Expert: Kitty Kavey - 6/3/2007

Question
I just graduated from high school and all of my life people have been telling me that i should be a model. So, I was wondering if you could tell me if there is a way to do a modeling internship. they have internships for everything these days. Also I'm not really sure how modeling agencies work.  

Answer
Since there isn't any previous experience required or necessary to become a model, there are no internships for which to learn modeling.  The quality of being photogenic (where the camera "loves you") is just something that one seems to either have or not have.  I have not heard of a class or teacher who is able to teach that particular quality.  
Modeling agencies represent models to clients who need models to use for advertising products and/or services.  A client would call an agency, tell them what they are looking for, and the agency would either arrange to send them photos/composite cards of models who match the client's description, or send over models on a go-see (similar to an actor's audition).  The agency would negotiate with the client the wages paid to the model(s), and the check is usually sent to the agency.  Most agencies take between 10-20% off of the money collected from the client, and the remaining 80-90% goes to the model.  It is against the law in some states for licensed agencies to offer other products/services other than working in the capacity of an agent.  So, while you can be a model management company, model marketing company, or modeling school, a modeling agent cannot offer photography services, printing, classes, etc.  The larger markets such as NYC and Los Angeles are more regulated, while the smaller markets are less so.    
Good luck to you,
~Kitty