Business Resources

Photographer's Portfolio Release

Professional models¹ may be reluctant to sign a general release when working for free, e.g., for testing or creating portfolio images. In such cases, a narrow release that limits usage to self-promotion may be appropriate. Typically, in exchange for letting you use the images for your own self-promotion, the model and agent are allowed to use the images for their self-promotion.

¹ This section was updated on May 2, 2011 to ensure clear communication of ASMP's long-standing and unchanged position on industry standards and practices related to model releases. Whether represented by model agencies or working independently, professional models routinely sign model releases presented by photographers and their clients, who rely on the terms of those releases when making use of a model's likeness.

Using the text

The language below will provide a concrete illustration of the principles explained in this module. Sections in color are place-holder text that you are supposed to replace.

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Permission for Photography

For valuable consideration received, I grant to Joe Photographer ("Photographer") and his/her legal representatives and assigns, the irrevocable right to use and publish photographs, still or moving, of me or in which I may be included, for the restricted purposes of self-promotion, including advertising the Photographer’s business, in any manner and medium; and to alter and composite the same without restriction and without my inspection or approval. I hereby release Photographer and his/her legal representatives and assigns from all claims and liability relating to said photographs.