Glen Wilkins embarked on a freelance, fine art photography projectthat involved photographing the arms of his subjects, including strangers he might meet in the street. He set himself the initial target of capturing the images of fifty arms that would form the basis of a larger final artwork.

From his experience of the publishing industry Glen knew obtaining a model release form was essential so that he had complete control over the images he had captured. After looking at a commercial model release as a template he realised that its overly commercial nature and focus on payment for the models was too restrictive as he was asking people to pose for free. Like most creative entrepreneurs, Glen says he found that "the legal language used in the agreement was completely alien to me and I didn't feel confident amending it on my own."

The importance of getting the agreement to the image rights before Glen started taking photos was paramount as this would form the basis of how Glen could further exploit his own work and make sure that he had the permission from the models to do so. Changes needed to be made to the agreement and it needed to suit both his and the model's needs and both had to have confidence in signing a legal document. Glen used Own-it legal advice service to make the appropriate and necessary changes to the existing agreement that ensured he had full control in the image rights.

Glen has now taken his initial fifty photographs – which form the basis of a large-scale montage. Glen is continuing the project and as he has complete ownership of the images is able to develop the work's possibility further through an exhibition or publication of his artwork.

Own-it Services Used: Sample Contracts, IP Advice

 

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