A model contract is a legal agreement between a model and their client. It outlines the terms of the professional relationship, including the services that will be provided by the model, the client’s obligations, payment terms, and other key details.
Read on for the skinny on how modelling contracts work, from how to get one to red flags that should make you run away.
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Modelling contracts ensure that all parties involved in a modelling job clearly understand their responsibilities and expectations regarding their behaviour. That means the interests of both the model and the client are protected in the eyes of the law.
Contracts are legally binding, so either or both parties can be sued if they break it.
The length depends on the type of modelling contract. The British Fashion Model Agents Association (BFMA) model agency contract template, for example, is 18 pages long and lasts for one year.
New York model agent Greg Chan says model agency agreements “typically last one to three years.” When it comes to exclusivity clauses, Chan says, it’s unreasonable to prevent a model from working with similar brands for “five years or longer.”
When a client wants to work with you, a contract is involved. The client could be an agency, a designer, a brand, or a company that requires modelling services, such as an events company.
Going to castings, networking, and engaging with brands on social media can put you on the radar for modelling jobs.
As a rule, make sure to request a contract if you are booked to work on a modelling job.
Model agency contract: This is a contract between a model and a modelling agency. It can be exclusive (which means you can’t carry out additional work independently) or nonexclusive.
One-time contract: This kind of agreement is valid for one specific opportunity. You fulfill the contract upon finishing the job and getting paid. It’s the typical type of contract used by independent or freelance models.
Model release form: This is an agreement, often between the model and the photographer, that contains details on how your image can be used.
According to UK law, photographers own the copyright to any images of you that they have taken. In commercial use, however, you have rights around how your physical appearance is used.
Scope of work (or scope of services): This explains the roles and responsibilities of you and the client. It likely will include the type of modelling you are expected to perform (e.g., runway, print, or commercial) and any specific requirements.
Noncompete clause: A noncompete stops you from working with a competitor brand after the contract term ends. If you work for Fenty makeup, for example, you may not be allowed to work with another similar makeup brand for a period of time afterward.
Scope of exclusivity: This restricts who you can work with during the contract period. It could be a geographic restriction or it could be related to the type of modelling, such as exclusive for runway, but not for print work.
Duration and termination clause: The duration specifies how long the modelling contract lasts. It can range from a one-off job to an ongoing relationship. The termination clause outlines the conditions under which the contract can be ended before the end date.
Travel and accommodation: The responsibilities of both parties regarding travel arrangements, accommodations, and any associated costs will be outlined here.
Image rights and usage terms: These explain how photos of you are used commercially, separate from the photographer’s copyright. It should include the platforms where your image will appear (such as print, digital, social, or TV), geographical location, and time limits. Other details may include the image licensing (limited use, broader rights, or full buyout) and anything about AI replicas of image likeness. Pay close attention to usage duration; some releases grant rights forever, while others have time limits. You should be compensated accordingly.
Compensation: This section details your payment. A good contract should compensate you fairly for any restrictions on your ability to earn in the future.
1. You’re being rushed to sign. Be wary if the agency or client pressures you to sign your model contract without giving you – and your lawyer, if you have one – enough time to read it and come back with any negotiations.
2. The image use clause is vague. Vague agreements create room for the misuse of your image, which could affect your personal brand and reputation. Check for ambiguous clauses about usage, exclusivity, image modification, and geographic limitations before signing. Consider asking for royalties if your images are going to be – or may be – used repeatedly.
3. The contract includes excessive exclusivity requirements. Beware of exclusivity clauses that stop you from working with competitor brands for unreasonable lengths of time, like five years or longer. “If the agency you’d like to sign with can’t advance any funds (to build your portfolio and pay for test shoots and comp cards), it’s safer to seek nonexclusive contracts first,” says creative director Reuben Selby.
4. The agency doesn’t have a website. Do your research before signing a modelling contract. If the agency or client you’re working with has no up-to-date online presence, alarm bells should be ringing. Check whether the agency is associated with well-known and respected industry bodies such as the BFMA or Models.com.
5. The termination clause is really restrictive. Life happens, and sometimes you may reasonably need to terminate a contract early. Watch out for agreements that prevent you from terminating the contract, or if the modelling contract mentions that the agency can withhold payment or deduct fees from your pay if you willingly terminate the contract.
6. There’s no model release form for a commercial shoot. Although a model release form isn’t a legal requirement, it is standard practice. This is especially true if your image is being used commercially, so don’t be afraid to ask for one.
