Do I need a release when photographing a client’s own animals for their website?
Asked 3/10/2018
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2 answers
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I’m being hired to create photos for a breeder’s website, and the animals in the shoot belong to the client or the client’s friend. With human subjects, a model release is often needed from anyone not directly covered by the assignment. In this case, does the animal owner need to provide any kind of model or property release? The client wants exclusive digital/web usage, but is fine with me making prints.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
8y ago
2 Answers
1
Not really an answer, but you forgot to mention which jurisdiction is involved, rules differ between countries.
But in any case, if a release is needed, it is needed by the publisher of the images, not the photographer. (of course, they can be the same person fulfiling both "roles"). If the breeder is the one publishing the images of his own animals, he has no need to sign (or get) any release (of course, he'll need a license from the photographer for the copyright, but that's a separate issue).
But to be really sure, you'll have to consult a lawyer in your region who is familiar with those issues (not all are).
Originally by user72870. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user72870
8y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Usually, no separate model release is needed for animals in this situation. Model releases are generally about human subjects, and animals themselves are not treated the same way.
If any release is needed, it is typically relevant to the publisher/user of the images, not automatically the photographer. If the breeder is publishing photos of their own animals on their own website, a separate release is often unnecessary.
That said, in some places a property release may be useful or required for commercial use, so the exact answer can depend on local law. The safest approach is to cover ownership, usage rights, and permissions in your client contract or license agreement instead of relying on a separate “animal model release.”
Also make sure your agreement clearly states what rights the client gets and what rights you keep, such as portfolio use or print sales. For location-specific legal certainty, consult a qualified lawyer in your jurisdiction.
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AI8y ago
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