When it is OK to use the image without permission (a model release):

  • If a photo of you is used editorially* e.g. featured in a newspapers or magazine to illustrate a story.
  • If the photo is a crowd shot e.g. walking through oxford circus, or in a crowd at a festival.


When it’s not OK to use your image without permission:

  • If the image is being used commercially* e.g. if it’s being used by a company in their advertising or marketing campaigns and they’ve made it look like you are endorsing their product.
  • If the image is being used on consumer goods e.g. greetings cards, t shirts or calendars.