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Before you go using any old image you can find in your marketing, you need to make sure you have full permission to use the image. This means having permission not only from the photographer, but from the models as well.

A Model Release Form is an important tool for any photographer. Even if they are shooting images for an informative or educational purpose – a situation when a model release form wouldn’t typically be required – a photographer may choose to use this form so that they have options in the future.

Any time a photo is used for a commercial purpose – for an advertisement, website, brochure, or anything like that – there should be a record of the models having signed their release forms. This allows the photographer to use the image commercially. It also allows the photographer to license or sell the image to someone else or to a company for commercial use.

When dealing with creative work or design and with intellectual property in general it’s always a good idea to make sure that you are protected and that you have the legal right to use and distribute your work. A Model Release Form is just one other tool that you, as a small business owner or creative professional, can use to help protect your legal standing.