Question

Model with model release is asking to remove the photos from all stocks sites after some time

Forum|Forum|4 months ago
January 15, 2026
3 replies
545 views

Hello Adobe Stock!

How should I proceed in this situation? Five years ago I conducted a photoshoot with a model who signed a valid model release. She is now asking me to remove the images from all stock platforms because she has joined a modeling agency and claims this is a requirement. What actions, if any, could she take through your support service? Could I face any issues if she contacts you directly and asks to remove the images from my portfolio without my consent? I do not want to remove the images, as they sell well. I am attaching a sample image from that shoot and the signed model release for your reference.

Contributors

ZALEZPHOTO

Inspiring

Tricky Question! I'm not an attorney so anything I say is not to be considered as legal advice 🙂

With that out of the way, I see your dilemma.

Did you use an Adobe Model Release?

First thing I would do is weight out my options before taking a course of action.

How much in sales have you generated from this model? If after 5 years it's in the hundreds I would show her some love and take the time to explain why she needs to be careful and skeptical with "her agency" Suggest not to sign anything until an attorney looked at the agancy contract. Understanding that even if she was super model, NO AGENCY would or could demand removing all prior work before signing with them... That is a HUGE warning sign, and frankly I don't buy it!

If you're not getting much sales from her photos today, I would probably choose not to deal with her. She could try contacting Adobe and create a headache you can avoid.

Communicate with her via email, document all communication (dates and times) includding your question on this forum, which shows good faith on your part with Adobe.

Look, I don't have much patience for the absurd... and what she's asking is probably the result of someone who told her to ask this from you.

In closing, if you decide to keep the photos in your library, I strongluy suggest you write 2 or 3 emails to different departments in Adobe, and keep them handy with all your documentation even if they don't reply.

Let us know how you handled this, it's definitely a great use of this forum and for everyone to learn.

Cheer!

ZALEZPHOTO

D

DimaberlinAuthor

Yes, of course, I have a model release signed by the model from those shoots. What worries me in this situation is that the model, together with the modeling agency, might somehow influence the stock platform and have the content removed without my consent. The stock agency may decide not to get involved in such disputes and voluntarily remove the photos in order to avoid creating an unpleasant situation around the platform because of this kind of issue.

ZALEZPHOTO

Inspiring

My question was specifically if you used an Adobe's Stock model release that includes their logo. That would make a significant difference, don't yo think?.
Now you're worried about Adobe removing the photos to avoid conflict...

This model is either confused, or simply doesn't want her photos in cyberspace, and she has no legal basis to demand the removal.

Contact the agency, if they confirm what the model is saying, communicate to them they need to put that in writing, and add that you can not take further action until they put it in writting. I can nearly gurantee you that will be the end of that.

I give it a 1 to 1 odd, Adobe's copyright attorneys would gladly have your back once they understand your situation, and given this case implicates the nature of the stock industry, you'd be bound to become our hero.

Good luck!

Ps. Use AI in all your written communications with the parties involved. That's a dirty little secret attorneys charging $400 per hour are rapidly implementing today.

ZALEZPHOTO

daniellei4510

Community Expert

No model release or image was attached.

Adobe Community Expert | If you aren't submitting your assets in sRGB, you probably didn't read the rules.

Jill_C

Community Expert

What were the terms of the model release she signed? Did she grant you perpetual use?

Jill C., Forum Volunteer

D

DimaberlinAuthor

The model filled out a perpetual release, which is irrevocable and perpetual.

Nancy OShea

Community Expert

Adobe doesn't normally enter disputes between models & photographers, unless the model can prove the release they signed was invalid.

I think the model may be mistaken about the terms in her agency's agreement. What's done is done. You can't put toothpaste back into the tube.

Generally, models can't revoke a properly signed, legally sound release because it's a binding contract. Revocation is possible in some situations like mutual agreement, fraud, breach of contract by the photographer, or if the model lacked legal capacity (e.g., underage, intoxicated) when signing.

If the model persists, tell her to have her lawyer talk to your lawyer. At the very least, they should be willing to compensate you for lost royalties that you would incur in the event that you agree to take down those assets.

EDIT: You're not speaking to Adobe Stock here. This is a user-to-user forum.

Also, fellow users and Stock Contributor Support can't give you legal advice.

Good luck!

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert

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