A model release is a legally binding document, typically signed by the subject(s) of a photograph, granting permission to publish, use and or sell the image in which an individual appears and is clearly recognisable.

A property release is a legally binding document, signed by the owner of a property, granting you permission to publish, use and or sell the image in which the property appears and is clearly recognisable. A property can be a private home, a copyrighted work of art, Maori carvings, a place of business, etc.

Having model and property releases protects you from any potential legal action from one of your models or a property owner. It helps to ensure that models / property owners, photographers and the end user are all aware of what has been agreed to.

In the photography industry, an image cannot be licensed for commercial purposes (i.e. advertising) if it is not accompanied with a release. It may be possible to license the image for editorial use but images licensed for creative use can be sold at a much higher price.

We will not select images that include people and do not have a release. Same goes with images that include a property that can be recognised. So make sure you get these signed before your start your submission.

For now, make sure you have your Model and Property Releases documents saved in a .PDF or .JPG format and stored in one folder. You will need to upload releases into a separate folder to your images.