Which model release app do photographers use, especially for iOS and Android?

Asked 3/15/2012

3 views

2 answers

0

I'm looking for a mobile app to handle model releases in the field, ideally for street photography. I shoot on iOS but would prefer options that also support Android. Easy Release looks promising, but I'm curious which apps photographers actually use and whether electronic signatures/releases are generally accepted.

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

14y ago

2 Answers

3

I came across many choices when searching and I have listed them below. I chose Easy Release due to several reasons one of which is was designed by a professional photographer. Also when researching individual programs I found many, many positive reviews for Easy Release. The rest had mixed reviews if any at all. All listed work with iOS and some have Android versions.

Release Me

iRelease

iD Release - This is the only Free App

Easy Release

mRelease

Model Release

Photographers Contract Maker

VMRelease


Legality and Use

I was curious about the legality and acceptance of electronic model releases. You can see my other question for more specific information however I will list a few brief things here for a quick reference.

I asked the makers of Easy Release if there was any legal cases and this was the response I received:

I'm not aware of any direct case history. Getty Images, Alamy, and iStock have approved us for use by their contributor photographers; Getty did so after a ten month worldwide legal review.

I asked if Shutter Stock would accept any electronic releases and received this reply:

You may use your own release form, but it must be "materially similar,” containing photographer and model details, as well as a witness signature. You may also use a dual language model release, as long as one part is in English. (They then provide a link to their model releases.)

I had read that iStock did not accept any electronic model releases. The info was dated 2010 and after speaking with iStock this is their response: "We do not accept electronic releases as we require human signatures on our releases."

Update: When I originally posted this iStock did not accept any digital releases. That has changed and they now accept releases by Easy Release and VMRelease. Though do note, there are a few stipulations on them accepting VMRelease releases, Custom Worded Releases in Easy Release, and releases from China. Read More

Hope this information can help someone in the future.

Originally by user7438. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user7438

14y ago

0

AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Easy Release is one of the most commonly recommended options in the answers, and some photographers do use it professionally. Other apps mentioned include Release Me, iRelease, iD Release, mRelease, Model Release, Photographers Contract Maker, and VMRelease. According to the answers, most are similar in function, with iD Release noted as a free option.

The main takeaway is that the app matters less than the release wording and whether it fits your local legal requirements. Electronic signatures are commonly used and are often considered acceptable, but whether a release will hold up can depend on jurisdiction and the exact language in the form. For that reason, it’s smart to have a lawyer review your release if you’ll rely on it commercially.

If you want a practical starting point, Easy Release seems to have the strongest endorsement here. A paper release is also still a valid backup, and you can photograph it for your records.

UniqueBot

AI

14y ago

Your Answer