Wow, I see this card from a completely different perspective.
I was an aspiring model once, and this is what I see in this card: A young, possibly starstruck, and maybe a little bit desperate ingenue, trying to break into a rough business that is rife with competition, and pretty sparse in the ethics department. The threadbare photog might just be trying one last time to hitch his wagon to a star. If she breaks big, it might be his photo that makes it so. Then he'll get to share in the profit, finally making "the big break" too.
I see one person (the photog) who looks as if he has spent his whole life struggling. Maybe he's not that great a photog, or conversely, maybe he's an underrated but brilliant, and peniless artiste. The girl may or may not have talent, but it looks as if she's staking everything on this. Possibly, the photog, being down on his luck too, will accept what little money she can offer to have her photo taken. The ratty apartment is no high quality studio, and even the camera looks as if it's seen better days. I see these people as taking a big chance, possibly risking everything on a desperate gamble for fame and fortune that may, or may not, pan out. But they're going for it anyway. Each has their own reason for being there. And that reason is at the root of their secret hopes, dreams, wishes, and fears.
Being sold the illusion of fame, part and parcel can take it's toll on one's reality sensors. I know that from experience. It may or may not happen. But there are enough success stories out there to keep people trying anyway. And desperate people do just about anything. They even keep on dreaming in spite of the harsh reality of the situation, and overwhelming odds.
I gave up modeling, and went into a career in which I'll be GUARANTEED fame, fortune, all that stuff. Music. Yeah right! Some people never learn. Hahahahahahaha!