What is a Boudoir Model Release: All the Details

Let’s start at the very beginning by defining what a boudoir model release is:

What is a Boudoir Model Release?

A “model release” isn’t just for professional models. In this context, a “model” is an industry term for anyone being photographed, and by signing a release, you’re giving your photographer permission to use images of you. Whether that be on their website, on social media, etc.

Any standard contract for photography services has a model release, including mine! But because of the nature of boudoir photography, my model release is both more robust and more customizable, all depending on your level of comfort and desired privacy. And there’s no additional fee for keeping your images private.

Model Releases at Lunar Rose Boudoir

The first time you see boudoir model release options will be in your contract during the booking process.

The Options in Your Contract and What They Mean

In your boudoir contract, you’ll see six (yes, six) different options for model releases. I like options, you like options, especially when it comes to photos of your butt.

Model Release Option #1: Full consent to use any images.

This is the most “wide open” of your options, which grants me permission to post any image from your gallery on social media, my website, marketing materials, publication submissions, etc.

Free reign!

Model Release Option #2: Consent to use only approved images.

“Approved Images” is one of the most popular model release options. Instead of a blanket statement, this gives you the option to pick and choose which images you’d like to keep private and which you’d be happy to share.

Model Release Option #3: Consent to use only anonymous images.

Confession: I freaking love anonymous images.

By “anonymous” I mean images without your face or taken from behind with just the back of your head, etc. I can also edit out (small) tattoos on request for no additional fee. If that’s not possible, I’ll let you know, and we can revisit which images you’re comfortable sharing.

Model Release Option #4: No agreement or consent to use any boudoir images.

Please don’t feel bad about selecting this option!

As a photographer, I obviously need images for marketing purposes, but if I find myself with a string of sessions without a model release, I’ll set up some discounted sessions in exchange for a release. There are ways to get usable images without pressuring anyone, and if you come across a photographer who demands you share your images “for their business,” please don’t give them a single penny. You don’t have to book with me, but for an experience like boudoir, you absolutely should stay away from anyone pressuring you. About anything.

Changing Your Mind With A Boudoir Model Release

Given that you’re making a model release decision super early in the process (when you book), it’s only natural that you may change your mind. Either before your session or after it.

And that’s allowed.

I’ve had clients change their minds in both directions with this. Either they revoke some level of image use in the days leading up to their session, or they enjoy their images so much that they want to share some or all of them online.

Whatever scenario you find yourself in, this isn’t an area I’m going to fight you on. Ever. It’s non-negotiable and very important to me that you, the client, have control over who sees your images. If you have a session with me and give me permission to post on my website, then email me three years later saying you’ve changed your mind, then your images get taken down as soon as possible. No questions asked. You’ll get a new model release to sign, and there will never be any hard feelings about it.

Internet Safety: Your Images Online

It’s 2023. We’ve all been exposed to the Internet pretty thoroughly by now.

But I still wanted to include a section here about the realities of the Internet. Not to condescend, but to let you know that I’m very aware of this, and keep this consideration in mind.

The Internet is Forever

I can just imagine some other business owners reading this and thinking I’m an idiot for bringing up stuff like this. “Why put that in someone’s head, why make it more difficult for yourself to get images you can use?”

Because I’d feel bad if I didn’t.

If you choose to share your images, I’m fully on board. Boudoir is empowering and fun and not something I won’t type out in case Google bans my site into oblivion.

Disclaimer About Taking Down Images:

I make artwork that I’m proud of, that my clients are proud of. And I see nothing wrong with anyone wanting to share that artwork.

I just have to put this wee disclaimer that, if you change your mind and decide you don’t want your images up on my site anymore, all I can do is take down the images I posted. It’ll happen quickly, without questions, but I can’t scrub them from the Internet completely because I don’t have control over what other people do.

I’m not saying they are other places, just that they could be because the Internet is vast, and I am not its ruler. (How wild would that be. Dinosaur videos for everyone.)

But to avoid ending on a downer:

My clients are amazing. You’re amazing. And if you want to share that with the world, I’m here for it.

To book your very own session, you can email me at hello@lunarroseboudoir.com, or click over to my contact page to fill out a wee form and get things started!