4. About Contracts
I always use my own to attempt to keep from motherfuckers trying to jerk me around with copyrights and delivering my images in a timely manner. Every reputable photographer I have worked with in this manner has complimented me on the contracts and thought they were great; they have not had a problem using them. When there is enough of an opportunity, I e-mail the contract to the photographer before the shoot so that we can go over it and make any necessary changes. It is important that both parties agree with all points in any contract (duh)! If using their contact, ask to see it BEFORE you start shooting, but don’t sign it until AFTER you are done. If you feel uncomfortable with the shoot, don’t sign the contract and they can’t legally use the images (I’ve only had to do this once). If you don’t like anything in their contract, cross it out and get the photographer to initial your changes.
Contracts are lifesavers and you can put any manner of detail in them. The first page of mine is pretty much the standard Photographer Release that you can find anywhere on the web, except the language is altered to make it a Model’s Release. I have also included a clause about never releasing my legal name (at least it’s an attempt for protection and legal grounds to sue upon release of your real name if you ever want to a public career). The second page states that the photo shoot is in exchange for X (TFP, combo, or pay, with room for exact details), and allows ample space to describe the shoot. It is important to describe the shoot as you may authorize photos from one shoot to the next with this photographer under this contract! Therefore, if on another occasion the photographer obtains photos of you that do not match the description in the shoot, the photographer does not have any legal rights pertaining to those photos without an accompanying release. The release (contract) also states who has ownership and copyright of the photos and what purposes the photos may be used for. I state that my photos will not be sold as or to stock photography agents, companies, dealers, etc., to ensure that there will never be any photos of me in lingerie in a City Paper sex line ad, or as a poster girl for “Don’t risk it, get tested for herpes!” on billboards across the street from my father’s office!
After a few e-mails, arrange to meet in person with the photographer before the shoot so that you can make sure there is a comfort level. As immodest as I am, there have been a few times where my nudity made me uncomfortable due to the environment of the shoot, or words or actions from the photographer. Those times were all ones where I did not meet with the photographer prior to the shoot. If meeting in people is impossible due to time or travel constrictions, at least have a conversation on the phone before scheduling the shoot.
