Do I need a model release for an image I purchased?

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
February 11, 2025
1 reply
165 views

I recently purchased an image of a family so I can use it for a poster contest. I tweeked the image (filters, colors, etc) in order for it to work with my design. If I win the contest, then I will purchase the extended license in order for the image (even though I tweeked it) to be used to print on tshirts, posters, etc and be sold, no problem there.

My question is, the moderator of the contest may ask for a copy of the model release for the people in the photo that I used. How can I get that?

General

Correct answer Jill_C

Adobe ensures that model releases have been received from Contributors for all images that include people. This gives you the assurance that you can use the images without any concern that you're violating someone's right to privacy. I don't think that Adobe will publish those model releases upon request, though.

Jill_C

Correct answer

Community Expert

Adobe ensures that model releases have been received from Contributors for all images that include people. This gives you the assurance that you can use the images without any concern that you're violating someone's right to privacy. I don't think that Adobe will publish those model releases upon request, though.

Jill C., Forum Volunteer

2

2ndfloordesignAuthor

Participant

OK, that's good to know. Yes, I knew they required model releases upon photographers contributing their photos, (I've read many threads here where releases have even been turned down). But I didn't know, if asked by the moderator of the contest, if there was a way to get proof that a model release was signed. Sounds like Adobe doesn't regularily do that, which I understand due to the millions of photos they have. Since Adobe goes through a rigorous model release process, I'm hoping that the contest moderator will agree that "that's enough", as long as I purchase the extended license on the image therefor having the rights to sell tshirts and merch legally. We're all just trying to cover our butts. I just wanted to pose the question here, just in case I did win, and wanted to start the process of query on the model release. Thanks for your help.

Abambo

Community Expert

Since Adobe goes through a rigorous model release process, I'm hoping that the contest moderator will agree that "that's enough", as long as I purchase the extended license on the image therefor having the rights to sell tshirts and merch legally.
By @2ndfloordesign

What contest moderator? All stock sites require model releases for recognizable people. That is industry standard.

And you are right: to put an asset on a t-shirt, you need an extended licence.

ABAMBO | Hard- and Software Engineer | Photographer

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