Why do models get paid so much for a couple of pictures?

It's very difficult to get a modeling job. You could go to 20 castings and only get one job. Also, it's not just "standing" there usually. It's standing there in clothes that have been worn by 15 different people, in shoes that are 3 sizes too small and being yelled at by three different people as to what you should be doing. It's still one of the easier jobs I've had though. In Toronto's industry, the "minimum wage" for a print model is generally $100/hour, depending on the job.

its simply because they are so skinny, and they will only stay skinny for a short while before they lose their looks and gain weight, the model industry is very cruel, when they think u dont look young enuff r thin enuff r even start to smoke and go nuts on the party circuit, then u are considered to be out-of-date. its a harsh fact of modelling.

Not all models get paid a lot of money, it does depend on the job that they are doing. its not having pictures taken its about there face, shape or name that's promoting a product. It is not easy work, Many wannabes will moan about having to do professional poses for a few (3 or less) hours because the difference in posing for snaps with friends and professional or arty shots is completely different, and it is also physically demanding as well as mentally demanding. Its also self employed, so you have to do all you own accounts and taxes and the job is only short lived with an average model only being able to work for around 12 years, There are also large costs in keeping themselves looking good and well cared for, costs of going to castings all over the place and also if they are based in London there are also the costs of living. This may have to be paid every week where as the work may not be regular, Also if you are off sick, there is no sick pay and you lose work. As you can see there are a combination of factors that make up the pay for models, there are some good looking people, and some photogenic people and there are also those who can pose and spent time and money on stage / modelling school for what is a short lived career.

Because they fit the standard of what is considered attractive in society. Since human beings are drawn to attractive things you sell more stuff when that skinny girl with porcelain skin is holding it or wearing it. Ever notice how a Burger King commercial has those thick juicy burgers and then when you go get one it's flat as hell, lopsided, the lettuce isn't as green, and the sesame seeds aren't perfectly placed? If they put THAT on the commercial it wouldn't stir people to want a whopper...but they use the attraction factor of a great looking burger to get people in. Same concept. They are looked at as investments.

With most jobs you can learn a skill and practice and be good at it, and though this may also be true for modelling you also have to be BORN right. You can't develop looks through practice. It all boils down to: Some people are lucky.

Because gullible spend lots of money on products which the models are used to advertise. Like most transactions, it's supply and demand.

its because some people are just f-ing crazy.