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Modelling contests have become increasingly common in Guangzhou in recent years,  attracting thousands of young people pursuing the dream of being a model.  
Although it can be a well-paid and glamorous industry, it's ultra-competitive as well.  
Patrick Liang stepped into the modelling world after graduating from Nan Hua College of Industry and Commerce last year. 
He is just 23 but the job can leave him physically and mentally exhausted.
The photo shoot for one advertisement took 26 hours to complete, Liang says.   
'They only needed a few shots of me, but  I had to wait many hours for my turn,' he says.
'I couldn't leave even when my shots were finished, because the director might not be satisfied and demand a re-shoot.'  
According to Liang,  the pay for modelling is neither stable nor as generous as some may think. 
'As a beginner, you have to compete with veteran models for a show,' he says. 'I  made 600 yuan (HK$680) a month when I first started. It was not even enough to pay my rent.'  
With the help of friends and through his own efforts,  Liang now gets more jobs, and his monthly salary is in the five figures. But chances do not always come his way, and he says modelling is not a stable profession.
'Modelling in Guangzhou is not as formal as it is in Hong Kong or abroad,' Liang says. 'There are no professional model agencies so  models need to look for  jobs  themselves.'   
Patrick says a model in Guangzhou can earn 10,000 yuan a month on average, but he needs to pay 1,000 yuan for skincare products, 2,000 yuan for clothes,  1,500 yuan for transport and about 500 yuan for other expenses. Patrick  spends half of his income on clothes and grooming.  
Helen Tong, a 22-year-old part-time model, agrees with Patrick that it's a tough way to make a living. Last year, she worked as a car model at a Guangzhou auto show. 'I had to stand and  pose for the  audience to take photos,' she says. 'My  legs were  so sore the next day I couldn't stand up.'  A recent graduate of the Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Tong says she will not make modelling  her profession.
Cheng Huihui, a fashion expert from Guangzhou Sports University, says it will take time for society to set up a healthy industry for models.
'I hope the model agent companies can set up a platform for models, and help them develop their careers in the industry,' Cheng says.




Not as easy as it looks