Release Me
My portraits have been generating the most attention lately thanks to the Stobist shout-out. Good stuff. That post sent a whole lot of traffic my way and I appreciate the link. Of course, with that attention has come a fair amount of email-based questions and feedback. I hope to answer everyone but seeing as my time has been prioritized towards the Vespa Tour, forgive me in advance for not being overly personal in my responses.
That said, releases are a big source of inquiry and as a rule, I don't get them. It'll likely screw me in the long run but I'm not terribly concerned with that. I shoot for myself. And honestly, 99% of the time, this blog is the only "publication" it's going to have. For the Watchmen book, the actors all signed a release to the studio/production and since the portrait book is their property, it's not my deal.
When I approach randoms on the street, with few exceptions, I don't get a release. When I do, it's a simple one; little more than a paragraph. I once paid folks one U.S. dollar for photos in Uruguay but never turned the images over to stock so it's was just a waste of money.
On my current trip, I bought a flipcam to get a video release from folks but never remember to take it out after shooting portraits. This little girl would have needed her parents consent but I was only doing a test exposure with no expectation of making such a compelling shot. Go figure.
For anyone aspiring to shoot on the street as I do, I'd advise getting a simple release and having someone else get your subjects to sign it. It's better if the request comes from someone other than you. If you're a guy, have a woman make the request. The feminine vibe is much more effective when it come to litigious matters. Trust me.
Make pictures. Do as I say, not as I do.
That said, releases are a big source of inquiry and as a rule, I don't get them. It'll likely screw me in the long run but I'm not terribly concerned with that. I shoot for myself. And honestly, 99% of the time, this blog is the only "publication" it's going to have. For the Watchmen book, the actors all signed a release to the studio/production and since the portrait book is their property, it's not my deal.
When I approach randoms on the street, with few exceptions, I don't get a release. When I do, it's a simple one; little more than a paragraph. I once paid folks one U.S. dollar for photos in Uruguay but never turned the images over to stock so it's was just a waste of money.
On my current trip, I bought a flipcam to get a video release from folks but never remember to take it out after shooting portraits. This little girl would have needed her parents consent but I was only doing a test exposure with no expectation of making such a compelling shot. Go figure.
For anyone aspiring to shoot on the street as I do, I'd advise getting a simple release and having someone else get your subjects to sign it. It's better if the request comes from someone other than you. If you're a guy, have a woman make the request. The feminine vibe is much more effective when it come to litigious matters. Trust me.
Make pictures. Do as I say, not as I do.
12 comments:
Thank you for advice on releases. Did you craft your own release or find one online or some other resource? What should we look for in a release and what do we not need to put on there so that we don't confuse or frustrate the person?
Again, thank you so much for your blog. You are an inspiration.
Hi Clay,
In the wired video you are photographing with a 50 mm. I was just wondering if you do a lot of post processing or not. For me the most natural way is to make the best shot and try do to as little afterwards (I am not a purist on that.... Thanks for your daily 'candy' on your blog and I have two friends who have a few old Vespa´s...But then again, living in Europe makes it much easier to get some old Vespa´s back running.
Cheers, Joeri (Belgium)
Gday Clay - im one of the many who came across your work on account of the strobist link and am really enjoying your blog and work since.
i love your natural, raw and spontanious style.
I saw your work in the strobist blog and I really enjoyed it.
I'm gonna try out the street studio.
Really like your style and ideas.
You've earned an avid new reader.
Peace out!
I saw your video at strobist.com and I really appreciate. I love strobist lights, but sometimes, I think people exaggerate. Natural light is wonderful!! And I love 50mm \o/ I hardly take off mine of my cam!!!
Cheers from a begginer photographer from Brazil
Hi! Thanks a lot for an inspiration!
But how do get such a great portraits in photoshop? Can you explain your magic?!
Hi Clay, found your site via Strobist, awesome site you have here, also follow on twitter, think it must be amazing to travel like this!!
I just have one question, you explained about the release, but what I would love to know is, what do you tell people? If you stop them and ask them if you can take their picture, and they ask "why?" what do you tell them!!??
Continue the awesome work, enjoy the travel!!!
I've just discovered you. Nice work you got here.
About the last part...what a coincidence. I've been thinking about this matter:
I would LOVE to photograph women on the streets and also make portraits of them but I would bring along a female friend (or my sister) to ask them ladies if they wanna pose for me.
The only bad thing about being a male photographer is...being a male. That is, if you wanna make pics of women.
i never thought of that idea before, but i really want to try it out! Thanks!
Hey all commenters, this isn't a cop-out but honestly I don't have time to get nitty gritty with y'all here regarding photoshop (which i keep uber -simple) or releases. Some of the stuff I've made posts about in the past so feel free to go diggin'
sorry but i am on the road these days and not giving my mirrors much attention.
thanks for commenting regardless, sorry i'm not more engaging right now. maybe later?
c
love this portrait, tone + expression are awesome
I love the style of your work and the interaction with the people. For my class project I tried to go out and emulate your style and it was a success. keep up the blogging and great work. :]
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