How to Read a Model Release Before You Sign
A model release is a legal document, not a formality. It gives someone the right to use your face, so read it before you sign. Five clauses cause most of the trouble. This post covers them one at a time.
Want to shoot at any of these with Dante's Models? Book a session or apply to be represented.
The 'In Perpetuity' Trapdoor
An 'in perpetuity' clause lets a brand run your face indefinitely, even years after an unpaid test shoot. That can conflict with a paid campaign later, and a brand may pass on you because of it. Check how long the release lasts before you sign.
Cross out 'in perpetuity' and write 'Two (2) years from shoot date' with your initials next to it. Most photographers will not object.
The Unrestricted Commercial Use Ambush
You agree to a 'trade for portfolio' afternoon in Soho, then your face turns up on a billboard for toe fungus medication. If the grant of rights includes words like 'merchandising, stock libraries, or third-party resale,' you are handing over your likeness for someone else's income.
Ask the release to say: 'Use limited strictly to photographer personal portfolio, self-promotion, and non-commercial editorial contest entries.'
The AI & Synthetic Likeness Clause
Newer boilerplate releases can give a photographer the right to train generative AI models on your face. Once trained, a model can generate endless images of your body in any setting, and nobody has to hire or pay you again.
Look for phrases like 'derivative synthetic media' or 'machine learning training' and add a line: 'No generative AI training allowed.'
The Moral Rights and Defamation Waiver
Standard releases often say you give up the right to inspect final images, even if they are retouched in a way that is 'defamatory or offensive.' That one line lets an editor put your body into political ads, satire or suggestive content you would never agree to.
Add the phrase: 'Images shall not be altered in any manner that is defamatory, obscene, or harmful to the talent's personal reputation.'
The Missing Turnaround Guarantee
Models often spend three hours in freezing weather and sign away total rights, then wait six months and get no usable retouched photos. If the release only covers what the photographer gets, you have given up your bargaining power before the first frame.
Do not leave set without an addendum stating: 'Photographer agrees to deliver [X] high-resolution retouched selects within 21 days of shoot date.'
That's the inside look. Save this one for your next shoot.
And when you're ready to create something real in NYC, you know where to find us.
Want to be in front of our camera?
We develop new faces and book paid work. No fee to apply, every background welcome.
Become a Model