Consent in Photography

As a photograper, creator it is essential to protect your name and also your work at the same time. While creating is important, do be able to safely, ethically and legally use the work you create is also as important as creating.

Many times, we agree to create without actually discussing what is the intended use of the photographs post creation. And if the same has not been discussed, use of these photographs would then become a challenge if you and the creators involved are not on the same page. It also then leaves open the window for each one to make an assumption as convenient to them as possible.

There have been (very very few) instances earlier in my photographic journey, where muses agree to create something, beyond the discussed boundaries, on their own, without me nudging them, just because they enjoyed what we created, they enjoyed what we were making., or even when we created just what we agreed. They also have then gone ahead and used/ shared these pictures on their profiles, portfolios etc. And then suddenly after a period of time, sent gentle feelers that they do not want these pictures to be used anymore ! These feelers get stronger and stronger till they get to a point where you cannot use the pictures anymore.

For a model / muse, they are always changing as years go by, and they like to have more updated work on their profiles. So basically work for most of them is temporary, and having used it, there are some who feel it convenient to put restirctions later, citing change of heart, change of life conditions etc etc etc

However, for a photographer his photographs are for a lifetime. They are a part of his work, and in fact a photographer is judged by his work over a longer period of time.

Hence it becomes absolutely essential to protect your work. How do I do that!

1. By creating on,y with those who are absolutely enthusiastic about shooting with me in my style

2. Discussing boundaries and genres before hand, and sticking to them during the shoot. Also informing them that if they decide to move these boundaries, they can at their own free will, but then whatever is created at the shoot will form a part of the consent and a part of the shoot.

3. Informing them the intended use of the images I create, including my plan for monetisation etc etc.

4. We then agree upon the strategy to use these pictures, some are ok to do it with face, some want anonymity, some do not want to show face etc etc.

5. I then get a consent form signed to that effect usually after the shoot. I do it after the shoot cos they have an idea what we shot, and what is going to be used. I will always show them what we shot as we shoot so they know how it all looks. The photographs are shared with them, once a consent form is received. Usually there will be one consent form for one muse, even if we shoot multiple times, unless she feels to change some consent for a particular shoot before hand, here again the granted consent stays for the created work earlier and later.

It is essential we do this, to ensure that everyone knows what they are signing up for, and there is no room for convenient interpretation, or mis interpretation.

Small measures go a long way, and also keep the exploitations and disappointments away.

Cheers and Happy Creating.