Hi Kristoffer,
Unless you plan to market and or sell these in Iraq, why even bother. It is a third world country, a contract produced here will only get you some hard questions as to why you are "making" some poor man or women sign the paper.
You do not need a release unless the images are used for something else other than news or editorial. If you plan to make a Iraq calendar than you might need them. But in reality how are they to know if you did and it was produced here. As many know I am always on the side of Law and Order as far as business is concerned but to me there is no issue unless you plan to use them in a commercial way.
Anybody else?
Les Baldwin
So Les, are you implying that because Iraq is a 3rd world country and, using a "how are they to know" attitude, law and order (copyright, standard ethical practice, and so on) don't necessarily apply? (Additionally, if he had no intention of using the images in a commercial context why is Kris asking the list about a model release?) Regardless, this brings up touchy issues given the location (Iraq) and the photographer's country of origin /place in that country.
I don't believe model releases are only about covering your own butt in the images' country of origin. Beyond copyright and potential lawsuits (important concerns) releases are also related to a negotiation with the subject, an ethical position that acknowledges a certain level of respect for who you're photographing and why. Certainly both these legal and ethical positions should matter globally? And I can't imagine it would be that difficult to get a simple Arabic (or whatever the applicable language) release drafted in country. Further, considering Kris' position in Iraq (note his email address) I respect that he even asked this question - it perhap shows an admirable level of sensitivity to what could be an easily exploited situation. Having said all that, Kris' and Les' concerns as to the logistical nightmare of actually getting releases signed and in any usably legal form are valid and worth consideration. A very simple, multi-lingual release (there are many examples online) may go a long way in resolving some of these problems. Lastly, if a photog doesn't want to get into the "hard questions as to why you are "making" some poor man or women sign the paper" then perhaps they should be questioning why they are making those pictures in the first place.
Norman
Les Baldwin wrote:
----- Original Message ----- From: <kristoffer.buquet@us.army.mil>
To: "List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students"
<photoforum@listserver.isc.rit.edu>
Sent: Monday, September 08, 2003 6:44 AM
Subject: Model Release Question
Hello all,for what does and what does not require a release.
I have a question regarding Model Releases. I understand the "basic" norms
My specific question relates to my travels in Iraq.etc...) with their permission, what are the legalities of getting a release?
If I were to take a photograph of a local Iraqi (child, lady, boy, man,
1. What if they cannot read the release (in thier native language ofcourse)?
2. What if they cannot write?
