As long as people or someone else’s property is part of your image try to get a release. As simple as that.
Across many Microstock agencies the rules are sometimes very different also making it confusing whether you should have a release for an image or not.
Well, the best way is to always get a release when possible. Even when people are slightly out of focus or not instantly recognizable because of shallow depth of field.
A model or property release is an important document the releases you from any potential claims by the model or property owners. For instance this is incredible vital when photographing children. Make sure you get all signatures from both the parents or legal guardians.
It can happen that a couple is getting a divorce but the mother (or father) never signed the model release for the child and now decides to come after you for damages etc. It makes matters a whole lot easier when you get the signatures of both.
Same thing with property. While you may be legally allowed to take photographs from any public location (sidewalk) the property owner might not agree to have his house or artwork commercially sold. As a professional photographer you can’t go wrong by respecting other people’s rights and ask them for permission.
So when you upload your images together with the necessary releases the worst thing that can happen is that some agencies reject your image because they believe for a certain image (person that is out of focus somewhere in the background) doesn’t require a release. No need to worry – re-upload it without a release and you’re good to go.
Remember, it’s always better to have a release!!!
