Why Dance Moms Should Think Twice About Exclusive Photographer Contracts
I’ve been notably absent from the dance world for almost two years. I stepped back, took a breath, and honestly hoped that by the time I returned, this glaring problem would have faded out. But here we are — and if anything, it’s gotten louder.

And it’s time we talk about it.

If you’re a dance mom, you already juggle enough — rehearsals, competitions, costumes, conventions, travel, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with raising a young artist. The last thing you need is another layer of pressure disguised as an “opportunity.” I have been watching this growing trend in the dance world: photographers signing kids to exclusive contracts that prevent them from working with anyone else.

Let’s call it what it is — limiting, unnecessary, and often wildly one‑sided.

Creativity Thrives on Variety — So Why Restrict It?
In dance, we celebrate diversity of training. No one would ever tell your child:
“You can only take from one choreographer.”
“You can only learn one style.”
“You can only attend one convention.”

It would sound absurd. Because we all know that dancers grow by experiencing different voices, different techniques, and different artistic perspectives.

So why should photography be any different?
Photographers are not choreographers, but they are artists. And just like dancers, they each bring their own style, energy, and creative lens. Working with multiple photographers isn’t disloyal — it’s developmental. It helps your child explore different aesthetics, build versatility, and discover what inspires them.

Exclusive Contracts With No Real Return
Here’s the part that stings: many of these exclusive agreements offer little to no tangible benefit for the dancer. No guaranteed bookings. No paid opportunities. No career advancement. No agency representation. No portfolio ownership.
Instead, you’re often paying:
For the shoots
For the travel
For the costumes
For the images
For the privilege of promoting their brand
Meanwhile, the photographer gets to showcase your child repeatedly, creating the illusion of high demand and consistent clientele — all funded by you.

That’s not a partnership.

That’s a marketing strategy built on the backs of kids and the wallets of parents.

Even Top Models Don’t Operate This Way

Let’s zoom out for a moment.
The world’s most successful models — the ones walking for Chanel, Versace, Balenciaga — work with countless photographers. Editorial photographers, campaign photographers, runway photographers, test shoot photographers. No single photographer “owns” them.
Even the biggest brands in the world rotate photographers constantly because they understand something fundamental:
Creativity dies in a vacuum.
If the fashion industry — an industry built on image — embraces variety, why is the dance world suddenly pushing exclusivity?

When Did the Dance World Become About “Owning” Kids?
Somewhere along the way, the narrative shifted. Instead of empowering young dancers to explore, grow, and build their own artistic identity, the focus became controlling access to them.
But here’s the truth:
Your child is not a marketing asset.
Your child is not a brand extension.
Your child is not a photographer’s property.
And you should never feel pressured to sign away their creative freedom for the sake of someone else’s portfolio.

Collaboration Should Be Celebrated — Not Restricted
Here’s the irony: some of the best photographers in the dance world host events that bring in other creatives — photographers, stylists, designers, set builders, makeup artists, props, lighting . They understand that collaboration fuels innovation.
These events are magical because they combine multiple artistic voices.
They’re vibrant, dynamic, and creatively rich.
They show what happens when artists work together, not in isolation.
So why would we celebrate collaboration on set… but restrict it everywhere else?

If a photographer truly values creativity, they shouldn’t fear your child working with others. They should encourage it. They should want your dancer to grow, explore, and evolve — not stay boxed into one aesthetic that benefits only the photographer’s brand.

Your Child Should Be Investing in Themselves
Every class, every convention, every workshop, every photoshoot — these are investments in your child’s growth. And growth requires exposure to different:
Styles
Teachers
Choreographers
Environments
Photographers
Creative challenges
Locking them into one photographer’s aesthetic is like telling them they can only ever dance contemporary because that’s what someone else prefers.
It’s not fair, and it’s not beneficial.

Dance Moms: You Have More Power Than You Think
You are your child’s advocate. You get to decide what aligns with their goals, their development, and their well‑being. If a contract limits their opportunities, restricts their creativity, or benefits the photographer more than your child, you’re allowed to say no.
You’re allowed to ask questions.
You’re allowed to push back.
You’re allowed to choose what’s best for your dancer.
Because at the end of the day, the only person who should have exclusive rights to your child’s future… is your child.