[Gromit801]

Jim, how long have you been a professional photographer? I do it as part of my job as a graphic artist.

Just stop lying.

The 1st Amendment ONLY addresses GOVERNMENT censorship. Period. Private companies can censor and prohibit all they want, or have you never spent any time on internet forums? Oh wait you do. You really are befuddled.

A model release is a document that stipulates the terms under which one party may use pictures taken of another party. Most of the time, it's a brief (one paragraph) statement, although it can also be a lengthy contract full of stipulations on payment schedules, lists of permitted and non-permitted uses, legal rights and sometimes even limitations on the amount of money you can sue the other party for in the event of a contract violation. A model release can say whatever you want it to say—long or short—as long as both parties agree to it. It can also be retroactive; you can shoot first and get the release later. (In fact, sometimes photographers don't bother getting a release unless they have an opportunity to use the picture in a way that would require one.)

And remember, verbal agreements don't mean anything. It makes no difference if someone gives you all the verbal permission and encouragement in the world, the publication of an image can quickly change the mind of someone, especially if they see financial opportunity, or have been harmed in a way they didn't anticipate.

It is NOT strictly for commercial purposes.