A striking portrait that has appeared in a magazine and book. The 
composition is tight, and many judges do not like such things - I
believe that, if it looks good, do it.

The  dramatic  effect was achieved by using just one light
source. In this case it was a photoflood light at the side.
Colour  balance  would be a problem with  colour slide/print
film, but not with mono. Flash would give no such problems
but, unless you have a studio unit with built in modelling
light, it can be difficult to envisage the result.

The  exposure  was calculated by using a  normal  hand  meter
reading  the bright side of the face,  and a number of 
exposures done at slightly different exposures. The camera
internal meter could be used by coming in close to fill the 
frame with  the desired area, then setting the indicated value 
on manual.

A tripod is a MUST for sharp results in such cases.  Exposure
would be about 1/30 th second at f5.6

Posing is  a case of what looks good, and how the sitter feels.
If they feel uncomfortable, then they are  likely  to
look it. Always TALK to the sitter, ask them if they are OK,
get ideas  from them.  I often got female sitters  to  study
magazines before sessions, then come up with some ideas.