Portrait Photography Novice Questions

[nunya-k]

I have a scheduled shoot with a female friend from school who saw some of my other photography and would like to be a model. Now I've never done portrait photography I'm pretty much a beginner as far as photography goes. I've done a little research on the website reading tutorials, looking at others portrait photographs etc.. trying to get ideas and inspiration. I want for this shoot to be fun, and flirty not stiff or uncomfortable. So I was just wondering:

What are some ways to lighten the mood/anxiety?
What would be some good places to go for a shoot?
Are there any tips or tricks i should focus on?
Should props be introduced or should i wait till I'm more experienced?

Thanks for any suggestion, tips and/or ideas.

[OsmosisStudios]

Find a nice open public space, go out for part of the day, good around. Shes your friend: be a friend. When you see a shot, take it. If she moves, tell her to come back and take it.

If you really want it to be private, throw some music on. stuff you both like.

The big thing, though, is to have FUN

[nunya-k]

Thanks for the advice, sure will use the ideas.

[KathrynWilson]

Try to pick somewhere that's not too busy, as it can be a bit hard to relax if there are a lot of people around. I find that industrial areas are often quite quiet in the afternoon and have lots of interesting places to shoot and great colors and light.

[cphoniball]

I don't know what your relationship with this girl is like but I know for me, it makes me a lot more comfortable when I have another friend there as an "assistant" (usually female as well). I'm a pretty stiff guy in person though, especially when I'm concentrating on finding pictures, so it helps me out a lot to have someone fun there - if you're a generally happy guy it might not help out so much. Something to think about though.

Like the others said a public place is good, but also one that's quiet. I used a parking garage for my last one and that worked out pretty well, but depending on where you live parks or a large yard are good too. If either of you have a house with large windows those are very, very good for portraits as well - don't be afraid to move furniture around to make the picture.