Which Model Release App Is Best for Photographers in 2025?
If you shoot models, actors, or just people in your frame, you know this: without a model release, you’re going nowhere. Today, we have two major players in this space - Easy Release and SnapSign. Let’s see which one is more convenient, modern, and cost-effective for photographers and filmmakers.
Why Model Releases Matter
A model release is a legal permission from the person shown in your photo or video, allowing you to use their image. Without it, stock agencies, advertisers, and brands simply won’t accept your material.
The Problem with Paper Releases
Recall those piles of printed documents, handwritten signatures, and ceaseless scans? Documents can be misplaced, wrinkled copies are illegible, and signatures may appear questionable. The result - nerves, wasted time, and rejections from stock platforms.
The Shift to Digital Solutions
That’s why photographers are switching en masse to mobile apps for releases. It’s fast, secure, and signatures can be done right on-screen - everything is safely stored in the cloud.
Overview: Easy Release
Easy Release is a classic in the genre. It was the first app to make digital releases the industry standard - but times change.
Key Features
- • Create model and property releases
- • On-screen signatures
- • Save releases as PDF / JPEG
- • Multi-language support
- • Integration with Dropbox and Google Drive
- • Email-based registration and login
Advantages
- • Approved by leading stock agencies (Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, etc.)
- • Works on both iOS and Android
Disadvantages
- • Outdated interface
- • No flexible template editing
- • No multi-model signing
- • No remote signatures
- • Works offline only - all data stored locally (and lost when changing devices)
Paid Add-ons:
- • Custom Fields, Optional Fields, Multiple Brands - $6.99
- • Multi Page Release - $4.99
After the June 2025 update (June 19), many users reported crashes, lost releases, and missing paid add-ons. The support team did not respond, damaging trust among professionals.
Overview: SnapSign
SnapSign serves as a contemporary substitute for Easy Release, designed for photographers, producers, and videographers who prioritize automation, dependable cloud storage, and collaboration within teams.
Key Features
- • Sign via smartphone, tablet, or web
- • Cloud storage for releases
- • Multi-language support
- • Instant signature status tracking
- • Support for 2257 contracts
- • Create both model and property releases
- • All main Easy Release functions included for free
- • Login with Google account or email
- • Full support for Group Model Releases
- • Cloud sync and cross-device access
- • Custom release templates
- • Add model photos directly from camera or gallery
Advantages
- • Sleek, modern interface and fast performance
- • Supports all release types: Model, Property, 2257
- • Customizable text templates
- • Multi-language interface and contracts
- • Cloud-based model database
- • Ideal for team use (agencies, production teams)
- • Secure and transparent digital signatures
- • Remote signing capability
- • Group contracts
- • Support for modern formats, including NFT releases
Disadvantages
- • Requires internet connection
- • Exports releases only in PDF format
Comparison: Easy Release vs SnapSign
| Feature | Easy Release | SnapSign |
|---|---|---|
| Stock agency support | ✔️ Widely accepted | ✔️ Accepted by most |
| Getty Images approved | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Interface | Simple but outdated | Modern and intuitive |
| Multi-language | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Platforms | iOS / Android | iOS / Android / Web |
| Release types | Model / Property | Model / Property / 2257 |
| Group releases | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Offline work | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Cloud storage | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Template editing | Basic | Advanced / Custom |
| Create your own templates | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Remote signing | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Team collaboration | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Digital signatures | Photographer / Model / Witness | Photographer / Model / Witness |
| Add model photo | Camera / Gallery | Camera / Gallery |
| Export format | PDF / JPEG | PDF only |
| Extra features | Paid ($6.99–$4.99) | ✅ Included |
| 2257 contracts | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| NFT releases | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Pricing | One-time | Subscription |
| Security level | Medium | High |
| Google login | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Email login | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Which One to Choose: Easy Release or SnapSign
If you work solo and often shoot in areas without internet, Easy Release is still a reasonable option. But after recent update issues and data losses, its reliability is questionable.
SnapSign, on the other hand, offers cloud storage, stability, support for all release types, remote signing, and convenient Google authentication. At nearly the same price, SnapSign gives you more flexibility and peace of mind.
Conclusion
Easy Release - a time-tested classic, but it has lost stability.
SnapSign - the new industry standard for digital releases: group, property, 2257 contracts, full cloud sync, Google login, teamwork support, and NFT-ready features. If you want flexibility, speed, and zero risk of data loss — SnapSign wins.
