OK I am going to give it to you straight. There is very little money in "fitness modeling" per say. And that is because too many fit attractive people are willing to allow the mags to use their images FOR FREE....coupled with the fact that the fitness clothing manufacturers are not willing to pay the "models" much. The money to be made is in commercial, fashion, or editorial work (and even in editorial one may be constantly working yet never see "the big bucks").
The only time an agency will invest money in a model is if they are VERY YOUNG. We are talking like 15 and REAL TALL and SKINNY...notice how I said NOTHING about how attractive one is or is not. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and at any given time "a look" might be considered "hot".
There is a decent amount of money to be made in commercial and fashion modeling, but with fashion certain criteria has to be met - you must be young and tall and lean. Commercially, as long as you are somewhat attractive and photograph well you can do well. But you must be willing to invest TIME and MONEY.
I am not trying to discourage anyone, just being HONEST.
If this is still something that you would like to pursue my first suggestion is that you go to your yellow pages and call reputable agencies. Ask them if they represent your "type". If they do, then ask what they require. When do they have open calls and what should you bring with yourself. There is no REAL need to run out and have "professional" pics taken. Quite frankly, the local wedding and bar mitzvah photogs will not be able to take the types of pics that you will need for a portfolio or comp card anyway and they can also be QUITE EXPENSIVE. Usually, believe it or not, polaroids will be enough to bring to an agent. After seeing you in person and looking at your polaroids they will tell you whether or not they will be interested in representing you and they feel you should be marketed. Then they will recommend photogs (they should recommend at least THREE) that you can go to so that you can have pics taken for your portfolio and comps - WHICH ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT TOOLS OF THE TRADE as they are what will be sent and shown to prospective clients. THE MODEL PAYS FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHER, HAIR AND MAKEUP, AND THE PORTFOLIO AND THE COMP CARDS! Spatterson - that was a very wise suggestion (to ask where and how many of your cards were being used and sent!).
You may be able to find local photogs who themselves are refining their skills or testing new equimpent who may be willing to shoot you on a TFP (Time For Prints) basis (also known as "testing"). If both parties are in agreement, then no money exchanges hands, but both get prints. The terms should be negotiated and agreed upon BEFORE the shoot. This can be VERY USEFUL for the model, makeup artist (if used), and the photog......unless any or all are VERY inexperienced. Then we are talking A HYUGE waste of time. NEVER EVER agree to work with ANYONE unless you have seen their "book" (or portfolio) FIRST! And even then, the pics may not accurately depict the individual's capabilities. Remember - ONLY THE SINGLE BEST PICS ARE DISPLAYED. For every AWESOME pic there are LITERALLY HUNDREDS THAT ARE "eh" at best and GOD AWFUL at worst. Unless the photog has EXCELLENT pics or a very good reputation, it is nearly always a crap shoot. But if you are just beginning, if nothing else, the experience of learning how to move comfortably in front of the camera is in itself invaluable.
As for hair and makeup.
It has been my experience that the more natural the makeup and hair - THE BETTER! Unless the artist REALLY knows what they are doing, it is a sure recipe for disaster......if the photog is half-way decent he should be able to guide the model in the right direction ie - not enough blush to bring out her cheeks, her eyes are done too heavily and look "cheap" - do not match the attire or "feel" of the pic..... Any woman who knows even a LITTLE BIT about her own makeup should be able to do it for herself. And as for hair, let it be! Don't put tons of goo or hairspray in it. Just remember to put some type of pomade on the ends if it looks dry or fly away. Shiny and healthy is what you want.
Once you have met with and chosen a photog to shoot w/discuss the shoot at length ie how many looks, changes, what type of look or feel are you going for, indoor/outdoor and how much EXACTLY it will cost and how many prints EXACTLY will they provide you with.....also who do the negs belong to. Chances are, if you are paying the photog - YOU KEEP THE NEGS. If it is TFP - the negs are USUALLY the property of the photog.
That should about cover a VERY BRIEF overview. If there are any SPECIFIC questions, please post them. I will try and answer them as fully and honestly as I can.
Good Luck!
PS - NEVER EVER give AN AGENT MONEY - EVER!!!
Also, if you do NOT have thick skin - DON'T GET INTO THIS FIELD. There are TONS and HEAPS of rejections and people can be VERY MEAN. I MEAN REALLY HARSH!!!! Remember, the agents and photogs, etc are in this field to earn money. If they do not feel that you will not benefit them (ie earn them money or be an asset to their portfolio) DO NOT BE OFFENDED! They just do not have interest in your particular "look" and that does NOT mean that there is not someone out there that will not...... you just have to keep at it if it is something that you really love.
Please Scroll Down to See Forums Below 
