Public Forums > Modelling > Exclusive Contracts

How do you feel about exclusive contracts? I've had photographers advise models never to sign an exclusive contract because it basically means that they own the model and doesn't allow them to sign with any other competing agencies. Are any models on here under an exclusive contract or have been? What was your experience? I would think that if you're a supermodel then it isn't a problem but for regular working models I don't see the need for exclusive contracts--in smaller markets I can't imagine there is enough work to justify an agency owning a model body and soul.

Any thoughts?

Hi Dania

I guess it depends what kind of exclusivity they mean? If you are hired on a job, for example, the images may just be for sole use by the company who are paying you (although they will probably let you have a copy for your portfolio).

However - if its you hiring the photographer, or working in collaboration (so you both get photos out of it at the end but no money is exchanged) I wouldn't let them make me sign exclusivity contracts! No way!