Portfolio shots and release question...

[Tex_loves_church]

I have been shooting my sister's high school marching band for several years. I was wondering if I would need to get a release form signed by the main subject(s) if I took them at a high school football game or a marching contest. I have always paid for a ticket when needed (some of the contests are free), and I am wanting to publish some of these shots on my blog/fb page with a logo and watermark. If I am using them to build my portfolio, does that count as "advertising"?

(Help me Obi Wan Kenobi, you're my only hope...)

[suerenee]

I always get a photo release. I had to remove photos once from my website because the subjects didn't want to be on the internet. Now everyone I shoot has a photo release--if you can see their face and identify them you should have a release. CYA is the best!

[ronocnikral]

this has nothing to do with if you were legally on the premises or not. it has everything to do with how you use the photos and your subject's desires.

since this is in the business section, susan is correct. although, her statement isn't true for every situation.

[suerenee]

Originally Posted by ronocnikral

since this is in the business section, susan is correct. although, her statement isn't true for every situation.

My lawyer advised me that if I had ANY picture of a minor up on my website I needed to have a signed photo release from their parents. My website is advertising for business, not photojournalism. I even get a photo release when posting to Facebook. I've run across families with foster children who can't post on the internet for the child's safety. Something I would have never know had I not talked about the photo release.

I realize that you might not HAVE to have one, I just think it's a good practice. 8 years as a paralegal taught me that's it's better to have it and not need it over need it and not have it.