WHAT IS PROFESSIONAL MODELING? (Continued)
Professional modeling is very much a "relationship business" - which is to say that how you get along with people will play a role in how far you go. You will be interacting with representatives from your modeling/booking agency, the photographer(s), hair stylists, wardrobe specialists, art directors, other models and, of course, your clients - the folks that need you to show off or present their stuff, and the ones who will pay for your time.
Sometimes professional modeling will involve travel for location shoots. This adds the specter of travel to the whole mix of things.
What about those glamorous fashion shows? It depends on whose fashions you're talking about. As I write this, I've attended two fashion shows, both of which featured the creations of local designers. None of the models were known on a national level (that I was aware of, anyway). But if you've got aspirations for presenting prominent designers like Calvin Klein or Kenneth Cole, for example, be prepared to work very hard.
A short list of places where male models' pictures appear:
casual clothing ads (like for blue jeans)
ads for soft drinks (like Coke or Pepsi)
ads for electronics or retail goods
photos for fitness magazines
greeting cards
packaging for products
That's essentially all there is to what professional modeling is. The challenge comes from finding what you want to do, finding a reputable agent, and seeking opportunities.