Models can smell fear

[Asylum Steve]

Sorry to toss all these questions out at once, but here it goes...

Yeah, a lot of ground to cover, so I'll give you the Cliffnotes version...

Tips for helping to direct posing?

I'm not big on posing guides. Making something that is supposed to flow and be organic formulaic usually doesn't work too well. And each model is different. My advice would be to pull pages from fashion magazines (or online) to use strictly as reference and then have the model mimic the poses. Have a clear idea of the shot you want and then adapt it to the model. Some models like to be static with direction, and some like to move. You need to figure out which they are better at and go with it. Some of both is usually a good idea. Learn key words that give your model direction. In general, you either want a very smooth look (hands arms legs extended), IOW classic "brush strokes", or something against the grain and angular. Mixing the two is usually bad. Symmetry is not necessarily evil, but in my book symmetrical shots need to be PERFECTLY symmetrical (or just one single element asymmetrical).

While browsing OMP it occurred to me that all the models seem to get rave reviews. Is there any indication of their skill other than their small amount of carefully selected photos?

I'm on OMP, but not a huge fan of casting through it. I've had better success with Model Mayhem. Unless you're absolutely convinced of a model's look, personality and potential, the best thing to do is ask other photogs that have worked with them. Most models on these sites list references.

I looked through my photos* and found that the model in question generally seemed ill-prepared (very poor choice of clothing, chipped nail polish, clashing jewlery). Which leads to the question of what is on your checklist for asking models to prepare/bring items?

I have never let a model style a shot, but then I had the luxury of learning to shoot fashion in Miami Beach, where there is always an abundance of styling talent. Truth is, if you want to have the best chance for suscess, you need to learn fashion styling and take control of it yourself. By this of course I mean wardrobe and accessories. I am always on the lookout for clothes and accessories at thrift stores and other places. I tell models to bring as much stuff as they can, but don't count on it to create my looks. Nails you can fix in photoshop...

I have about 3 decent shots that I would post for critique, but I chose not to pay extra for a model release ($10, but principle) so I don't feel so comfortable posting them when combined with my comments above.

Unless you're model is under 18 years old, there's really no risk in posting a shot in a non-commercial capacity. I mean it's certainly not illegal. It would be good to see your work, so we can get you on your way to better results!

Anything else, fire away...