Photographer's Opinon on Photography Contract?

I certainly don't. Ownership of the image means one has the right to profit from the image's use; it does not mean that you absolutely control what's done with the image. And ownership of the image doesn't in itself bestow on the owner the right to publish the likeness of the people in the image. If it did, there'd be no need at all for model releases.

That said, the photographer's desire to use the image or images in her own self promotion (say, in a portfolio on her website) seems natural, reasonable and is in fact not at all uncommon. Now my contract states explicitly that I may use images for promotional purposes, on my website and/or in a printed promotional brochure. Does this photographer's contract say that?

I don't think I've ever thought about the issue of the model release in this situation. If you have a release, and she's working for you, and your contract with her did grant her the ability to use the images for self-promotion, is that kosher? I mean, are you authorized, as it were, to transfer to a third party (the photographer) the permission the model gave to you?

Final question: Aside from her lateness, what's the problem here? If the image is good, what's wrong with letting her use it?

Will Porter

(Texas)