Backstage during a modeling event in Caracas. Modeling school becomes another extracurricular activity, just like ballet or theatre, making experience crucial to success in the business.
These events attract not only family and friends but also talent scouts and promoters.
Modeling events in Venezuela are key in the formation of these young girls.
Weight and diet become an important element. Teenagers are encouraged to follow specific diets to achieve the physical standard require by Miss Venezuela and other beauty pageants. Wendy Guillaon, a nutritionist, assess a student.
"I've been modeling since I was 5," said Josbey Arcia. "I believe this industry pushes you to your limits. You need to have personality. Being a model is fantastic, being on a catwalk while people look at you, knowing that some girls hope to be you some day. It's incredible."
Girls practice modeling movements at the "Girls Models" academy in Caracas.
35,000 to 40,000 breast enlargement procedures are performed each year.
Miss Venezuela candidates from the Giselle Reyes academy. Each year this academy prepares the aspirants to the crown, who will become a reference for younger generations.
Miss Venezuela is considered one of the main events of the year. Families gather around the TV to watch a 5 hour show where the new queen is elected. Promoters try to innovate a contest that some considered old fashioned and have transformed this year's contest into a reality show.
A damaged breast prosthesis from the Poly Implant Prothese (PIP). This company generated controversy back in 2011 when their prosthesis were said to break easily and to be a health hazard.
Rodrigo Garcia, director of "Girls Model Venezuela", monitors a new student while a girl practices basic modeling movements in the back.
Girls in Venezuela start modeling at an early age. In an industry where being 25 is considered being old, girls start practising since they are 3. Every year promoters such as Osmel Souza, director of Miss Venezuela, scout teenagers looking for new talent.
Attention to detail is crucial in both the teacher and student. Edgar David teaches girls from 5 years of age up to 19 years how to walk with heeled shoes and learn basic modeling movements and photo-shoot skills, ensuring they perform their routines flawlessly.
Modelling academies are one of the main extracurricular activities in Venezuela, with more than 60 centres just in Caracas.
A breast enlargement procedure in Venezuela. Advertising, and the fact that they're known as the country that manufactures Miss Universes, create social pressure among women to seek physical perfection.
Girls practice at the academy "Model Girls" in Caracas.
A board shows different positions learned during a modeling class.
Girls practice at the "Girls Models" academy in Caracas.
Girls have to pass a personal interview before enrolling in any modeling academy.