New fasion photographer seeking advice.

What are models looking for in a photographer?

I can't speak for everyone...but id say they're looking for someone with an edge! someone creative and not afraid to do something different! that would be my opinion as a model.

~Hillary~

LOL! burned.

back to topic....

the same thing models look for;
either pay or great photos.

I think that advice is correct, freelance models are looking for creative and edgy.  They often want their book to look like a fashion editorial.

What they need is a photographer who can produce images that an agency would use and it isn't editorial edgy stuff; that rarely gets a model cast.  Some will know that and want both from you

In my experience, models want the same things any human being wants ... to be treated as a person and with respect.  This is both on set and off set.  Models seem to like communication in setting a shoot up, setting a shot up and the delivery of pictures (especially in a TF shoot). 

  Once on set, they definitely like being treated with respect.  I find it helpful to not make rude or crude statements (what's rude or crude depends on who you're shooting so I don't say anything that *anyone* would think is rude or crude unless they're just unreasonable).  I don't touch without permission and when I do, I keep it to a minimum (one hair that is out of place, etc) unless their life is in danger (hasn't happened yet).

  When the shoot is over, deliver whatever is promised to them in a timely manner.  If it's pictures, I try to make it 7-10 working days (or less, if I can).  Some people are going to be unreasonable (one model contacted me after only 4 days ... 2 of which were a weekend ... as if I'm not supposed to have any time off ... and 2 of those days almost my entire city didn't have any electricity).

  Then I try to deliver photos that are dynamite!  We will disagree on what the definition of dynamite is, though, so I promise them 5 pictures but try to deliver at least 30.  There has to be 5 in there somewhere they can use or will think are worthy of their time.

  Another thing I've learned to do is turn some models away.  If they are wanting to shoot in a genre I have no interest in doing, I'll let them find someone who is interested in that sort of thing instead of giving them what I think they want (or doing the best I can and finding out later it's mediocre at best).

Everything Lovely Day said above.

In addition, from a fashion photographer they expect photos that make them look like fashion models. That includes styling, hair, makeup and the rest - on through professional grade post-processing. Which means you probably will need to team up with aspiring people in at least some of those fields.

You need to start by getting up a few photos that will attract models. Maybe not full-on haute couture to start, but definitely things with a modeling/fashion look.

gonna be honest with you. You won't learn about the industry from any forum. If you are serious about learning, go to the area's of the world where the gate keepers are and start knocking/networking and beg to work for them. Forums are a waste of time because you will get varying information from many that are inexperienced in the subject that will confuse your attempts.

Usually the first thing a model looks for is a good port.  In order to get a good port, you need models.  Paying some models is probably going to be the best way to start building your port.