I say this as a working model; if you’re charging what you’re charging for 7 (!) photos then the LEAST you could do is make sure that the 1.5 hours worth of photos you just took don’t all have the exact same facial expression.

I don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect the photographer to know what works and what doesn’t and to relay that info to the model since that is your chosen profession. (Also, if someone is paying you that much money for a shoot, believe me, they are not an experienced/working model.)

From experience, the best shoots I’ve had are where the photographer knows what looks good and can give proper directions. I understand that the model was inexperienced but I mean, was it a silent photoshoot? A ”smile a little”, or ”turn your head this way” can go a long way.

You say you prefer to work with experienced models and that your portfolio is so amazing that you are right to charge what you’re charging, then on the flip-side of that I’d say your model probably prefers to work with experienced photographers who meet them half way and help direct the shoot they just paid half a months rent on.

If I did a shoot like this and got sent 7 similar/identical photos after a 1.5 hr shoot I’d be annoyed too.

Sidenote, I also have a portfolio with 15 years of experience and I have never once paid anyone that much for a shoot because I know what I’m doing and I know how to pose. Just like how your model expected you to be able to provide a range of photos based on your price and portfolio. If you want an experienced model, you have to actually pay them lol.