Sorry I'm getting to this late, but I've just starting posting again.
As a near-40 year pro photographer there are a few hints I'd add to this discussion.
First of all NEVER use automatic settings on your camera if you have manual override settings!
Far too many folks shoot a model on a white background. The white fools the camera and quite often results in under exposure of the subject matter and the model in the photo is too dark. Of course imaging software can lighten the image, but often at a considerable loss of quality. By using manual settings you can bracket your exposures insuring a good photo.
With the camera on manual and shooting at the lens aperture of your choice, shoot a frame at the "correct" exposure as indicated by the camera. Then, particularly if you have a white background, shoot an additional frame at the next slowest shutter speed setting. Often this will result in a better image of the model.
Another way to make things easier is to use a gray background. That will help keep exposure settings easier. If you don't have a manual exposure setting, this will keep the automatic settings better in line too.
Be cautious in digital photography using the absolute minimum aperature lens setting. While this does give you the best depth of field (deepest range of the image rendered in apparent focus) many small sensor digital cameras suffer noticeable image degradation at the minimum settings. A good rule of thumb is not to exceed f8 if possible. You won't notice it at web page image sizes, but if you are using JPEG files as your original capture format, shoot at minimum aperture and then try to print your file to a decent size, you'll notice the poorer quality. This isn't usually a problem if you're using a DSLR and lenses designed for film, but compact cameras use smaller sized sensors and it can sneak up on you. If all you are doing is producing files to post to the forum, don't worry about it.
Lastly, a good tripod is a requirement for any serious model photography. Cheap department store units might serve for compact cameras, but if you use anything heavier, they often won't do. A good tripod can allow you to quickly change shooting angles and get everything just right. If you have a tripod now and when using your normal camera, the camera shifts after you tighten everything down, you need something more sturdy.
Like modeling, photography can quickly become another "gotta have that latest piece of gear" additional hobby. It doesn't have to be, but having decent gear, like having the right tools on the bench adds to the satisfaction of the hobby.