In addition to the specific legal rules for releases discussed throughout this chapter, some general advice is helpful when dealing with release situations.
For example, a model that signed a release limiting use of her image for a museum brochure sued when the photo appeared on a Miami transit card. If a use exceeds what’s permitted under the limited release, the person can sue for breach of the agreement. Stock photographers who sell their photos for unlimited purposes commonly use blanket releases. There are two classes of personal releases: blanket releases and limited releases. Personal releases are often referred to as “model releases,” although the term “model” can be used for anyone, not just professional models. This section provides and discusses personal release agreements that permit the use of a person’s name and image.
