Photo Permission

Hi Guys!

I'm in the process of making my website. Currently I don't have that many photos to show off my work. I have a gig on Saturday (which i'm doing purely for practice) and hopefully there should be a good few kids there that I will be able to work on - and hopefully get a few pictures to put on my site. My only worry is, obviously I'll ask parents permission before I take any - but should I have some sort of form for them to fill out? is there a standard form anywhere?

Any help appreciated

Nicola x

I use a form that I made up. It asks for the parent to fill out the child's full name, the design that was put on their face, and to allow the use of the photo for the purposes of ... (and then I list a bunch of options, such as "display boards," "business cards," "website," etc.). I clearly state that the child's name will NEVER be published anywhere. I ask for the parent to print and then sign THEIR name, and also to include their full address and phone and e-mail contact. I explain that I'll never use any of this, but that's it just for proper business record-keeping. I also state on the form that if at any time they decide they don't want the child's photo used, all they have to do is ask. And I give them my card so they have my contact information. This is the only way I would ever put a child's photo on a website.

Most people are fine with it, and some are not. Either way, I respect their wishes.

A helpful tip when taking photos at an event is to bring a black foam core board to place behind them when you take the shot. That way you don't get a great picture of your little tiger with a background showing someone walking by taking a bite of their cotton candy! I learned this tip somewhere on this excellent forum.

Good luck!

On my resources pages (the link to it is in my signature block) I have a Photo Release form you can save and personalize.

Thanks guys!

And Shannon I've found your resources page very useful!

Shannon, I would love to be able to use your model release form if I may but I can't figure out how I would edit it to have my company name and website. Do I have to retype it?

Shannon is like the "Face Painting Fairy Godmother" She has so much info and help on her pages - we love you Shannon!! Just wanted to let you know..  

I used to fear this also, but now i just ask-can i take your picture? to everybody.

If the parent is there, I'll ask if it's okay to use it on my site.if they say yes, i'll take a second shot.


when i'm going through the pictures after the gig, all the doubles I automatically know I can use.plus, I get the benefit of having a choice of which came out better.

For events other than parties, I use the release I found on shannons page! It is really easy and quick, as long as you are prepared with it before hand! I like jjjjj's idea, maybe I'll add that option of only for reference pictures or if it's okay on facebook or my site.