Protecting
Model release template (Australia)
A simple model release you can adapt for commercial shoots. Not legal advice. Get it reviewed before relying on it.
This is a starting point, not a lawyer-reviewed document. For high-value commercial work, get a solicitor to review your standard release. The point of a model release is to record that an identifiable person agreed to you using their photo for the purpose you have in mind.
What to include
- Full name and contact details of the model
- Date and location of the shoot
- Photographer's name and ABN
- Description of the intended use (editorial, commercial, advertising)
- Whether the use is exclusive or non-exclusive
- Term (one year, perpetuity, etc.)
- Territory (Australia, worldwide)
- Compensation (paid shoot, TFP, etc.)
- Signature and date
What to avoid
Don't reuse the same release for editorial and commercial work. Editorial use generally doesn't need a model release in Australia, but commercial use does. A commercial release that isn't worded properly can be challenged later.