Collaborations

Collaboration. Collaboration in photography is when a photographer agrees to shoot a model for free and the model agrees to be photographed for free. The photographer then shares the pictures taken with the model. Those shared photographs can then be used by the photographer and model for marketing or social media. So in essence: the photographer is donating their gear, expertise, and time to photograph a model. In turn, the model is donating her image, wardrobe, time, and experience to be photographed. The photographer benefits by getting a model to shoot, obtaining experience in various types of styles, and getting pictures to practice editing skill. The photographer can then take these photos and use them as part of their portfolio or social media. The model benefits by getting all the pictures for free, some editing and retouching of all or some of those photos, modeling experience, and the use of the photographs for her publicity or social media. A win/win. Moreover; prior to the collaboration, the photographer and model can discuss what pictures can be used for their personal use. These conditions should be discussed and agreed to prior to the shoot.

What happens when a model doesn’t not like a photo used by the photographer on social or published media? Does the model have the right to ask the photographer to take the photo down? Even after the posted image followed all the conditions agreed to prior to the shoot? Honestly, I don’t know. If the model’s reason is valid ( valid being subjective) then the photographer may choose to take the photo down. But what if the photograph is a solid, well taken photograph that does not disparage the model? The photographer should take the image down, but not using that model again would be appropriate.

A collaboration should be of mutual benefit. The model should have the right to ask that photos that objectively make the model look bad, be taken down. The model should also trust the photographer to only post the best work they can. Work that won’t harm their portfolio or the model’s image. But if the model wants “good” pictures taken down due to a whim, well that photographer may choose to never use that model again.

Final thought: A model realease solves this issue. Post you comments or thoughts!

The man, the myth, the legend: Gerald Halloway.