Despite how it seems, looking pretty and posing for pictures doesn’t even come close to defining what modeling is and what it takes. Often times, people don’t see the hard work that stretches beyond the camera and the glamour.

Senior Delaney Kluger has been modeling for a year and a half. For her, the modeling process started with finding an agency. Kluger models with Book Management in Montreal, Canada and Mazza Models in Austin, Texas.

“You have to start by building a strong portfolio that larger agencies would be interested in,” Kluger says. “A model has to have quite a bit of experience before an agency and a big fashion market will sign with them.”

Devin Mazza, Kluger’s agent, says that modeling takes extreme dedication.

“These models work so hard between working out, eating well, traveling constantly, having to meet so many standards set in the industry, and of course, standing in heels for hours upon hours isn’t fun by any means,” Mazza said.

If Delaney’s mom, Tara Kluger, could describe her daughter in one word when she’s in her element, she would use “happy”.

“Delaney has always enjoyed fashion and makeup since she was in grade school,” Tara Kluger said. “She started becoming interested in modeling in 9th grade when she became tall enough to be considered for modeling since the height requirements are very strict.” Tara Kluger said.

To Kluger, modeling is exciting and unpredictable because she never knows what is coming next.

“I like modeling because I get to work with amazing, creative people, and it’s completely different every time. I never have the exact same photo shoot, and I’m never wearing a similar outfit in a runway show,” Kluger said.

Kluger often travels to New York City, where most of her work is.

“Since September (2015) she has been in New York five times. I think a move there will be coming soon,” Tara Kluger said.

New York Fashion week season is huge for models. Mazza says that Kluger did some small shows last season, stepped up to some bigger shows this year, and they will be striving for even bigger shows next year. The ideal age of opportunity for a career in fashion modeling is between 14-22 years old.

“The fact that she’s 17 and can already say that she’s done something that most people dream of is pretty incredible,” Mazza said. “Delaney is incredible.”

Once a model reaches age 22 and up, their career may dwindle as new, fresh faces come in.

“After the fashion modeling, [ends] I still see her in a career regarding fashion.” Tara Kluger said.

Plans for college are up in the air as Kluger still has to decide whether to take a year off to keep modeling or try to juggle both school and the runway at the same time.

“I see her killing the modeling industry,” Mazza said. “Once she gets seen by the right people and gets her name out a bit more, she will be such an amazing part of the industry.”