Our website shows Community Events the bank is involved in. What are the rules, if any, on displaying these photographs taken during the event, like for instance Habitat for Humanity?
Should everyone sign a release?

You say these are customers, if you are disclosing that fact, that is NPI and you would need a release.

They may not all be customers and they are not identified at all - meaning no names, just the picture in front of the new Habitat home. I should specify to marketing that they are not to mention any identifying information?

I would not get a release for a general public picture. If, however, you use a customer photo that may use a quote or something, for example, about banking with you, then yes...I'd get the release.

OK - The 'people' are holding a sign that says this Habitat home is sponsored by 'our bank name'. I just want to make sure we are covered...

I wouldn't. sounds very generic.

Part of the answer lies in what the picture is used for. Advertising the bank, get a release. If it is a news type article from a public event in a public space, you should be OK.

Thank you - what if we are using just employees and their children in the ads? Would them being employees be enough that no release would be needed? This may be for the American Cancer Society relay team, kind of like a public community service ad.

A bank employee with their kids? A little risky don't you think??

I would definitely consider it to be too risky. We encourage client-facing personnel to keep pictures of family members, especially children, out of the view of the public and to limit comments about their children as well. We had one family hostage situation years ago in our area which, thankfully, turned out OK, but it was a tremendous eye-opener as to the potential. We live in a crazy world.

In my experience a "news photo" doesn't need to get a release from everyone shown. If it is a "Sell ad for the bank" then you need a release.

Is there a model release form for customers who are shown in ads? Or would anyone mind sharing the language used in your releases? We are considering the use of customer testimonials in ads. I'm not completely sold on the idea just yet because of privacy concerns.

Not replacing your attorney, but rather to give you a starting template:

In consideration of my engagement as a model, and for other good and valuable consideration herein acknowledged as received, I hereby grant to BANK NAME (Bank), its legal representatives, and assigns, those for whom Bank is acting, and those acting with its authority and permission, the irrevocable and unrestricted right and permission to take, use, re-use, publish, and republish photographic portraits or pictures of me or in which I may be included, in whole or in part, or composite or distorted in character or form, without restriction as to changes or alterations, in conjunction with my own or a fictitious name, or reproductions thereof in color or otherwise, made through any medium, and in any and all media now or hereafter known for illustration, promotion, art, editorial, advertising, trade, or any other purpose whatsoever. I also consent to the use of any published matter in conjunction therewith.

I hereby waive any right that I may have to inspect or approve the finished product or products and the advertising copy or other matter that may be used in connection therewith or the use to which it may be applied.

I hereby release, discharge, and agree to save harmless Bank, its legal representatives, and assigns, and all persons acting under its permission or authority, from any liability by virtue of any blurring, distortion, alteration, optical illusion, or use in composite form, whether intentional or otherwise, that may occur or be produced in the taking of said picture or in any subsequent processing thereof, as well as any publication thereof, including without limitation any claims for libel or violation of any right of publicity or privacy.

I hereby warrant that I am of full age and have the right to contract in my own name. I have read the above authorization, release, and agreement, prior to its execution, and I am fully familiar with the contents thereof. This release shall be binding upon me and my heirs, legal representatives, and assigns.

Signed, dated and witnessed.

(This is a quick adaption from a photographers model release.)