first model

[DetectiveTofu]

Here's the scoop,
A friend of mine asked if I would mind taking some model-style pictures of him. I am really excited to gain some experience in people portraiture. I have never done a photo shoot of a people or person model, so this is a first for me. Nonetheless, I would like to do my best to produce stellar photos. So I have a couple questions:

1. Is there a location anyone might recommend in San Francisco (or a place in general) to do a photo shoot for a single person?
2. Clothing; do you normally tell the person what type of clothing to wear, and in what colors and such?
3. Posing; I think this is the hardest part for me. How do you know how to pose a person for a picture? Any rules of thumb, or casual generic poses I could try?
4. Lens; for portraits I am thinking of using my 70-200 for a tight head shots/portraits, and my 85 1.8 as well. Maybe use my 17-40 for closer full body shots and things.
5. Any specific camera settings you might recommend? What apertures should I use?
Thanks!

 

[IPT]

not really my thing but I have a few thoughts.

Watch the wide angle lenses, causes distortion and unless you are looking for the effect could be unsettleing.

Use a smallish F stop to keep the background soft. Also, the farther away the background is the better for a portrait.

When i do it foor people I find they are uncomfortable. It's weird to stand with a lens in your face and be natural. I often find myself snapping wehn they don;t expect it to get more natural shots (I'll joke with them or tease them "inbetween" shots and fire a few then too!).

If you are using a flash i always dial the exp comp down to about -2/3rds. Looks more natural to me (480ex speedlight).

Have them bring different clothes to change into. Watch the details like necklace placement, trees growing from people's heads, and distractions in the background.

Shoot a ZILLION images and you'll get 5 you love!