x

Useful and informative, Paul. I think too many people simply dismiss Model Releases as something that's too much hassle to worry about. I make a point of trying to get a model release for every shoot I do, although this has proven difficult at group shoots. I use separate releases for TFP and paid shoots in order to cover different usage terms (basically, TFP shots may only be used for promotional purposes by either party). I think more models (particularly less experienced models) would do well to educate themselves on this very important issue.

- Thorsten. 

As should some photographers Thorsten

Perhaps! But the important issue I was referring to is the unscrupulous commercial use of TFP images by some photographers. That, in my opinion, is just plain wrong and should be discouraged at every possible opportunity. TFP shots are for portfolio building, or non-commercial collaboration between photographer and model and shouldn't be used for anything else, IMHO! This is something I feel very strongly about. I realise that this may be an unpopular opinion amongst some photographers, but I make no apologies for it.

If a TFP model release doesn't specifically rule out the commercial use of TFP images (or at least include a permissions clause in the event of commercial use), then a model would be well advised not to sign such a release.

- Thorsten. 

Very true Thorsten and yes you might be the only one who thinks of it being used that context.   

Thats why I said it has to be the photograoher also becuase a lot of peoples perceptions (both tog & models) as to what is or isnt included is based on personal experience and maybe that experience has been gained from someone who hoestly doesnt know the difference.

Paul, the hypothetical example you give rarely, if ever, occurs. More often than not, it's a photographer taking advantage of a model in order to get images for little or no outlay for stock or other commercial use. This only serves to give TFP a bad reputation. I'm 100% in favour of TFP but not at the expense of giving a model a raw deal. I think if makeup and other services are required for a TFP shoot, then the costs of this ought to be shared between the two parties, but again I think this is a rare occurence and such costs don't normally arise.

If I want a model for a commercial shoot, I'll pay for one that fits in with the required look of the final image and that has the experience necessary to ensure that every minute of the shoot is productive. 

At the end of the day, as you say, if a model isn't completely comfortable with the terms of a TFP shoot then she should just walk away from it.

- Thorsten. 

Not everyone is of the same mindset. 

I agree especially when its for a commercial venture rather than just portfolio stuff

EXACTLY Thorsten!!  But you might find that the newer guys/gals to the industry might not be strong enough to say no.