A Digital Photographer’s Guide to Model Releases
reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher, Olathe, KS: (dreric1kansas@aol.com)
Author: Dan Heller
Publisher: Wiley Publishing , Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NY 0703 Released: March 31, 2008
Pages: 288
$30 USA
$ 33 Canada
ISBN-10: 0470228563
ISBN-13: 978-0470228562
Strengths: Comprehensive information about model releases. Full color and additional hints abound through the book. Excellent model photographs highlight nice examples. Vertical tabs at the side of each page highlight main part of the section. Nice yellow like sticky notes are strategically placed throughout the book and the pages, to portray tips and highlight specific concerns or ideas that are relevant to the chapter/ pages or text.
Weaknesses: None
Novice/Intermediate/Advanced
Rating: 5/5
Introduction
Taking photos of people, places and many types of visuals, for publication, is commonplace. However in many lines of work, the necessity and use of model release forms is misunderstood, to say the least. Sometimes the nuances are not quite understood or well defined in many cases, by photographers or the places of business themselves. The book Model Releases: A digital Photographer’s Guide, helps to clarify the meaning of much of the process and update advanced in print media and more in recent years.
The author has been a freelance photographer and photo industry analyst. His works have been featured in publicaiotns from news and business media to fine arts books. This book is the result of over five years of his research to model releases. He is well versed in the changing trends that have transformed books, the press, music and much more, in recent years. His knowledge is transmitted to this book in a very readable and understandable way.
The seven part book covers a wide range of important topics within its 288 pages. The titles of the parts of the book highlight the necessity of model releases. These are : Everyone’s doing it ; So what’s wrong; What’s a model release ; Understanding “use”; Analyzing the need for a model release; Dealing with photos of property; The business of Licensing. The book makes it much easier to clarify when releases are needed and not needed. What buyers need in the way of model releases, and those who don't need releases are summarized. Also included is information for marketing and licensing all your photos, whether they have been released or not. Also the author does the best he can in accumulating years of information and distilling helpful information in one book.
The book is relevant to those in the United States and abroad. The author helps to define in clear terms, what should be initiated and followed through, under many situations and circumstances. He is clear and concise so that misinformation does not occur and clarity of the releases are understood. The well illustrated text is a very comprehensive book available on the subject, covering everything you would to know about model releases. The releases pertain to people, places and additional circumstances. Much has changes in light of a photographer's role in the creation of photographs that may be uses on or in conjunction with the internet, with digital photography. newspapers, books and magazines.
Conclusions
This important book is both insightful and a pleasure to read and understand. The book is useful for everyone from professional photographers whose work involves photography to those amateur photographers who take vacation pictures on vacation, take photos of at their children' s teams/games, schools or more. This book also includes information about models themselves and what they can learn about their rights concerning how they can protect themselves and when that is not possible.
The importance of this book is highlighted by the fact that a well known GPS technology firm “stole” (or should we say “did not secure properly”), music from my daughter’s business/ firm. Whether it was on purpose or not, she had to set them straight and went through the proper channels. This was an interesting event and it served to highlight what should and needs to be done in the way of copyrighting materials. In addition, a firm in Africa wanted to use one of my photographs for their greeting cards. To make a long story short, I had to find that person and that firm, after they used my photographs, as the individual did not forward my payment. If I would have had the information from this book beforehand, I would have know the proper course of action to take to protect myself with the transaction. This book would have let me know, in advance, the proper procedures so that the situation would have not occurred. Now I am better prepared. And you will be too if you read this well prepared book.
Whether you are in business, work with photographs whether your home, business or personal use or involved in possible interactions with businesses, this book is well worth reading. There is something to be said for knowing and understanding your rights, as well as the rights of clients and businesses. That way you can make the best decision about your photos that possible will end up in businesses, books or other forms.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
J. Pasachoff's Nature Solar eclipse article
Photos, information and more from this nice article.
"Solar eclipses as an astrophysical laboratory" freely available at
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v459/n7248/full/nature07987.htm
"Solar eclipses as an astrophysical laboratory" freely available at
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v459/n7248/full/nature07987.htm
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
total eclipse: Make sure to turn off your camera flash so as to not stun others Mr. Spock
I keep reminding myself about much of these importances before every eclipse .
I thought I might point out some for the benefit of you-all.
(1) Everyone, novice (I prefer use virgin) or not needs to take time to just stare and look at the vista. Even I did that during the 2001 eclipse (finally!).
(2) If you need to protograph the Sun with a camera, it is most important that you make sure that the FLASH is set to OFF.
A flash next to someone blinds them a few precious seconds. In my 1998 video, you can see hundreds of flashes all over the ship Galaxy. A flash will do no good.
Plus it should be on manual not auto (that goes for camcorders too).
Kodak actually has information about how to set your camera for the eclipse depending on what you want to see. I will post all of this on my blog in the near future and well let you know. Your camera does not act like your "EYE". Your eye can see everything at once but the camera will not.
(3) Be prepared because when that shadow starts coming in, things really start to get amazing. It is unlike anything you can see. Like many others you might forget everything you have learned, know or have carefully preplanned (happens all the time). One person aboard the Canberra at 1973, I heard did not take off their eclipse sunglasses and did not understand why things were so dark!!!
(4) Check your equipment before the eclipse and make sure you have batteries etc and everything. My other camcorder failed before totality but luckily I had a backup and had my camera ready to shoot the eclipse sun (featured in Astronomy magazine Dec 2001).
(5) I won't take the time to look at totality with a telescope. Binoculars are probably better. I will use my camer, camcorder and my eyes. I suggest if there are people with a telescope in the group who will offer a peak, please gather near them. Make sure you have permission before totality. They might not have time.
My research mainly has dealt with the environment during total eclipses and how the environment changes before and during totality. You will see a big difference when the sun is covered at 50% but when it starts getting closer well things really change.
(6) Be prepared not to walk too far during totality. In 1972 it was very dark (smaller shaodw cone and less light filtering in). . I could not even see my camera dial settings. In 1979 with the snow it was brighter. 1973 and 2001 were different. Much lighter but still like the dark of the full moon. Be prepared to stay close.
(7) In 1999, there were shadow bands before totality but not after. I could not see them but others could. I was too busy. Your eyes might not be able to focus on them before totality as the light continues to dim. In 2001, I did not seem them before hand but we saw them after totality for over 6 minutes and I was able to videotape them. If you want to look for shadow bands, a white cloth or sheet is needed. Seeing them was one of my all time eclipse highlights and that in 2001. But we might not see them.
(8) That also reminds me. I now where hearning aids mostly during working with students, working with groups etc. If you were them, make sure you have enough. I did not put them in before my encounter with a tornado in May as we were so rushed. The other two guys I was chasing with hear some extra noises relating to the incoming tornado (I hear them now on the video I took of the tornado). If you want to hear everything going on as well seeing during those precious moments, make sure to have your hearing aids in and contacts in!! ( I am glad I wrote this as I might not have thought about it before our trip).
Dr. Eric Flescher
I thought I might point out some for the benefit of you-all.
(1) Everyone, novice (I prefer use virgin) or not needs to take time to just stare and look at the vista. Even I did that during the 2001 eclipse (finally!).
(2) If you need to protograph the Sun with a camera, it is most important that you make sure that the FLASH is set to OFF.
A flash next to someone blinds them a few precious seconds. In my 1998 video, you can see hundreds of flashes all over the ship Galaxy. A flash will do no good.
Plus it should be on manual not auto (that goes for camcorders too).
Kodak actually has information about how to set your camera for the eclipse depending on what you want to see. I will post all of this on my blog in the near future and well let you know. Your camera does not act like your "EYE". Your eye can see everything at once but the camera will not.
(3) Be prepared because when that shadow starts coming in, things really start to get amazing. It is unlike anything you can see. Like many others you might forget everything you have learned, know or have carefully preplanned (happens all the time). One person aboard the Canberra at 1973, I heard did not take off their eclipse sunglasses and did not understand why things were so dark!!!
(4) Check your equipment before the eclipse and make sure you have batteries etc and everything. My other camcorder failed before totality but luckily I had a backup and had my camera ready to shoot the eclipse sun (featured in Astronomy magazine Dec 2001).
(5) I won't take the time to look at totality with a telescope. Binoculars are probably better. I will use my camer, camcorder and my eyes. I suggest if there are people with a telescope in the group who will offer a peak, please gather near them. Make sure you have permission before totality. They might not have time.
My research mainly has dealt with the environment during total eclipses and how the environment changes before and during totality. You will see a big difference when the sun is covered at 50% but when it starts getting closer well things really change.
(6) Be prepared not to walk too far during totality. In 1972 it was very dark (smaller shaodw cone and less light filtering in). . I could not even see my camera dial settings. In 1979 with the snow it was brighter. 1973 and 2001 were different. Much lighter but still like the dark of the full moon. Be prepared to stay close.
(7) In 1999, there were shadow bands before totality but not after. I could not see them but others could. I was too busy. Your eyes might not be able to focus on them before totality as the light continues to dim. In 2001, I did not seem them before hand but we saw them after totality for over 6 minutes and I was able to videotape them. If you want to look for shadow bands, a white cloth or sheet is needed. Seeing them was one of my all time eclipse highlights and that in 2001. But we might not see them.
(8) That also reminds me. I now where hearning aids mostly during working with students, working with groups etc. If you were them, make sure you have enough. I did not put them in before my encounter with a tornado in May as we were so rushed. The other two guys I was chasing with hear some extra noises relating to the incoming tornado (I hear them now on the video I took of the tornado). If you want to hear everything going on as well seeing during those precious moments, make sure to have your hearing aids in and contacts in!! ( I am glad I wrote this as I might not have thought about it before our trip).
Dr. Eric Flescher
Medical needs before the total eclipse in July 2009
To All on the trip
Now I am started to get excited with all the emails etc. Meanwhile while I am also in stormchasing mode and most likely chasing this weekend in Kansas, I am aware of other things I need to do for my next eclipse trip to China in July.
(1) My travel agent Boston friend Mimi Leavitt, who also runs eclipse trips, suggest that I really should get up to speed on several medical things before the trip in addition to Malaria. I have not been outside the US since the 2001 eclipse in S Africa. I will see my doctor about the following next week.
She suggests (it might be all old hat to you all but read on)
"Note: consult with your physician about protection against Malaria. Malaria is being found where you and we will be traveling. Our physiciane both recommend Malarone - to be begun 2 days in advance of departure and continue 7 days after your return. Also - inquire about Typhoid vaccine - 4 capsules taken within 7 day period. Plus - be current with Tetanus protection - if in year 6-7-8- etc., get new Tetanus shot. Currently, CDC site warns about existence of foot and hoof disease - so bring along wash 'n' wipes and/or Purell, etc - to avoid as many germs as possible. Be current with your flu, measles, etc. protection."
(2) I plan this time bring a rain gear parka of some sort small like we used while20trapsing around Victoria Falls in 2001. I also plan to include plastic bags to waterproof my camera and lens. In 2007, while with my friends up on Mt. Lemmon (spelling) , thunderstorms came up all of a sudden . (THey did not tell me this might happen :(
My Canon XT mechanisms were ruined and only manual mode work now. If I would have a plastic bag, the camera would possibly still be okay. I have a Revel XTi coming and you can be sure that I will have some plastic covering for the eclipse trip, traveling and my stormchasing. I learned an expensive lesson.
(3) I will post this and other information on my Black Sun Eclipse blog
(4) During 3 previous eclipse trips, I videotaped and photographed the trips , the eclipses and much more. They took a lot of time to put together but I was pleased with their rendition and it was a good souvenir about the trip, eclipse etc. (I still watch all 3 of mine).
I put them together as videotapes and sold them. However this time , I plan to go one better and include the Black Sun Eclipse 2009 trip on + and - DVD hopefully with chapter markers, slide shows , movie of the trip in the locals and of course the total eclipse.
This time I will be using a 3ccd chip camcorder which has much resolution then Hi-8mm or other the formats. However this camcorder does not do the HD highest resolution but you will be able to play it well on your HD TVs.
This one will be run betwe en 1 and 2 hours as the previous ones (more likely close to 2 depending on how much I can squeee into the DVDs). (They will be NSCT . I have never done PAL DVDs for people outside the US but if you come from outside of US let me know).
I would like to see how many people might be interested. Each DVD or videotape will be about $39 right now. The cost will go up after the trip though. I might be able to set up credit card through Paypal but for right now checks would be they best.
If you are interested send me a private email by using the form below.
****
Black Sun Eclipse 2009 DVD/ Video
send to Dr. Eric Flescher (kcstarguy@aol.com)
Name : _________________
Full Address/ Zip Code :_________________________________________________
email address: ___________________________________
yes (1) I would be interested in purchasing Black Sun Eclipse 2009 DVD
Yes (2) I would be interested in purchasing Black Sun Eclipse 2009 Videotape
(3) I would like further information before deciding- please send me this in detail thank you
(4) questions etc
____
Dr. Eric Flescher (kcstarguy@aol.com), Olathe, KS: Lat 38.834, Lon -94.778: Comet Observers Award Coordinator- Astronomical League / Astronomical Society of Kansas, KC, MO-Louisburg,KS: http://www.astroleague.org/al/obsclubs/comet/comet.htm: ; Comet Observers20Blog: http://cometobservers.blogspot.com/: Subscribe to Comet Observers newsletter (send your email to): CometObserversAwardAL-subscribe@yahoogroups.com: E.O.A.S. (Earth, Oceans, Atmosphere and Space) Blog -
blacksuneclipse-subscribe@egroups.com: Black Sun Eclipse Blog
Now I am started to get excited with all the emails etc. Meanwhile while I am also in stormchasing mode and most likely chasing this weekend in Kansas, I am aware of other things I need to do for my next eclipse trip to China in July.
(1) My travel agent Boston friend Mimi Leavitt, who also runs eclipse trips, suggest that I really should get up to speed on several medical things before the trip in addition to Malaria. I have not been outside the US since the 2001 eclipse in S Africa. I will see my doctor about the following next week.
She suggests (it might be all old hat to you all but read on)
"Note: consult with your physician about protection against Malaria. Malaria is being found where you and we will be traveling. Our physiciane both recommend Malarone - to be begun 2 days in advance of departure and continue 7 days after your return. Also - inquire about Typhoid vaccine - 4 capsules taken within 7 day period. Plus - be current with Tetanus protection - if in year 6-7-8- etc., get new Tetanus shot. Currently, CDC site warns about existence of foot and hoof disease - so bring along wash 'n' wipes and/or Purell, etc - to avoid as many germs as possible. Be current with your flu, measles, etc. protection."
(2) I plan this time bring a rain gear parka of some sort small like we used while20trapsing around Victoria Falls in 2001. I also plan to include plastic bags to waterproof my camera and lens. In 2007, while with my friends up on Mt. Lemmon (spelling) , thunderstorms came up all of a sudden . (THey did not tell me this might happen :(
My Canon XT mechanisms were ruined and only manual mode work now. If I would have a plastic bag, the camera would possibly still be okay. I have a Revel XTi coming and you can be sure that I will have some plastic covering for the eclipse trip, traveling and my stormchasing. I learned an expensive lesson.
(3) I will post this and other information on my Black Sun Eclipse blog
(4) During 3 previous eclipse trips, I videotaped and photographed the trips , the eclipses and much more. They took a lot of time to put together but I was pleased with their rendition and it was a good souvenir about the trip, eclipse etc. (I still watch all 3 of mine).
I put them together as videotapes and sold them. However this time , I plan to go one better and include the Black Sun Eclipse 2009 trip on + and - DVD hopefully with chapter markers, slide shows , movie of the trip in the locals and of course the total eclipse.
This time I will be using a 3ccd chip camcorder which has much resolution then Hi-8mm or other the formats. However this camcorder does not do the HD highest resolution but you will be able to play it well on your HD TVs.
This one will be run betwe en 1 and 2 hours as the previous ones (more likely close to 2 depending on how much I can squeee into the DVDs). (They will be NSCT . I have never done PAL DVDs for people outside the US but if you come from outside of US let me know).
I would like to see how many people might be interested. Each DVD or videotape will be about $39 right now. The cost will go up after the trip though. I might be able to set up credit card through Paypal but for right now checks would be they best.
If you are interested send me a private email by using the form below.
****
Black Sun Eclipse 2009 DVD/ Video
send to Dr. Eric Flescher (kcstarguy@aol.com)
Name : _________________
Full Address/ Zip Code :_________________________________________________
email address: ___________________________________
yes (1) I would be interested in purchasing Black Sun Eclipse 2009 DVD
Yes (2) I would be interested in purchasing Black Sun Eclipse 2009 Videotape
(3) I would like further information before deciding- please send me this in detail thank you
(4) questions etc
____
Dr. Eric Flescher (kcstarguy@aol.com), Olathe, KS: Lat 38.834, Lon -94.778: Comet Observers Award Coordinator- Astronomical League / Astronomical Society of Kansas, KC, MO-Louisburg,KS: http://www.astroleague.org/al/obsclubs/comet/comet.htm: ; Comet Observers20Blog: http://cometobservers.blogspot.com/: Subscribe to Comet Observers newsletter (send your email to): CometObserversAwardAL-subscribe@yahoogroups.com: E.O.A.S. (Earth, Oceans, Atmosphere and Space) Blog -
blacksuneclipse-subscribe@egroups.com: Black Sun Eclipse Blog
Monday, June 1, 2009
Vishnu Reddy will speak about eclipses in India
- A number of years ago, I communicated with Vishnu as he was interested in asteroids and furthering his education with astronomy. While I never was able to meet him personally, I assisted and told him about some universities and some places he might want to contact in the US. One thing led to another and he achieved his degree in Astronomy. A great accomplishment.I've spoken by email on off over the years. Now I see he will do a talk about the upcoming eclipse (see below) . Congrats and more.
blacksuneclipse-subscribe@egroups.com: Black Sun Eclipse Blog
Talk by Vishnu Reddy - something interesting for the Total Solar Ecl
Posted by: "nandivada_rathnasree" rathnasree63@yahoo.co.uk nandivada_rathnasree
Sun May 31, 2009 6:56 pm (PDT)
For those in Delhi:
Hello, there will be a public lecture by Vishnu Reddy, at the Nehru Planetarium, New Delhi, at 5 PM on the 3rd of June 2009.
Vishnu Reddy has become a legend among the amateur astronomy circles in India and his is a truly inspiring story in terms of his madness for astronomy which led him to becoming a PHD student in Astronomy at the University of North Dakota, having started out as a journalist at Asian Age, in Delhi. Along the way - discovering 22 main belt asteroids!
Please do see here
http://nehruplanetarium.org/ taarewiki/ pmwiki.php? n=Site.GodhooliP ublicLectures
For the details of his talk on search for Vulcanoids during a Total Solar Eclipse.
The topic sounded strange to me - I spent an enjoyable day or two learning about Vulcanoids - hypothesised asteroids orbiting the Sun closer than Mercury. SOHO and Messenger spacecraft data is being used to search for these. The exciting possibility seems to be that amateur astronomers can do this too, during a Total Solar Eclipse!
Do be there at 5 PM on the 3rd June at the PLanetarium, to find out about this and meet Vishnu.
Rathnasree, Nehru Planetarium, New Delhi
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