Baby picture(s) "release" question

[RandySmith]

Took some photos this past weekend of a new mom and her baby ... wondering about getting a "release" for the baby pics ... only problem is, the mom is 15. Yup, unbelievable as it is, she "just" turned 15. So question is, is "grandma" the "release" authority ?

Any thoughts appreciated. It was "hinted" that I should take some "artistic" nursing photos ... but, I delicately side stepped this thought and pressed on with other photos.....

The images have turned out really well so far, but I don't wont to post any until I'm pretty confident I have the proper releases.

Any thoughts appreciated.
Randy

[DEMDeepEllumMusic]

The girl can not give you a release so it would have to be from one of the grandparents or the father if he is 18 or older.

Good idea of staying away from any inkling of an unclothed female under 18 in any form, that is unless they are babies and under 18 weeks or so-start getting over 6 months and some people are freaking over those now.

[RandySmith]

Thanks Paul,

The "father" just turned 14 as well, so I'm agreeing the grandmother needs to sign the release if I want to use the images for any public display ....

Appreciate your thoughts, I think I followed my best "instincts" on this one.

later.
Randy

[Kathi]

You might check with PPA on that one. That is a lawsuit waiting to happen! Technically, the mom is the legal guardian... but she is only 15... under the age of 17 needs parental consent... I would definitely check with PPA... And yes, way to go side-stepping the nursing thing!

[bondarnes]

If I were in this situation I would just let it slide and find a mother of proper age to use for display. Just my opinion.

[RandySmith]

Thanks Don, I agree. I just like to have a release for any photo's I post here in the forum. The age of the young mom, and the infant portrays an interesting image, however, I don't want to post until I have proper permissions. I may not in the long run, but just posted the question for discussion. I did photograph another "mom" and her 1-month old, that was of proper age so I'll do some post processing and solicit some suggestions soon.

Thanks !
Randy

[Outlaw]

I'm sure there is proper legal protection in here somewhere. If I were in your position, I would have everyone sign the release; mom, dad, mom's mom and dad, dad's mom and dad. Might take an extra day or two, but at least you'll have an arguably solid contract.

And I agree with you; I have every client sign a release, whether I plan to use and display the images or not.

[Junderwood]

My two cents,

There is a well known, very well known local photographer who has been in the business for a long time. Very successful both financially and professionally. He failed to get a model release from a "friend," bad mistake. He managed to get out of the situation but...

Sing, dance and win a lawsuit by getting it dismissed and you still LOSE - you lose time,attorney fees, heartache, hassle, you name it, you lose.

Unless it is a straigtforward deal, I would run not walk the other.