Google Forms and add collaborators. 

Create digital model release forms with the help of Form Publisher

That’s how you create a model release form in Google Forms. Add Form Publisher to the equation, and your form process will get even simpler. 

You don’t have to manually extract a form response from Google Forms and save it to a folder. Form Publisher will automatically convert each form submission into a document in the file format of your choice.

Whether you're a photographer, filmmaker, or content creator, Form Publisher helps you get the most out of Google Forms and safeguard your creative work. Try Form Publisher and create legally binding model release forms with ease.

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