Tricky model release question when dealing with tribes?

7 years 7 months ago #494167 by Moossmann
I'm heading over to Africa in October for a 2 week photography excursion.  Which BTW I can't wait!  

My question is regarding model release forms.  When photographing indigenous people, do you need a model release form?  

What if the photo ends up in a magazine?  


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7 years 7 months ago #494195 by Robert Chen
I would think regardless where they are located, you need a release document. 

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7 years 7 months ago #494293 by effron
Personally, I'd click away without any regard to any releases. Now, if a famous face stumbled in, I'd probably think about a form....

Why so serious?
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7 years 7 months ago #494296 by Sarah Ramirez
In the past I've followed the "what's the use?" rule of thumb. If you'll be making money off the image, get a model release. If not, don't worry about it so long as you're taking the photo in a manner that is culturally respectful. Maybe have a look at the article below. I found it helpful.

www.bettertravelphotos.com/blog/item/the...d-street-photography


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7 years 7 months ago #494326 by Soccer Mom
You would need it

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7 years 7 months ago #494419 by msmith55
I'd err on the side of caution and have releases regardless of the situation. Better to be prepared than to get sued, yes?


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7 years 7 months ago #494441 by icepics
It depends on how you'll be using the photos. For retail or commercial use you'd need releases signed. Usually the guideline is from everyone who's recognizable (which could be specific clothing sometimes as well as faces).  For editorial use (magazines/newspapers) a release is not usually needed but might be requested by a media outlet especially from a photographer they haven't worked with before. See http://asmp.org .

It depends on what you're photographing and where. If it's a an event or area like a park that's open to the public you should be fine taking photos for personal use. I don't know where you might be taking photos, if it's where they live I'd probably treat it similar to going to someone's home. I agree about being respectful.

And if this is a tour group of some sort, look at their website. See if there's a visitor center? or something similar where you're going to see what it says is allowed or appropriate there.  

Sharon
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7 years 7 months ago #494463 by Joves
No you do not need a MRF if it ends up in a magazine. That would be considered as journalistic use. Now if you wanted to advertise for something commercial, then that is entirely different. Most of the tours there are what are called eco-tours, and many of the tribes merely act as if they still live the way they have for eons.


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7 years 7 months ago #494563 by Don Granger
I would suspect you would need it.  Better to be safe. 


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7 years 6 months ago #495168 by albinpix
A tough one. I think in a situation like this, it's more important that you have the consent and permission to photograph the tribes - normally I'd err on the side of caution as well, but I'm not so sure that handing a contract in a foreign language to a stranger in an isolated area would really do anybody much good.


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7 years 6 months ago #495178 by Eric A

effron wrote: Personally, I'd click away without any regard to any releases. Now, if a famous face stumbled in, I'd probably think about a form....


I must say, I agree with your approach  

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