Always establish with the model how far she is expected to go as far as topless etc is concerned and never try to push a model further than agreed.

Ask her to bring some shots of herself or a portfolio as this can establish a talking point for you and may even give you a few ideas you hadn't thought of.

I also find back ground music is a big help,it totally avoids a sudden silence if you are thinking of a pose or changing the scene -props etc.

It also relaxes the model and sometimes gives you both something to talk about.

Talk to the model about her life an interests rather than your own,she probably isn't over interested in cameras etc but will freely talk about her life style - interests etc.

 

Eddie