Free Model Release
Form Template
A clear, professional consent form for commercial photography, advertising, editorial and social media use. Get your subject's permission in writing — before you publish.
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- Free forever
- Reviewed June 2026
- Commercial · Editorial · Portfolio
Branding (optional)
1 — Photographer / Company
2 — Subject (Model)
3 — Session Details
4 — Rights & Governing Law
PDF: choose "Save as PDF" in the dialog that opens.
Photography Model Release Form
Date: enter date above
1. Identification of Parties
Photographer / Company: Photographer / Business name
Subject ("Model"): Subject full name
2. Grant of Rights
I, Subject full name, grant to Photographer / Business name ("Photographer") and their successors, assigns and licensees the irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free right and permission to use, reproduce, publish, display, and otherwise exploit photographs and recordings of my likeness taken on session date(s) at session location, for the purposes set out in Clause 4.
3. Consideration
In consideration for the rights granted, I acknowledge receiving: no monetary compensation, for which I acknowledge there is other good and valuable consideration.
4. Authorised Uses
☐ Portfolio & promotional ☐ Website & online display ☐ Social media ☐ Commercial advertising
☐ Print & digital publications ☐ Editorial & journalistic use ☐ Stock photography ☐ Gallery & exhibition
5. Duration and Territory
This release is perpetual and irrevocable and applies worldwide.
6–9. Standard Clauses
No approval right · Moral rights waiver · Warranties · Release from liability
10. Governing Law
Governed by the laws of governing jurisdiction.
Subject
Signature
Print name: _______________
Date: _________________
Photographer / Company
Signature
Print name: _______________
Date: _________________
Minor Consent (if applicable)
If the Subject is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign here.
Parent / Guardian Signature Print name: _______________ Date: _______________
Template preview
Parties
1. Identification of Parties
Photographer / Company ("Photographer"):
Name: [Photographer / Business Name]
Address: [Address]
Email: [Email]
Subject ("Model"):
Full name: [Subject Full Name]
Address: [Address]
Date of birth: [DOB — or confirm "18 or older" below]
Grant of Rights
2. Grant of Rights
I, [Subject Full Name], grant to [Photographer / Business Name] ("Photographer") and their successors, assigns and licensees the irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free right and permission to use, reproduce, publish, display, edit, alter, modify, distribute and otherwise exploit photographs, images, video footage and any other recordings of my appearance, likeness and voice (collectively, the "Images") taken on [Session Date(s)] at [Location], for the purposes set out in Clause 4 of this release.
Compensation
3. Consideration
In full consideration for the rights granted in this release, I acknowledge receiving: [select one — e.g. "a session fee of [Currency + Amount]" / "a set of digital photographs for personal use" / "no monetary compensation, for which I acknowledge there is other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged"].
Permitted Uses
4. Authorised Uses
The Images may be used for the following purposes (tick all that apply):
Duration
5. Duration and Territory
This release is [select one: "perpetual and irrevocable" / "valid for [X] years from the date of signing"] and applies worldwide. [Optional: "If time-limited, upon expiry the Photographer will cease new uses but existing published materials may remain in circulation."]
📄 Download the full template to view all 10 clauses including no-approval rights, warranties, liability release and the minor consent section.
Download the full template — free
Fill in your details above and download a ready-to-sign release form.
What's included in this template
How to use this template
Download and fill in the details
Open the DOCX or Google Docs version. Fill in your name, your subject's name, the session date, location, and the specific permitted uses you require. Delete any uses that do not apply.
Get it signed before — or immediately after — the shoot
Have your model sign the release on the day of the session, ideally before you begin. Print a copy for on-location signing, or share a link to the Google Docs version for a digital signature using Bonsai or Docusign.
For minors, get a parent or guardian to sign
If your subject is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the release on their behalf. The minor consent section at the bottom of the template covers this. Keep a copy of the parent's ID if required by your client or stock agency.
Store it permanently — you may need it years later
Save a signed copy in a secure, searchable location (Google Drive, Dropbox, or a contract management tool). Stock agencies, publishers and advertising clients may request proof of release long after the original shoot.
Frequently asked questions
- A model release form is a legal consent document in which a person gives a photographer or company written permission to use photographs, video or other recordings of their likeness. It is required whenever an identifiable person's image will be used for commercial purposes — including advertising, social media marketing, product promotion, or stock photography licensing. Without a signed release, using someone's likeness commercially can expose you to claims for right of publicity or privacy violations.
- You need a model release whenever you plan to use an identifiable person's image for commercial purposes — advertising, brand promotion, product packaging, social media marketing, or selling the image through a stock agency. Most stock libraries (Getty, Shutterstock, Adobe Stock) require a signed model release before accepting images of recognisable people. Even for images intended only for editorial use, it is best practice to obtain a release in case the usage later changes.
- Generally, no. Editorial use — news reporting, documentary photography, journalism, and educational content — typically does not require a model release because it is protected by freedom of expression and the public interest in the information. However, the boundary between editorial and commercial use is not always clear-cut. If there is any possibility an image may be used commercially in the future, obtain a release at the time of the shoot. It is much harder to track someone down weeks later.
- A photography contract is a service agreement between a photographer and their client — it governs the session itself: what services will be delivered, at what price, who owns the copyright, and what happens if either party cancels. A model release form is a separate document signed by the subject (the person being photographed), granting permission for their likeness to be used. In a professional shoot, you often need both: a photography contract with your client, and a model release from every identifiable person who appears in the images.
- Yes. A person under 18 cannot legally sign a binding consent form in most jurisdictions. A parent or legal guardian must sign the model release on the minor's behalf. This template includes a dedicated minor consent section for exactly this purpose. When photographing children — regardless of intended use — always obtain written parental consent, and keep it on file permanently. Some clients and stock agencies also require a copy of the parent's identification.
- For street photography used purely for artistic, fine art, or journalistic purposes — gallery exhibitions, documentary projects, news coverage — a model release is generally not required in most jurisdictions, as people in public spaces have a reduced expectation of privacy. However, if you plan to use street photography images commercially (advertising, stock licensing, brand promotion), or if you are in a country with strict personality rights laws, a release is required. Laws vary significantly by country and state; consult a local attorney if you are uncertain.
Bonsai lets you send contracts and release forms for digital signing — clients sign from any device, no printing needed.