09 Aug 2007 Use a Generic Model Release to Streamline your Microstock Workflow

When contributing photos of people and property to multiple agencies it can be a nightmare getting all the different release forms from each agency printed, signed, scanned, filed and finally uploaded. But, it doesn’t have to be.

Out of the can’t-believe-I-didn’t-realize-sooner basket comes the ultimate microstock tip:

Use a single generic model release for all agencies!

All of the top microstock agencies will accept a generic model and property release as long as it has the same legal affect as their own. This way you can:

• maintain single model and property release documents
• have your models and property owners sign just once
• streamline your submission workflow

How Do I Get a Generic Model Release?

Getty Images make their un-branded model and property releases freely available to the general public here. The releases are legally solid, available in both model and property flavors, and come in a range of languages.

A Word of Warning

While you may find the model and property releases from Getty Images available in your own language, all the major microstock agencies require that they be submitted in English.   So when working with non-English speaking models and/or property owners, show them the release in their own language, but have them sign the English version.   The content of the releases are very similar across languages with the exception of the French release.