A model release form is a simple single page document where the model (or legal guardian if you are photographing children) agrees that you have the right to use their image for business usage. Some professional photographers actually “pay” their models a dollar to solidify this agreement.

But she’s my sister-in-law? He’s my best friend? While we like to think that disagreements won’t arise – the fact is they do. With a signed model release, you don’t have to fear that someone could legally prohibit you from using their image after you’ve designed an ad campaign or sent out product releases. And should your model become a “recognizable person” you might find yourself in hot water later on.

If you have a prepared model release and explain its purpose, you’ll find most people will willingly sign. Be sure to keep these releases in your file for later reference.

The take away here is to obtain a model release before you use the person in your business photography – just to be safe.

If you’d like a model release form for your own use, complete the contact form on the Rose of Sharon Jewelry site and I’ll be glad to email you the version I’ve used during my marketing career.

While this may seem a silly recommendation – do the right thing and obtain a release. It’s only your integrity at risk.

Using the image of a celebrity (even if they are deceased) in your marketing/advertising/promotion is a NO-NO! Their livelihood is tied to their image and legally they “own” it. A picture of Elizabeth Taylor or Lady GaGa used in a way that implies they endorse you or your business may seem like a great idea – until someone decides to object.

Here’s a few pictures he took this week. My daughter-in-law Dawn was posing with some vintage scarves for an upcoming blog feature when Orion raised his chubby hand, shouting “Me, Me, Me.” I thought he wanted his picture taken but that didn’t make him happy. He wanted my camera.

So I kept the camera strap around my neck and let him shoot away with the Canon Rebel and a pretty heavy lens. Every time the lens clicked, he giggled.

Here are some of his best pictures (with just a bit of cropping by Grandma). Enjoy!

Mama (a.k.a. Dawn)

Grandma’s Garden

Toes (a self portrait)

Here’s Master Photographer Orion on his 3rd birthday.

Copyblogger is a great resource for anyone who blogs.

Whether you write, draw, sculpt or scrapbook, how people nurture and develop creativity is pretty universal.

I love to watch Bravo’s “Inside the Actor’s Studio” and listen to how actors, directors and other TV/Film creators approach their art. It is really amazing to learn how they approach the creative process. Set your TiVo for this show.

What do you do or use to inspire your art? Do you have “dry” periods? What do you do to get you through those?

Leave a comment here (link on left) or visit the Rose of Sharon Jewelry Facebook Fan Page to share how you exercise your creative muscle.

Here’s one of my creative outlets – pictures of the Hunter – age 12 at the Jim Russell Racing School in Sonoma. Hunter has been accepted in the 13-16 year old group to race in October. He is a speed demon on the track and has a natural talent. No brag just fact! LOL

I really needed (read – a good excuse for) a powerful telephoto lens to document  my 12 yr. old grandson Hunter’s once-in-a-lifetime racing school weekend in Sonoma, CA at Infineon Raceway in 2 weeks. 

Hunter has shown some real promise behind the wheel and racing is part of our lives (from friend Jim’s SCCA wins to Formula 1 trips to naming grandson Kael Senna after a beloved F1 driver).

I wasn’t going to be part of the “boy-weekend” but then I was drafted to be the official track photographer for the Fullen boys. I agreed with the one condition – I get a new telephoto lens.

We’re looking forward a fabulous weekend on and off the track. The Jim Russell School is quite famous and the track is a wonderful place to learn and have tons of fun.  Plus Grandma gets to spend a little time in the Wine Country.