Two main forms of photographic modeling exist: fashion modelling and commercial print modelling.

Fashion models appear in fashion magazines, editorials and model for high fashion designers whether it is in a campaign or on the runway (i.e. what you see on Fashion Television). Fashion models have very specific age, size and height requirements. Commercial modelling encompasses 90% of the industry. In commercial modelling, the model is selling a product or may be representing a service or company; for example, the model is holding a Pepsi can, standing by a computer, playing a sport or eating cereal at breakfast. Spokesmodels are also commercial models. Commercial models come in all shapes and sizes, as long as they are marketable and "bookable." Height is not a requirement for commercial modelling. Commercial models can be beautiful or they may also be ordinary, attractive, interesting, or even character types. In commercial modelling, the client is often looking for “real people” to appeal to the everyday consumer. Commercial models also act in TV commercials and can represent the product both in a TV commercial and in a print campaign i.e. magazine advertisement, posters, billboards, etc…

Fashion & commercial models can both appear in print campaigns for beauty products i.e. make-up, skin care products, hair products or perfume.