How does a young girl get into the modeling business?

Question:

How does a young girl get into the modeling business?

My daughter is 12 years old and would like to try modeling. She is often told that she should try because she is tall for her age, 5'7" and quite slender. Takes after her dad. Anyway, she went to one of those Barbizon presentations, but it seems like a lot of money for "training". Is this necessary? We live in the Chicago area. Please respond only if you have knowledge on the subject. Thanks!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Based on our experience, those presentations, the headshots, the lessons, the coaches and the 'books' are all a colosal ripoff. Don't waste your money. There is an infinte supply of cute, smiling girls. If your kid has a really extraordinary 'look' and is the style that's in vogue this year, just send a few ordinary snapshots to art directors of every agency in the Metro phonebook. Skip the sexy clothes and the makeup, Unless your hoping she'll jumpstart her career by training to be a ****. If she's really special, they'll be calling you. Our daughter gets $500 - $1000 for a 45 min shoot every so often. If she didn't enjoy the process we wouldn't bother. We see kids getting dragged around by neurotic parents who clearly are getting more and more screwed up by it all.... and they are the ones that are 'chosen'. I haven't met anyone who got work by being in contests. In New York, the laws regarding the disposition of child actors and models income are very strict and safeguard her earnings for her benefit. So, don't plan on living off your daughter.