The internet has opened the flood gates for self promotion and networking. Everyone here is on a level playing field, from the beginner to the professional so long as you can find the right pages. At least that is the thought behind social networking sites such as One Model Place, Model Mayhem, and many others. Even MySpace is being used as a tool for aspiring models.

The problem is that you need to approach with caution and a focused business head. The last thing you want to do is walk into something seeing stars because in the worst case that may be the last thing you see. It's not unheard of either, long before social networking sites and the internet there were cases of models (both professional and amateur) being raped and/or murdered by photographers. (Such as Linda Sobek) Though, more often than not, you will not be in such an extreme situation, it's prudent to be aware of such things. Others want to take advantage of you and exploit you pornographically, while others are just Guys With Cameras (GWCs) who promise a lot and return nothing. Maybe they'll give you some photos, but those photos might hurt you more than they help you.

The last thing you'll get, and the one that you want to find, is the photographer who is passionate and serious about what they do. They will give you prints that will make you look amazing and they will be professional about it. They'd even be happy to work with you again, but these are also the ones who will eventually charge for their service because they are in it to be something too.

Things you need to do to protect yourself is research. Learn about your photographer the best you can before you work with them. Talk to references, look at their portfolio, meet with them before committing to do a shoot, and always have an escort until you are completely sure and comfortable!

Search public records where they do business and see if they have arrest records, and be sure to talk to other photographers and models (both who currently work with and no longer work with the photographer).

For more information, check out these blogs:
Internet Networking Ethics - The Artist's Unwritten Code
Photography and Social Networking - ArTech Art & Technology