MicrostockGroup

I have a crazy idea... why not add an expiration statement to your model releases such as:

 "This authorization EXPIRES twelve months from the date it is signed and specifically authorizes the release of any content created before and after the date signed up until the expiration date."

I used to work for a copy service contracted by many different hospitals. In order to release medical records, you have to sign an authorization to do so. It remains valid for the time indicated on the release. That way, the patient doesn't have to come in and sign a release form every time they are admitted to the hospital. Their doctors can use the authorization they have on file to request copies of the records. Maybe something like this could apply to model releases.

I think I'm going to try it. What do you think?

Not sure I understand the point. 

I often upload images from a shoot over 12 mos. from the date it was shot.  By making the release expire doesn't that just limit my options? 

The problem is that your wording doesn't necessarily mean what you want it to mean.  Legalese should only be written by those who understand contract law, as words have specific meaning in legal documents that may be at variance with common use.  That said, I have a pro photographer friend who uses an annual release with many of the models he shoots.  The release covers all shoots within a specified range of dates, and saves him the trouble of doing paperwork again and again.  What the micros, particularly iStock, would think of such a release is something only they could answer.

Print the model release with EVERYTHING filled in, except for the signatures.  Then photoshop in new dates using the same font.

In that case, it's very simple. Fill in all info (photog, model, witness, locations) in the form, just leaving date and signature spaces blank. As photog, you can even pre-sign all printed forms. After every shoot day, just let model and witness sign and fill in date, then shoot the release form and save it in the folder of the shoot's pictures. No mix-up possible then when uploading to iStock, especially if the date is part of the file name (as the Canon D5 does automatically).

For those that don't have a cam that names the files with the date+sequence number (e.g. DSCxxxx), there is a very nifty free program Advanced Renamer that can do all this and even autosequence the files.

In case you missed a previous post: DOC (changeable MS-Word) version of the generalized Getty release (with more room for signature): download here.

No, I hadn't seen that.  Very, very useful. Thanks a lot FD!