It cannot be said often enough: releases raise the value of your images! The higher the value of your images, the higher your returns. Below are some common concerns people have signing releases, and ways to address them. A few of these are geared toward people photographers, but we thought everyone could benefit.
PEOPLE FEEL UNATTRACTIVE
SOLUTION: The fact is that it was probably their wind-swept hair or stylishly-rugged clothes that drew your at- tention in the first place. Try telling them why you want to take their photograph. Charlie Borland suggests say- ing “You look really cool standing against those rocks as the sun rises.” Or “You are fishing right in front of that waterfall and your presence gives a really good sense of scale.”
THEY DON’T TRUST YOUR INTENTIONS
SOLUTION: It’s good to realize that most people don’t know why they should trust you. The solution is to tell them the truth. “Don’t tell them you are shooting for National Geographic, unless you are,“ Borland says. Tell them what you’re working on, and tell them they could really help you. If you’re still building your portfolio, joke with people, tell them you’re ‘practicing’ on them.” Give them a business card.
PROPERTY OWNERS HAVE BEEN BURNED BEFORE
SOLUTION: George D. Lepp says that one of the major problems for photographers is access. Perhaps property owners have been burned by the behavior of photographers who’ve come before you or they’re worried about liability. Lepp says, “My colleague Darrell Gulin often photographs in the Palouse region of eastern Washington State, and he has taken the time to drive up to the farmhouses of the ranches and meet the landowners to get permission to be on their land and to get a property release because he sells images that might show recog- nizable features of their land. He later follows through and sends them a nice print. He’s impeccably polite and considerate, and probably the most welcomed photographer in the area. Neighbors tell neighbors, and the extra work is worthwhile.”
TIPS
- Be genuinely interested in what you want to shoot, ask questions and be complimentary.
- Offer a print or provide a CD with images they can choose from for themselves (and deliver).
- Tell them you’ll stay in touch if anything gets published.
- Know when to politely move on if permission isn’t given or you sense continued discomfort
- Carry a printed or digital portfolio to show people.
- Offer them time to think about it.
- We suggest getting a signed release before shooting one frame.