ClauseryFree photo and model release form template (Word)
A model release for photographs, video and audio: who may use the images, for commercial use or only the purposes you list, for a set number of years or without limit, whether the model's name may be used, any restrictions, payment, and a parent or guardian consent for a model under 18.
No sign-up. Your answers stay in your browser. Who it is for: Photographers, videographers, content creators and businesses that feature people in marketing, social media, stock or client work.
Updated · Word (.docx) · Free to use and adapt
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What is in the photo and model release
- Model, photographer and optional client
- Shoot date, location and optional project
- Commercial use in any media, or only listed uses
- Optional time limit on use
- Use of the model's name, or no identification
- Editing and ownership, with optional restrictions
- Paid release, or release for other value such as images
- Release of privacy and publicity claims
- Parent or guardian consent for a model under 18
- Signatures and optional witness
Read the full template
This is the complete wording. [Labels] are filled in from your answers, and highlighted text only appears when it applies; hover over it to see when.
PHOTO AND VIDEO RELEASE
I, [Model name], of [Model address] (the "Model"), give [Photographer name] and [Client name] (the "Releasee"), and anyone acting with the Releasee's permission, the right to take, use and publish photographs, video and audio recordings of me (the "Images") made on [Shoot date] at [Shoot location] for [Project description].
How the Images may be used
The Releasee may use the Images in any media, now known or developed later, for any lawful purpose, including advertising, promotion and other commercial useThe Releasee may use the Images only for [Permitted uses], for [Usage years] years from the date of this release, without time limit.
The Releasee may also use my name with the Images.The Releasee will not identify me by name with the Images.
The Releasee may edit, crop, retouch and combine the Images with other material, and owns all rights in them. I do not need to approve the finished work. However, the Releasee will not use the Images: [Restrictions details]
Payment
In return for this release I will receive [Fee amount].I give this release in return for [What model receives], which I accept as full payment.
Release
I release the Releasee from any claim that a use of the Images allowed by this release invades my privacy or infringes my right of publicity, and from any other claim based on such a use, and I will not bring such a claim. I have read this release and understand it.
I confirm that I am at least 18 years old and free to sign this release.The Model is under 18. As the Model's parent or legal guardian, I, [Guardian name], give this release on the Model's behalf and agree to its terms.
This release is governed by the laws of [Governing law].
Model: ____________________________ [Model name] Date: ______________
Parent or guardian: ____________________________ [Guardian name] Date: ______________
For the Releasee: ____________________________ [Photographer name] Date: ______________
Witness: ____________________________ [Witness name]
The questions you answer
Clausery turns the template into a short questionnaire. Optional parts only appear when they apply.
| Question | Type | Asked when |
|---|---|---|
| Model name | Short text | Always |
| Model address | Long text | Always |
| Photographer name | Short text | Always |
| Has client | Yes / no | Always |
| Client name | Short text | If “Has client” is yes |
| Shoot date | Date | Always |
| Shoot location | Short text | Always |
| Has project description | Yes / no | Always |
| Project description | Long text | If “Has project description” is yes |
| Allow commercial use | Yes / no | Always |
| Permitted uses | Short text | If “Allow commercial use” is no |
| Has usage period | Yes / no | Always |
| Usage years | Number | If “Has usage period” is yes |
| Allow name use | Yes / no | Always |
| Has restrictions | Yes / no | Always |
| Restrictions details | Long text | If “Has restrictions” is yes |
| Is paid | Yes / no | Always |
| Fee amount | Money | If “Is paid” is yes |
| What model receives | Short text | If “Is paid” is no |
| Is minor | Yes / no | Always |
| Guardian name | Short text | If “Is minor” is yes |
| Governing law | Short text | Always |
| Has witness | Yes / no | Always |
| Witness name | Short text | If “Has witness” is yes |
How to use it
Open it
Click Fill it in now. The template opens in Clausery with its questionnaire ready.
Answer the questions
Work through the sections. Drafts save as you type, on your device.
Download the document
Get a finished Word file with your formatting intact, or print it to PDF.
Prefer to start from your own wording? Download the Word file, edit it, keep the {tags}, and upload it to Clausery. See the template syntax.
Questions
When do I need a model release?
Generally when a recognisable person appears in a photo or video used commercially, such as advertising, marketing or stock. Editorial uses such as news often do not need one, but privacy and publicity rules vary by country and state, and stock agencies usually require a signed release anyway.
Can a minor sign a model release?
A minor usually cannot give a binding release alone, so a parent or legal guardian should sign too. Tick the under-18 box and the template adds a guardian consent paragraph and signature line.
Is this the same as a photography contract?
No. A photography contract is between the photographer and the client who books the shoot. A model release is signed by the person photographed, giving permission to use their image. Many shoots need both.
Is it really free?
Yes. The download is free, and filling it in with the Clausery app is free too, with unlimited documents. Library templates never count towards a plan limit, and no account or card is needed.
Is my information uploaded anywhere?
No. Clausery runs entirely in your browser. Your answers and the finished document are created and stored on your own device.
Is this legal advice?
No. These are general samples. Laws differ between countries and states, so have the wording reviewed for your situation before you rely on it.
Clauses in this template, explained
Guide: When do you need a model release? A plain guide
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This template is a general sample and not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction; have it reviewed before use.