For last few weeks I often watch TV series shown on UPN and VH1 channels. The show is called "America's Next Top Model". The host of the show is Tyra Banks. It's not only entertaining and pleasure to watch (check out out those girls). But there is a lot interesting and useful information for us photographers.
OK. The show is about selection of girl, who will have a $100,000 contract with CoverGirl company and most probably will launch her modeling career. The selection is a contest based one. Through series of tests from dances and acting to photoshoots the girls fight for the first place. The photoshoots are the most frequent test they take. And there are various sets and goals for those photoshoots.
May be not all photographers will find that should such usefuls as I did, though I learned a lot about what is required from a model, certain standards and requirements, used props and lighting setups. And again it's just a pleasure to watch. For example, look at the photographs in the girls' portfolios - Nicole (one of the best) and others.