Model Release Forms (Part 2)

I've been doing more research on model release forms and came across a lot of information that wasn't included in my original post about this topic. To modify what I originally wrote, not ALL photo shoots will have release forms for you to sign. If you get booked a gig by your agent, the client may or may not provide a model release form. Usually that paperwork is handled with the agency beforehand so a release may not be necessary. Sometimes your agent will request that you not sign anything once you get on-set--this guarantees that the client will not add any last minute changes that may cause conflict. Always follow what your agent tells you.

For you freelance models, there may be times when you shoot with a photog who doesn't require a model release form. If you are fine with that, there should be no problems, as long as the two of you arrange it so that you do get your images, payment (if any), etc. If a photog does not have a release for you to sign that isn't always a bad thing. However, always read everything on any model release form you sign. This is especially a must when it comes to working on projects that are being submitted for publication. This is where things can get tricky. When you sign a model release, you as the model are giving up your rights to your images and they become sole property of the photographer. You do have the option to buy the copyright of the images but most photographers charge a lot for that and it is rare that a model will buy his/her own copyrights.

I read about a situation a model was involved in where she did a shoot with a photograher for possible publication on the cover of a CD for a group that was represented by a well known record label and would be sold in stores. The photographer told the model that if her image ended up getting published and sold well, he would track her down later to sign paperwork regarding payment, percentage of profits, etc. Well, she did not hear back from the photographer for a few months and assumed her work did not make the cut. Well, months later she ran into the photographer who told her that her images did, in fact, make it onto both the front and back of the CD, which was already being sold in stores by the record label.

Unfortunately, he never brought her any paperwork to ensure her piece of the pie and she has lost contact with the photographer, who apparently has now fallen off the face of the Earth.

Two things to note here: One) in a sense, she did right by NOT signing a model release. Chances are, if she didn't read the fine print, she most likely would have been giving up her rights to the images and not be allowed to make any money off of the number of CDs sold. Sometimes signing a model release can actually hurt your chances of making a profit off of your images...but like I said, this is where things can get sticky and really confusing as to what you should do. Two) Because she did not sign a release form and was not properly notified by the photographer or the record label, she can stand to make a large amount of money by taking both the photog and the record label company to court. She will have to hire an entertainment lawyer to handle the case. She will most likely win because she was completely left out of a business deal that should have included her in the first place. So if the CD sells really well, she'll stand to make a killing. If the CD ends up flopping, then she is no worse off than before.

When it comes to dealing with signing contracts for large gigs, be wary and read through every single line of the release before you sign. If there is no release to be signed, just be aware of the possible situations that may arise if your images happen to be published. If you are not sure what to do if you find yourself in this situation, seek legal advice from an entertainment lawyer or someone in the field of law who knows what they are talking about.

Models with agency representation rarely have to worry about anything like this happening to them so for the freelance models, always watch your back. Because the legalities of binding contracts vary so much case to case, there is no exact do or don't that will apply to everything so evaluate each shoot and any paperwork involved and treat each situation individually so you are guaranteed to benefit no matter what.

Motorcycle Camping

In order to enjoy your camping you have to pack your bike to the nuts with all the things you may need to make life comfortable. Saddlebags, trunk, and a tank bag can accomodate a lot of your stuff, plus you can pile more on top if need be. Thats where a good supply of bungee cords or cargo netting strap comes in handy.
When planning for motorcycle camping, smaller is better and most camping outlet stores have smaller items that are perfect for motorcycle camping. One burner stove, small lantern, folding fry pan, pots with folding handles, paper plates and plastic cutlery will all do the job for you. Think small and buy accordingly and you can pack everything you need.


I even manage to carry a fold up camping chair with me, because one my pet peeves is that when you arrive at the campsight the only place to sit is on the ground or at the picnic table.

Logan Pass-Going to the Sun Highway

[Click on pictures for full size version]

Ian, Darcy and I met up at Grants house in Calgary and started our five day-three-state-two province tour which would include Logans Pass, also known as "The Going To The Sun Highway".

With fresh faces and no lasting hang overs, we assembled the packed and ready bikes and crew for the obligatory line-up and photo op. Seems to be some one missing, never mind he is taking the photo.


We burned a lot of rubber heading south out of Calgary on Highway 2 heading for our lunch stop at Fort MacLeod. I held the big Silverwing back and took up the rear riding position as I expected to have to stop and pick up Yamaha and Harley parts along the way.

Nanton was our first breather stop where we could stretch our legs, scratch our butts and take a picture of an airplane on a stick.

After crossing into Montana, which has some of the best motorcycle roads on earth, we stopped to load the bikes with cheap beer, gas and smokes.

We entered Waterton National Park from the eastern side, stopped and had another photo op, after paying the $12.00 entry fee. I must have intimidated the attendant at the gate as he over charged me outrageously and then had to refund me twice.
The first few miles of the park are rather tame, but a scenic ride none the less.

This stopping point over looking the lake is your first hint of what is to come.

Lots of curves and twister's along the way but the amount of traffic thru the park curtails any canyon carving.

The road that was first blasted thru the mountains in the thirties slowly descends along some sheer cliffs and even the local mountain goats get nervous.

Lots of bike traffic carving its way past the tunnels and waterfalls along the route. Even if you had the road to yourself you would be going slow gawking at the marvelous scenery.

Lots of little pull offs to take a peek over the edge and shoot some pics.

Had a little construction delay that only amounted to about 10 minutes. Had to curtail my nasty smoking habit as there was a fire ban on with a no smoking in the park policy and the cruiser behind us looked ready to enforce the law.

Even the construction stopping spots offer up a great view. They were rebuilding some of the retaining walls.

Logans Pass has to be one of the most scenic rides you will find anywhere, with deep gorges and towering mountains.

After the pass and a night in Kalispel, we headed west towards Libby and Bonners Ferry, Idaho where we consulted the map and looked for the most scenic route.

Great stopping spots along the Thompson Lakes region on Highway 2, Montana.

North of Newport Washington where we found a great little road that took us back up to Canada. Highway 41 north is not a very heavily used road but it was a surprise to us as what a great motorcycle road it turned out to be, if you get the chance check it out.

We wimped out when we made it to Fernie B.C. and stayed in a motel for the night rather than taking a camping spot. In the morning a photo op presented itself and we indulged.




After getting back into Canada the ride to Creston B.C. was another great motorcycle road.

Last day heading home we stopped for a break, some were reluctant to come this route through the Crowsnest Pass as the last time we were thru here in September we were stopped two days in a motel with no power because of an early snow storm. Thankfully this year there was no snow and we made it through.

Just short of Longview Alberta we stopped to suit up as it had been threatening to rain and the low dark clouds ahead had lots of rain in them. We ended up riding the last two hundred miles home in a steady down pour.