But there is no shortage of women agreeing to pose - sometimes in lingerie or bikini - for mostly male photography buffs, say organisers.

The 'models' are mostly teens, fresh-faced and eager to build up their portfolios. Some even agree to pose for free.

Indeed, a community of at least 30 active models has sprouted over the past year. They take part in weekend photoshoots advertised mainly on online photography forum Clubsnap.

The outings range from outdoors fashion shoots to those where the models pose in bikinis on Sentosa's beaches or in lingerie in studios and hotel rooms.

A new model can, on average, earn about $30 an hour for a two-hour shoot with a group of four to 12 photographers. More seasoned ones can get $200 an hour.

Some girls waive the fee in exchange for a CD of the photos from the photographer.

On any given weekend, there are six to 10 photoshoots advertised on Clubsnap, and others which are held privately. Amateur and hobbyist photographers, mostly males aged between 18 and 60, are charged $18 to $250 each.

As many as three models are hired for each shoot, ensuring a 4:1 or 6:1 photographer-to-model ratio that is rated ideal. Private one-on-one photo sessions can be arranged by paying a little more.

Mr Mike Tan, 35, a professional photographer who has been organising shoots for the past eight years, said the models are getting younger. 'In the old days, they would be about 18 to 25, now they are usually 14 to 22.'

Read the full story in today's edition of The Sunday Times.