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Releases
© Timothy Armes / Alamy
What is a release?
A model release or property release is a written agreement between the model or property owner and the photographer granting the photographer permission to use the photographs commercially. Releases generally permit the use of the image(s) for all purposes, with exceptions for controversial, sensitive or defamatory uses. However, it is your responsibility to decide if a model and/or a property release is necessary and appropriate for your intended image use.
Release information on Alamy
You will find a section called releases when you view the details of an image. This shows if the image supplier has stated whether releases are available. If yes is displayed you may be able to get a copy of the release from the contributor by contacting our sales team. This service may take up to seven working days.
It is your responsibility as a buyer to decide if the image requires a release. Alamy cannot guarantee that an image marked as having a model and/or a property release has a release agreement in place appropriate to your needs. Releases are held by the contributing agency/photographer and Alamy is not responsible for the information attached to their images. Please note that not all of Alamy’s royalty-free images are model or property released.
Model release
When is a signed model release needed?
Images containing people may require a signed model release. It is up to you to decide whether the licence usage will require a release. You should be aware that there are occasions when an image may not be used despite having a model release. For example, if the image is to be used for sensitive issues or if the intended context of use is considered defamatory to any third party interests.
What situations would make a signed model release void?
Certain image uses would void a signed release. The following is for guidance only and is not a full list:
- Defamation of character or business - embellishment, distortion or fictionalisation of a person's character or corporation’s image.
- Sensationalised use - a use intended to distort the ‘truth’ of an image.
What if the model is deceased?
If the model is deceased, a signed model release is still required from the heirs. Records of heirs are normally publicly available at government offices.
Sensitive Issues
A model may have signed a model release but may not consent to their image being used for a sensitive issue subject. In this case, the restrictions will appear on the Alamy website next to the image. For example, if an image has a tobacco restriction then the image cannot be used for a tobacco advertisement. If an image has no restriction, it does not imply that the image is cleared for a sensitive issue.
A list of sensitive issue subjects is supplied below. This list is not exhaustive and is for illustrative purposes only. It should not be considered full or definitive.
- Abortion and/or pro-life or pro-choice
- Alcohol
- Gambling
- Guns and weapons
- Medical and mental health issues
- Negative financial portrayal
- Political fanaticism
- Religious fanaticism
- Sexual and sexual health issues
- Tobacco
Property release
When is a signed property release needed?
Images containing property/landmarks/logos/art/etc... may require signed property releases. It is up to you to decide whether the licence usage will require a release. You should be aware that there are occasions when an image may not be used despite having a property release. For example, if the subject portrayed is to be used in a sensitive issue subject or if the intended context of use is considered defamatory to any third party interests.
What situations would make a signed property release void?
Certain image uses would void a signed release. The following is for guidance only and is not a full list:
- Sensationalised use - a use intended to distort the ‘truth’ of an image.
Disclaimer
Any information on the Alamy website about model and property releases is for information only. You should not rely on it to answer any specific questions on model or property releases. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct model or property releases for your licence use and that you comply with the relevant local laws. You are advised to seek legal advice before relying on any information provided on this website.