This all depends on what type of modeling you want to go into. Use
the following as a general guideline:
Women
High Fashion Print: 5'7" - 6'
Runway: 5'9" - 6'
Petite: 5'2" - 5'4"
Plus Size: 5'9" - 6' and between size 14 to 20
Promo/Trade Show: No height requirement
Talent: No height requirement
Kids: No height requirement
Men: 5'10" - 6'3"
The answer is generally no. The vast majority of agencies simply use their regular models for these types of assignments. Some models have two composite cards, one for "body parts" and the other for their regular print work.
Kids can start at most any age.
Girls, at some point between 15 and 19, should have a good idea if they can become
high fashion models. Generally they either have the look and height required for high
fashion or they should put their efforts elsewhere such as promotional modeling
or acting.
Men can start a bit older. Generally men can still break into print well into their
twenties.
If you are just starting out it is probably not a good idea to get professional pictures taken until you have been seen by a model agent. If you have what it takes in the looks and height department, and an agent is interested in signing or representing you then go ahead and spend as little money as possible on pictures. Some new photographers will trade you pictures for you letting them take pictures of you. That way they can build their book and you get pictures you can use. On the other hand the most you should spend is about $300.
Let's be clear on one thing - you do not need professional pictures to be evaluated by an agency. Any new face booker or agent should be able to let you know if they want you based on amateur pictures. They may want more or different types of pictures before they give you a decision, but spending on professional pictures before anyone commits to you is generally a waste of time and money - unless you are sure your aunt or grandmother will want them anyway.
Once you start making money modeling then you can spend some of that money on getting new pictures to further enhance your portfolio and/or comp card.
You can start by calling around to the agencies in your area and finding out what their submission procedures are. Most will probably have an "open call" where anyone can come in and be evaluated. If they do not have "open call" they most certainly will accept submissions by mail. Try and go to an agency rather than a school. However, if the agency you go to is in a small town or rural area chances are that they will have to supplement their model bookings with the revenue from training models to stay in business and provide your area with modeling services.
Modeling schools have become controversial simply because some are very good and provide their clients will real opportunities they might not have had on their own, and, there are bad ones that don't do much of anything. You can always submit direct to an agency. This includes the big market agencies in New York, LA, Miami, Dallas, and Chicago. Yes it's true they get hundreds of submissions but every once in while they do take someone and who knows - you just might be that person. All it takes on your part to find out are a few snapshots you take and a stamp or e-mail.
If you are interested in submitting to the big agencies check our agency list page.
This simply depends on how much they want you. Generally most agencies will not pay for your pictures, comp cards, or travel expenses. If, one the other hand, an agent in a major market such as New York, Los Angeles, or Italy is interested in signing you then there is a good chance they will pay for some of your up front expenses. Even in most of these cases however the model must pay the agency back once she or he starts making money from bookings.
The rates are highest in New York City where it's not unusual for a model to make 5 or 6 thousand a day. (That's for 8 hours). In most other markets around the United States such as LA, Chicago, or Miami, the day rates are more like 1500 to 2000 a day. Although even in these markets if a client is very interested in a model they will pay the higher rates. In most markets the hourly rate is 150 dollars, usually with some minimum amount of hours, such as a 3 or 4 hour minimum. These rates are for what is called "print modeling", this includes; magazine ads, catalogs, and/or brochures.
Rates for other types of modeling vary considerably. Promotional models, the kind used for trade shows and product demonstration, generally earn about 300 dollars a day. If you are a person who is interested in bookings models it is always better to check with the agency concerning your precise requirements. Most competent agencies should be able to fill your needs and fit your budget level.