Although I have quite a few of people shots in my portfolio, I consider myself as still not very experienced working with the models. Anyway, my 2 cents:

* I didn't have really bad case, but the worst was when I was much less experienced than now and the model was not experienced at all (just one of our friends). I didn't know what to do, she didn't know what to do... well, at the end we were still able to produce some decent stock cliche pictures;

* My best experience was when I worked with (semi) professional model, who already did a lot of modelling. She understood my ideas even before I was able to completely express them; and she creatively elaborated on them. That was a lot of pleasure and fun.

* Good make-up helps. Taking solarium before the shoot doesn't!

* I was talking above about adult/teenager models. Photographing toddlers is completely different story - they are faster than autofocus! I've written about that in my blog - http://miklav.blogspot.com/2008/05/photographing-toddlers.html

Planning your model shoot really helps. Think about one or several subject(s) that could be made in one location and without too many clothes change. Think about a few very particular pictures that you would make, but once started don't stick only to them, try to experiment around... For every subject and every pose try different angles, different point of view - straight, tilted, from side, from above, from below; perhaps try different lightling.

My personal preference for stock model shoots goes more and more away from studio towards "on location" - whether indoors or outdoors. By the way it is easier for non-experienced models, because they feel themselves familiar in a real life environment rather than in photo studio.

Whether in a studio or on location, accessories are a good help. Not only they animate the picture, but they can keep model busy and therefore make him/her look naturally.

Photographing toddlers is completely different story - they are faster than autofocus!

Brilliant statement 



My best tip for using models is agree on everything before she/he turns up, for example if you're paying for a model then tactifully explain that the clock starts ticking when you start shooting not when they turn up and want a coffee, chat about their journey, do their hair, go to the loo etc. (with the exception of when you're using a HS/MUA obviously), and if you're hiring a studio explain that if she's late and you only get 1 hour shooting instead of the two you've hired a studio for then she only gets paid for 1 hour.
These and many many other things are worth mentioning before arrival and as long as you establish some ground rules there shouldn't! be any surprises.