Photographer's Rights with Kid Photos??

[PaolaO]

Since I just started photography (something I had always wanted to pursuit), after getting let go I decided to ask all my friends to help me build my portfolio. I asked an ex-coworker if his girlfriend would be interested in having some portraits done of her son for free. She accepted and we met to do the portraits at a park. Being friendly I sent the photos to her pretty soon after the shoot.
I would really like to use these photos for my portfolio, but when we met up I did not have her sign a release and now she will not return my messages..... What are my rights to these images? especially since they have a child, do I even have any rights to them w/o a release?

[Tom]

You can't show them without a release. You should have made that part of the agreement - disc for release or something like that. But also, I wouldn't stop looking for a job. If you didn't already have a suitable portfolio and experience before you lost the job, life is going to be miserable for you for a while trying to start from scratch. I basically did the same thing and made no money for a couple years. Like, less than no money, because I realized I needed to upgrade my gear, as it wasn't adequate. It was a VERY rough road. For me, it was a "I didn't know what I didn't know until I got in too deep" kinda thing.

Good luck!

[PaolaO]

Thanks for the words of experience! And I am totally looking for a part-time as well..... One more question though, please.
There is one photo in particular that I really love, it doesn't show any faces, because they are walking away from me. Would I have any rights to that one, without a release?

[Tom]

If the subject is non-identifiable, you should be ok.

[PaolaO]

Ahhh, thanks!

[saifmaster]

You might want to check out this website The Photo Binder .com | Texas Workshop Photo Shoot and Event Photography they have workshops you can go to and use the pictures to build your portfolio with model releases.

[PaolaO]

Wow! Those look like so much fun! Another to-do for my list! Thank you!

[saifmaster]

The organizers and the mentors of the group are awesome people and very helpful.

[PaolaO]

That's just what this newbie needs! ;)

[kimberley]

Well Id say er on the side of caution and smart business, I wouldnt use them without permission and a contract/model release...

If you can contact them and ask them then so be it but I think you might have to chalk this one up to a learning experience.

Every client should sign a contract, paid of otherwise :)

[PaolaO]

You're right Kimberley... :(
and it was one of my favorites too! :((

[PaolaO]

Btw! If any of you wonderful photographers need some part-time assistance, I would love to be a consideration!

[auddii]

Originally Posted by saifmaster

You might want to check out this website The Photo Binder .com | Texas Workshop Photo Shoot and Event Photography they have workshops you can go to and use the pictures to build your portfolio with model releases.

Also, the Binders are always at the Sugarland meetup (second Wednesday of every month). Lots of photogs there that shoot models and people.

[hdctx]

You can find a bunch of groups on meetup.com doing portfolio building sessions. Just do a search for photography, there are several every month, some free, and others not. Seems there are as many.models looking as photographers.

[PaolaO]

I will put it on my calendar, I think I remember hearing something about it! Thank you!