As an amateur photographer, is it meaningless for one person or several people to spend hundreds of dollars to ask models to take pictures?

Dizzy! Asking this question shows that you are not so interested. At least, you are not so interested in portrait photography, especially beauty photography. If you want to shoot, you can shoot together. If you don't want to shoot, you can not participate. As for what you mean, do you get what you want from it, such as study or happiness! If there is, it is meaningful! No, it's meaningless!

PS: If you are a beginner, you don't have to spend money on a model. Many people around you can be your role models. Of course, if you want to send photos that you look satisfied with, the image and expressiveness of the model can make up for your technical deficiency to a great extent. If you are an old bird and have excellent skills, it is estimated that you can shoot models for free in many cases.