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What is a release?

A model or property release is a written agreement between the model or property owner and the photographer where the model or property owner has granted the photographer permission to use the photographs commercially. Releases generally permit the use of the image(s) for all purposes, with exceptions for controversial, sensitive or defamatory uses. However it is your responsibility to decide if a model and/or a property release is necessary for their intended image use.

Release Information on Zerotopia

When viewing the details of an image there is a section called "releases". This shows if the image has release forms available or not. If "yes" is displayed, and you wish to obtain a copy of the release, please contact support@zerotopia.com. Please allow up to seven working days to perform this request. It is your responsibility as a buyer to decide if the image requires a release.

Royalty Free (RF) Images on Zerotopia

MODEL RELEASE

When is a signed model release needed?

Images which depict people may require a signed model release. It is up to you to decide whether the licence usage will require a release. You should be aware that when a model release is available additional considerations may mean that the model release in itself is not sufficient, e.g. if the image is to be used for sensitive issues.

What situations would make a signed model release void?

Some image uses would void a signed release. The following is for guidance only and is not a full list:

• Defamation of Character - embellishment, distortion or fictionalisation of a person's character.
• Sensationalised use - a use intended to distort the "truth" of an image.

Sensitive Issues

A model may have signed a model release but may not consent to their image being used for a sensitive issue subject. Where this preference has been stated, restrictions will appear on the Zerotopia website next to the image. For example if an image has a tobacco restriction then the image cannot be used for a tobacco advertisement. If an image has no restriction it does not imply that the image is cleared for a sensitive issue.

A list of sensitive issue subjects is supplied below. This list is not exhaustive and is for illustrative purposes only, it should not be considered full and definitive.

• Abortion and/or pro-life or pro-choice
• Alcohol
• Gambling
• Guns and weapons
• Medical and mental health issues
• Negative financial portrayal
• Political fanaticism
• Religious fanaticism
• Sexual and sexual health issues
• Tobacco

PROPERTY RELEASE

When is a signed property release needed?

Images which depict property/landmarks/logos/art/etc... may require signed property releases. It is up to you to decide whether the licence usage will require a release. You should be aware that when a property release is available additional considerations may mean that the property release in itself is not sufficient, e.g. if the subject portrayed is to be used in a sensitive issue subject.

What situations would make a signed property release void?

Some Image uses would void a signed release. The following is for guidance only and is not a full list:

• Sensationalised use - a use intended to distort the "truth" of an image

Please see licensing explained for more on how our images are licensed.