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A Photographic Style

Thursday, March 20th, 2008 by Alyice

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Aside from the fact that the Bell’s Palsy has made my eye see blurred and fuzzy images, thus making it difficult to pursue photography at this time, I’ve come to realize something that’s been holding me back—thanks to Anne Geddes’ new book, A Labor Of Love. And that’s the fact that I don’t’ really know what I want to specialize in when it comes to photography and that makes it difficult to get out there and market.

It’s very much like the life of an artist. An artist must first define his (or her) work and then set himself apart from other artists. He must show—through his art—what makes him different, special, and distinct. He must give his clients a reason to choose his work over that of other artists, or to choose his work to complement the works of other artists already purchased. And right now, I can honestly say that I don’t have such a direction for my photography.

Sure I know that I want my photography to help record and preserve history at both an affordable and profitable price. I also know that I want to capture real life and real moments in time and that I don’t want to work with people who want digital plastic surgery just to make themselves look better. I know that I want to work with people who like themselves for who they are inside and want that inner beauty to be portrayed in their photographs—minor touch-ups okay. And finally, I know that I wouldn’t mind using a little Anne Geddes magic in my photographs. But beyond that, I have nothing. I don’t yet have a style to call my own.

Early on Geddes discovered that “…every photographer needs to have their own individual style, a sense that you can do it your own unique way….” and she knew that it would “take years to develop”. But that did not stop her from owning her own photography business. She cultivated her style while working as a portraiture photographer. And today, she’s living her dream as a renowned baby photographer.

Reading A Labor Of Love. was a truly inspirational and motivational experience because it allowed me to see where Geddes came from and how she got to where she is today. It showed me that one can begin a photography business without yet having one’s own distinct style and that one can grow into that style over time. And it made me realize how vitally important it is to stay true to one’s self; for only then can real success take place—whether that success is monetary or otherwise.

Alyice Edrich, Editor-in-Chief

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Model Release Forms

Tuesday, December 19th, 2006 by Alyice

As I read various photography books I have often wondered why the photographers chose to showcase certain pieces as follow ups to their illustrations when it was apparent those weren’t their best work.

Then I discovered the answer.

Photography books (and any type of commercial use) require model release forms and not every person photographed wants to have his/her face plastered on thousands—if not millions—of books.

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Licensing Photographs


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What is a model release form and how does it work?

Basically, a model release form says the person being photographed gives the photographer the unrestricted right to use his/her photograph (portrait, likeness, image) and the unrestricted right to copyright said photograph for the purpose of being sold.

But to make the transaction legal and binding, both parties must get something in return. It’s obvious the photographer is getting the right to use the photograph, but what does the person being photographed get? The compensation isn’t important as long as both parties agree that it’s a fair trade.

Some photographers give “all rights” to one photograph of his/her choice. Other photographers offer one free 8×10 or 11×16 photograph. And still other photographers offer small monetary compensation—anywhere from $10 to $200 per photo shoot.

And one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to model release forms. There are special forms for adults, children, property, commercial use, artistic works, and so on. There’s even a “pocket release” form which can be carried around for spur of the moment shots.

So when don’t you need a model release form?

When the photograph is used for editorial purposes such as a newspaper or magazine story, or when you’re taking portraits you have NO intention of using in your advertisements, catalogs, greeting cards, postcards, brochures, or other forms of commercial use. And when you have no plans to offer the image to a stock photography agency or use it for works of art.

Model release forms are definitely a staple no photographer should be without. That’s why I ordered and recommend Licensing Photography by Richard Weisgrau and Victor S. Perlman. It’s even recommended by the American Society of Media Photographers.

Let’s make an impact!

Alyice Edrich, Editor-in-Chief

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