Model Contract Rights You Give Away
A first big contract is exciting, but the document meant to protect you can also take away your control over your own image and your earning potential later. These are the five clauses to read before you sign.
Want to shoot at any of these with Dante's Models? Book a session or apply to be represented.
The Perpetual Use Clause
Many standard contracts give agencies or clients 'perpetual' and 'irrevocable' rights to use your image. Even after the contract expires, they can keep using your photos in ways you never intended, without more pay or your consent.
Ask for a sunset clause or a defined term for image usage. If they refuse, know what you're giving up.
The Unspecified Usage Trap
A vague clause like 'usage across all media' sounds harmless, but it is a blank check. Your image from a local campaign could end up on international product packaging, merchandise or AI training data, with no extra payment and no informed consent from you.
Ask for specific limits: territories (e.g., 'North America only'), duration (e.g., '1 year from first use'), and media types (e.g., 'digital banner ads and print magazines only').
Who Owns Your Portfolio
Some agencies imply, or say outright, that they have a stake in your portfolio images, especially if they arranged the test shoots. Unless you've signed away copyrights, you generally own the rights to use your likeness in your book, whoever set up the shoot.
Get a usage license or the copyright from the photographer for every test shoot you do, including ones an agency arranged. Don't assume the agency owns the rights to your face.
The Non-Compete Clause
Watch for non-compete clauses that run too long or cover too much territory after your contract ends. They can stop you from working with direct competitors of their clients, or with new agencies, for months or years, which puts your career on hold.
Negotiate tight limits: narrow the scope to specific direct competitors and shorten the post-contract period to no more than 3-6 months. Talk to a lawyer.
The Release Form
Separate model release forms are often handed over on set, sometimes in a rush. They can grant even broader usage than your agency contract and bypass protections you negotiated. Read them every time.
Never sign a release form without reading it fully. If a clause looks too broad, cross it out and initial it, or refuse to sign until it is revised. You have more power than you think.
That's the inside look. Save this one for your next shoot.
And when you're ready to create something real in NYC, you know where to find us.
Want to be in front of our camera?
We develop new faces and book paid work. No fee to apply, every background welcome.
Become a Model