bestphotolessons

If you're just getting into modeling photography, here's a checklist of things to work on and working tips:

Even skin tones - no blotches of random light across your model

No Raccoon eyes - when light is from overhead, eye sockets tend to go dark

Fill light - get a big honking flash or big reflector and learn to use it to even out skin tones, fill shadows, but not over do it

Simplify your backgrounds

USE the background - make sure each element of the background is there for a reason. Try this - take 10 "finished" photos of different subjects or same subject in different places, but ignore the subject and make sure the background is perfect in each shot. This isn't for your portfolio - this is learning. Once you know how to frame using the background, go back to working with the subject.

Learn to use DOF (Depth of field) to isolate your model

Make sure focus is tack sharp on their eyes

Create "concept" photo shoots - create a story to work by so that wardrobe, makeup, posing and shooting style all speak the same language

Work on getting really good eye contact with your models - the eyes should have an intensity, not just be staring sort of towards the camera

Always work with at least a good makeup artist, and ideally also with a stylist and a couple of assistants to move your flash/reflectors around and hand you the donut when you need it.

Rules are made to be broken (except those last two) - but not till you know the rules so well you don't think about them any more.

You should also be looking at top notch photographer's work and comparing what you get to the standards they set. When you see a shortcoming, make changes to your work. Don't copy their "style" - copy their quality.

BTW - this is advice I'd give to any photographer trying to improve.