Journey Kay Instagram – Like I said above… This post might be controversial but here goes!…
I am going to share some of my knowledge of modeling for dance wear brands and dance photographers. There is a lot to know and Journey has been in this biz for the last 9 years. I have learned a lot!
There are several layers to this post and I hope some moms find it educational!
First of all not everything you see on social media is as it appears. That’s obvious but I want to go a little deeper.
Many of the shoots you may see and you and your dancer are sad or even jealous you aren’t a part of aren’t actually modeling jobs. A job means your child is being compensated. We have seen and been compensated through money, credit to shop the brand, a future shoot for free with the photographer etc.
The next level is trade. Sometimes you are participating in a shoot in exchange for free images. So this isn’t really free for either you or the photographer, you’ll pay for wardrobe, travel, time, possibly take off work etc. The photographer has invested in the expensive equipment, will spend many hours editing, you both might split the cost of renting studio space etc. You both agree that working together mutually benefits you. I recommend having the photographer share a contract with exactly what to expect. I see complaints from both sides when contracts aren’t used. Expect to give the photographer plenty of time to edit. Don’t wait a week and then hound them. They are going to prioritize their paying clients first. They have bills too. 😉
Finally there is pay to play. This happens more than people realize and some people are doing it often. Absolutely no shame but many of the dancers you are seeing as ambassadors are actually still paying the photographer. It’s actually a so smart move on the photog’s end to have tons of ambassadors still willing to pay for shoots. I do wish there was a little more transparency as Journey has been accepted as a model for different things only to be asked to pay. If you are a model you shouldn’t be paying. But if a parent has the means then go for it. 🤷🏼♀️ I just want others to know it’s not as simple as you might think. Q&A ⬇️ | Posted on 22/Jan/2024 03:57:29
