Modeling is a tough business. Contrary to popular perception its not just about looking pretty day in and day out. As an aspiring model you have to make innumerable rounds of visits to advertisement agencies and model coordinators for getting work. All these only after you get yourself a portfolio of your pictures. Apart from keeping aside a hefty sum of money (anything between Rs 15-40, 000) for making your portfolio, you first have to choose a good photographer.

First of all enquire around you, to decide which photographer suits your budget and look. Go by word of mouth. Avoid portrait photographers as they don't understand the need of the fashion industry. Make sure you take a look at the photographer's portfolio. Do you like it? Is this what you want your pictures to look like? Be careful also to pick a really professional photographer. Avoid corny photographers.

There are many agencies which offer you training, help you to do your portfolio and then coordinate your work You can contact Aditi Modelling Service, 324, Upper Palace Orchard, Bangalore 560080; Design and Print Group, 1 A, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Bangalore 560001; Face 1, 797, Jesia Bldg., Jam-e-Jamshedji Road, Parsi Colony, Dadar, Mumbai 400014; The Ramp, A-22, Gulmohar Park, New Delhi 110049.

For becoming an anchor, you will have to apply to State owned television channels, private television channels and television software production companies. They generally take audition test before selecting you as an anchor or video jockey