Method for obtaining photo property release

1. A system for managing photo releases, comprising:

a digital capture device for capturing an original image having a visual representation of at least one individual;

a device for producing a representative image of said captured original image;

a display device for displaying said representative image and for displaying a photo release associated with said at least one individual and said representative image; and

an input device associated with said display device that designates a region of interest within the representative image that includes the visual representation of said at least one individual, and that enters an authorization signature by said at least one individual with respect to said photo release;

wherein the designation of said region of interest causes a first visual indicator to be displayed on the display device that indicates a release signature is required from the individual; and

wherein the entry of said authorization signature causes a second visual indicator to be displayed on the display device that indicates the release signature has been obtained.

2. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the second visual indicator is associated with said region of interest.

3. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the second visual indicator is provided by highlighting at least a portion of said area of interest on the display device.

4. A system according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the representative image defined by said region of interest and said release are concurrently displayed by on the display device after receipt of said authorization signature.

5. A system according to claim 1 wherein said digital capture device, said device producing a representative image for displaying and said display device are provided in a single device.

6. A system according to claim 1 wherein a plurality of original images are obtained containing the same at least one individual and a single photo release is associated with each of said original images.

7. A system according to claim 1 wherein information is associated with said original image when said authorization signature is obtained with respect to said at least one individual.

8. A system according to claim 7 wherein said information and said original image is stored on a database.

9. A system according to claim 1 wherein once said authorization signature is obtained, said photo release is no longer capable of being modified.

10. A system according to claim 9 wherein digital watermarking is used to prevent unnoticed modifications.

11. A method for managing photo releases, comprising:

capturing an original digital image having a visual representation of at least one individual;

producing a representative image of said captured original image;

displaying said representative image and a photo release associated with said at least one individual with respect to said original image;

designating a region of interest within the representative image that includes the visual representation of said at least one individual, wherein the designation of said region of interest causes a first visual indicator that an authorization signature is required from the individual to be displayed on the display device;

obtaining an authorization signature by said at least one individual with respect to said original image, wherein the receipt of said authorization signature causes a second visual indicator that the authorization signature has been obtained to be displayed on the display device; and

associating said authorization signature as metadata with respect to said original image.

12. A method according to claim 11 further comprising the step of:

associating said photo release with respect to said captured original image as metadata.

13. A method according to claim 11 wherein upon obtaining an authorization signature by said at least one individual, said original image can no longer be modified.