Photography Shoot Tips for Models
Legal Tips to Protect a Modeling Career Before and After a Gig
Sep 15, 2009
Notorious photographer Zach Hyman’s model found this out while modeling for him in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, according to NBC News. She was arrested and charges were brought against her.
So how can models protect themselves from legal problems?
These tips from Rex D. Glensy, Director of Intellectual Property Concentration and Associate Professor of Law at The Earle Mack School of Law at Drexel University provided by an interview with the author will help keep models from making costly legal mistakes that may ruin a modeling career.
Release Forms and Legal Protection
Models may think that by signing a release form that they are not held responsible for the legal implications of a photo shoot. Not true, says Glensy. “You cannot have someone released from committing a crime.” He says that if the police find you posing unclothed in a public place you can be arrested release or no release.
The photographer, on the other hand, may go free if the model is the one breaking modesty laws.
How Models Can Protect Themselves on Location
Models need to check the laws in their area to see if the location of the photo shoot allows for the degree of undress that will be used in the shoot. Many city and state websites offer this information or will list phone numbers that they can call for more information.
According to Glensy, some municipal buildings will allow for photo shoots as long as the proper forms are filled out and the public is alerted. Models should check with their photographers before the shoot to ensure that these steps have been taken.
After the Shoot
After the shoot, models may worry about the legal implications of how their photos are displayed. For example, if the photographer uses a model’s image in a way that may cause legal ramifications (such as combining the image with a copyrighted image or trademarked product) will the model be implicated in legal actions?
Generally speaking, no. “If the action of combining the image with something else is done without the consent or knowledge of the model, the model is not responsible,” says Glensy. “The act of infringement would have been committed by the artist. If anything, the model might have a claim against the artist if the release that she/he signed did not cover such a use.”
As a model, knowing the laws and how they affect a shoot can protect a modeling career in fashion from legal struggles.
To learn about the legal implications for photographers read: How to Use Life Models for Fine Art
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