I have been shooting models almost on a daily based the last 2 weeks, and there are a few importaint tricks to it. alpha has said most of what I am going to already, but... 1. Make sure you have a portfolio with you when you aproch someone to model. This will give you credibility, and usualy makes people receptive to the idea. 2. Have them bring a friend along if it will make them more comfortable. As a mater of fact recomend it to them. If nothing else, if you are shooting someone of the opisit sex, make sure that there is some one at the shoot that is of the same gender as your model. This is more to protect you from poosible sexual harasment charges. 3. Be casual and open minded. most models like it when you ask there input or what ideas thet might have. Let the model know what you are trying to acheeve before the shoot too, you never know if they may come up with a good idea, and they will be beter able to pose if they have an idea of what your after. 4. Pay as a serise of shoots not just for one, and do at least 2 shoots with the model before getting into the serious work. This will help you develup a chemestry, or see if you as a photographer and they as a model work well. This I find imparative if there is a need for nudity in your project, because if you do a few non nude shoots first the trust will develup. 5. Finding out there interests is a good way to come up with a paliminary shoot idea. for example if they have a favorate peace of clothing, like an old worn out flanal shirt, then use that as there clothing the first shoot. It will work as a "security blanket" for them, and make them more comfortable. 6. Be profecional, don't have any interest in the model beyond the purpose of the shoot, at least not until you have already done the work. I have had dates with some of my modeles in the past, but I asked them after the work was done. Once the contract is over, then alls fare in love and war. a sence of humer can't hurt either, btu make sure it's a respectful one. 7. A happy model is a good model, Try to keep them comfortable and happy, because if not it will show through in the work. Find out what they might want to do too, and through that into the shoot as well. If you give them what they want the'll apreciate it afterwards and be more likely to work with you again. 8. go and have lunch or a drink or somthing with them afterwards to talk about what they thought of the work. It's good to do this right after the shoot because it will be fresh in your minds. (I usualy take my laptop and we look over the shots over a drink and talk about it. This works only if you shoot digital) Below is an example of the paper work I give to a model when I contract them. It makes my life easer, and I find that it also hels them understand what is going to go on beter.