What if I've been asked for a model release and I don't have one?

Kristin Duvall

Every recognizable person requires a model release. If you can get one, there is no benefit to not attaching it. Many clients won't buy unreleased content (even if the person is unrecognizable), and our partner won't accept it. Always add a release if you can. 

If you can't get a release and think the person is unrecognizable, please let us know by responding to your Editor's note in Image Manager.

We might consider someone unidentifiable because they are out of focus, blurred, silhouetted, distant, or lacking individual characteristics. Sometimes, we will ask you to retouch the image to make people even less recognizable, e.g., blurring, adding a shadow, changing clothing, removing tattoos, etc. 

We review each case to determine whether a person can pass without a release, and our Legal team makes the final call.