Model in the city

I’m hoping to do a city photo shoot this summer with a model. I’m not used to shooting in an urban environment as most of my shoots are rural. Any advice?

Julia Hampton

Firstly you need to be aware if you are shooting on private land. In the city, much of the land is private, although it may not be obvious, for example, shopping centres and car parks. If it is private you need to get permission before the shoot from the land owner. If you want to sell your images on a stock site, and the land is identifiable you will also need a location release form. If you don’t get permission you may get moved on by security guards, but if you are polite there is no reason this would escalate.

You are free to shoot in any public space without permission, however it is wise to do a risk assessment before the shoot. For example, could passers-by trip on your equipment? Do you have public liability insurance?

Finally think about where you want your images to end up and again, if you want them to sell on stock for commercial use, anyone who is identifiable in the image will need to sign a model release form.