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photography assistant release form?

i just recently photographed a wedding with my friend's wedding photography business and i want to be able to use the photos i got on my website and for advertisements but i know i will need a release form to be able to do so. do any of the photographers out there know a simple form that i can get an idea of what it should look like and what key elements to put in it? it would help a lot. thanks.

There's no "standard permission form" per se. All you really need is a signed letter from your friend, written on their business letterhead, granting you limited electronic (web) and advertising rights to the photos you took while working for them.

You have asked them if it's okay to use the photos you took, right? I ask this because some photographers can be... let's say "very territorial" about images taken by their assistant shooters; and don't like the idea of images from their shoots potentially being used "against them" (taking business away and landing it for another shooter). Again--I said "some photographers"; your friend might not have any problems with this.

Assuming it's okay with your friend, have them include the following "bullet points" in the permission letter.

[Your Name] has permission/limited rights to use the photos taken by [him/her] during the [NAME OF FUNCTION/WEDDING] on [DATE] as follows:

- Electronic usage for www.yourwebsite.com owned by [Your Name]
- Portfolio usage (electronic and print) [Your Name]
- Print advertising usage for [Your Name]

It's pretty simple.

If your friend gives you permission, it would be courteous to "give props" to their business if you publish these photos online or in print; by using any of the following photo credit:

YOUR NAME / YOUR FRIEND'S PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS NAME
Photo by YOUR NAME - YOUR FRIEND'S PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS NAME

This acknowledges the images were taken while you were a "hired gun" for them.

Again--this is just a professional courtesy to your friend. It in no way detracts from the image(s) you took--but merely acknowledges that you were a "second shooter" for someone. In fact--if you're seeking other assistant shooter gigs, this acknowledgement can help you land it.

Hope this helps. Cheers.

Wayfarer's Chapel by Alex

Wedding and Portrait Photographers' Legal Handbook £6.00 ...

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