PHOTO DISCLOSURE AND RELEASE FORM

FOR MINORS PARTICIPATING IN SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN ALABAMA

PHOTOGRAPHER: Derek Fortson - Excelsius, LLC dba Excelsius Event Planning & Management

CONTACT INFORMATION: 762-207-4234 | derekfortson@excelsius-events.org] | https://www.excelsius-events.org

DATE: 7/1/2025 and effective hereafter

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PARENTS/LEGAL GUARDIANS:

Please read this entire form carefully before signing. This document outlines the terms under which Derek Fortson - Excelsius, LLC dba Excelsius Event Planning & Management (hereinafter referred to as "Photographer") will be capturing images of your child(ren) during sports activities and how those images may be used. Your signature indicates your understanding and agreement with these terms.

PART 1: DISCLOSURE OF PHOTOGRAPHY PRACTICES

Purpose of Photography: The Photographer will be capturing candid and posed photographs of children participating in various sports activities, including but not limited to [list specific sports, e.g., soccer, baseball, basketball, football, gymnastics]. The primary goal is to document the energy, emotion, and action of youth sports.
Scope of Photography: Photography will take place at typical locations, e.g., sports fields, gymnasiums, parks, specific league events. The Photographer will endeavor to capture a wide range of moments, from individual action shots to team interactions and sideline activities.
Privacy Considerations:
- The Photographer will exercise reasonable care to capture images respectfully and professionally.
- While the focus is on sports action, it is possible that images may include children in various states of exertion or emotion.
- The Photographer will strive to avoid capturing images that are unduly embarrassing, inappropriate, or infringe on personal privacy beyond the scope of typical sports photography.
- If you have specific concerns about your child's privacy during photography, please discuss them with the Photographer before signing this form.
Image Selection and Editing:
- The Photographer will select the best images from the photography sessions.
- Selected images may undergo standard post-processing (e.g., color correction, cropping, minor retouching) to enhance their quality.
- The Photographer retains the sole discretion over the final selection and editing of all images.
Online Galleries and Proofing:
- Images may be uploaded to a secure, password-protected online gallery for viewing and ordering by parents/guardians.
- Information regarding access to these galleries (e.g., website address, password) will be provided separately.
- It is your responsibility to keep any provided passwords confidential.
Safety and Supervision:
- The Photographer's role is solely to take photographs. The Photographer is not responsible for the supervision, safety, or well-being of your child(ren) during sports activities.
- Parents/legal guardians remain solely responsible for the supervision and conduct of their child(ren) at all times during sports events.

PART 2: PHOTO RELEASE AND LICENSING AGREEMENT

I, the undersigned parent or legal guardian of the minor child(ren) named below, hereby grant [Your Full Name/Business Name] (the "Photographer") and their assigns, licensees, and successors the irrevocable right to use photographs and videos of my child(ren) as described herein.

Minor Child(ren)'s Name(s):

Full Name: ____________________________________ Date of Birth: _________________
Full Name: ____________________________________ Date of Birth: _________________
Full Name: ____________________________________ Date of Birth: _________________ (Add additional lines as needed)

1. Grant of Rights: I grant the Photographer the absolute and irrevocable right and permission to copyright, use, re-use, publish, and republish photographic images and videos of my child(ren) that are taken by the Photographer during the specified sports activities. This includes, but is not limited to, my child(ren)'s name, likeness, image, voice, and/or appearance, for any lawful purpose whatsoever.

2. Permitted Uses: I agree that these photographs and videos may be used by the Photographer for, but not limited to, the following purposes: * Promotional Materials: Website portfolios, social media (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter), online and print advertisements, brochures, flyers, and other marketing materials for the Photographer's business. * Sales and Products: Inclusion in online galleries for viewing and purchase by parents/guardians, prints, digital files, photo albums, and other photographic products. * Exhibition and Portfolio: Display in photographic exhibitions, contests, and professional portfolios. * Educational Purposes: Use in workshops, presentations, and educational materials related to photography. * Third-Party Uses (Specific to Youth Sports): In some instances, with prior agreement, images may be shared with the sports league, team, or event organizers for their promotional or archival purposes (e.g., team websites, yearbooks, local news features related to the league). If you wish to specifically exclude this, please initial here: _____ (I prefer images NOT be shared with third-party sports organizations).

3. No Compensation: I understand and agree that I will not receive any financial compensation or other remuneration for the use of my child(ren)'s photographs or videos, now or in the future.

4. Ownership of Images: I acknowledge that the Photographer is the sole and exclusive owner of all rights, including copyright, in and to all photographs and videos taken by the Photographer.

5. Waiver of Inspection/Approval: I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished photographs or videos, or the uses to which they may be applied, including any written copy that may be created and used in connection therewith.

6. Release from Liability: I hereby release, discharge, and agree to hold harmless the Photographer, their heirs, legal representatives, and assigns, from any and all claims, demands, and causes of action which I, my child(ren), or any person acting on my or their behalf, may have arising out of or in connection with the taking, use, or publication of said photographs or videos, including any claims for libel, defamation, invasion of privacy, or right of publicity.

7. Consent to Medical Treatment (Optional, but good for sports events): In the event of an emergency, if I cannot be reached, I authorize the Photographer to seek medical attention for my child(ren) if deemed necessary, and I agree to be responsible for any associated costs.

8. Understanding and Agreement: I have read and fully understand the terms of this Photo Disclosure and Release Form. I am 18 years of age or older and am the legal parent or guardian of the minor child(ren) named above and am fully authorized to sign this release on their behalf. I agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.

SELECT ONE OPTION BELOW:

OPTION A: I GRANT FULL PHOTO RELEASE

By signing below, I grant full permission for [Your Full Name/Business Name] to photograph my child(ren) and use their images as described in all sections of this form, including for promotional purposes, sales, and potential sharing with third-party sports organizations (unless specifically initialed otherwise above).

Parent/Legal Guardian's Printed Name

Parent/Legal Guardian's Signature

Date

Parent/Legal Guardian's Phone Number

Parent/Legal Guardian's Email Address

OPTION B: I GRANT LIMITED PHOTO RELEASE (FOR USE IN ONLINE SALES GALLERY ONLY)

By signing below, I grant permission for [Your Full Name/Business Name] to photograph my child(ren) ONLY for the purpose of including their images in a private, password-protected online gallery for my viewing and purchase. I DO NOT grant permission for the Photographer to use these images for any promotional materials (website, social media, advertisements, etc.) or to share with third-party sports organizations.

Parent/Legal Guardian's Printed Name

Parent/Legal Guardian's Signature

Date

Parent/Legal Guardian's Phone Number

Parent/Legal Guardian's Email Address

PHOTOGRAPHER'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I, [Your Full Name/Business Name], acknowledge receipt of this signed Photo Disclosure and Release Form and agree to abide by the terms selected by the parent/legal guardian.

Photographer's Signature

Date

Key Considerations and Advice for Alabama:

Minors and Contracts: In Alabama, minors generally cannot enter into legally binding contracts. That's why it's crucial that the parent or legal guardian signs this form on behalf of the child.
Specifics of Activities: Be as specific as possible about the sports your photographing.
Communication is Key: Have a clear conversation with parents about their concerns and the different release options.
Keep Records: Always keep the original signed forms in a secure location.
Review Regularly: Laws can change. It's a good idea to have your legal counsel review this form periodically.
"Right of Publicity" in Alabama: Alabama recognizes a common law right of publicity, which protects an individual's right to control the commercial use of their name or likeness. This release form explicitly addresses this by granting you permission for commercial use.
HIPAA (Health Information Portability and Accountability Act): While you're not a healthcare provider, be mindful if any images inadvertently capture sensitive health information (e.g., visible medical devices, injuries being treated). It's unlikely to be a major issue for general sports photography, but always good to be aware.

Excelsius LLC