Models Release?

[ken1953]

Hello all, I'm sure this has probably been asked and answered numerous times on these boards, but I have yet to find the answer.
Does anyone know where I can download a blank Models Release Form or does anyone have one they can email me that I can print off? I take a lot of pictures of people but not sure when to use the release form. One situation I have is Motorcycles and Cars driving by on the freeway/road usually at speeds in excess of the posted speed limits...hehe...My question is, do I need a release from these types of photos? Sometimes the people are "recognizable" and at the least the bikes and cars are definitely identifiable. I also like to take pictures at parades. Do I need releases from the crowds. I did read somewhere that I can usually get a release from the event coordinators if necessary. I have only recently been posting shots and have yet to post something needing a release, but I have things I'd like to post.
Any help and guidance will be greatly appreciated.
Ken

[another view]

It's not necessarily the photograph itself but the use of the photograph that matters in terms of a model release. First off, with any topic like this, photographers can tell you their experiences but lawyers will know more about it. That said, you're better to have a release than not but it really depends on what you plan to do with the shot. I don't worry about it for what I'm doing but a lot of times it's a requirement. Any stock agency will require a release, recognizable or not. I suppose if you worked with models it would be standard procedure too.

AFAIK, no one other than the subject (and legal guardian in case of under 18) can sign a release - an event organizer can't sign a release of a photo of someone else. Newspaper photographers don't need releases because they're used editorially (not selling something). There are tons of books written on it and usually they'll have a sample release to use. I've seen many different releases but they're all basically worded the same. It's a simple legal contract. That's about all I can tell you...

[ken1953]

Thanks AV...I'll look into it...I wasn't sure about like, posting here and on other websites or like the World Photo Day thing. I don't really plan on selling anything, unless I get extremely lucky..haha...
anyway...I do appreciate your response...again...Thanks...
Ken

[Gerry Widen]

Check out this Google search. It has all the info you need including a few forms for you to print out. Model release forms

[ken1953]

Check out this Google search. It has all the info you need including a few forms for you to print out. Model release forms

Thanks Gerry...I cked out the search and found many helpful articles and templates...I really appreciate your suggestion...
Ken