How to become a model?

Models have a great life: money, parties, men, and exotic destinations. Many of them will also make a ton of money. So if you want to become a model, what will it take? New York City fashion photographer Eric Bean explains the secrets in his book, "The Complete Guide for Models: Insider Advice from Industry Professionals."

What does it take to break into the world of modeling?

"A healthy lifestyle is essential to maintaining a long lasting career as a model. When I am casting for a photo shoot, I can see over 200 models. They are all auditioning for one job. I am looking for healthy skin, a beautiful face, correct proportions, and a great attitude. It's very tough competition out there, you have to stand out as a star. If a model stays out all night partying, it shows on her face, even if she's a teenager. Even with high tech retouching these days, we want a "natural beauty" not a party girl. Agents are hesitant to work with a "Paris Hilton " or "Lindsay Lohan" type of party personality, for fear of losing a profitable job or even a client," Eric says. "Not everyone has the perfect combination of hard work ethics, height, personality, or the "X Factor" to become a supermodel. Those traits all have to blend together to make the ideal working model," he states.