On a recent portrait shoot for a University client in New Jersey, I found myself with no one around to help me shoot test shots. It was a small editorial job with a simple one light setup in a gorgeous atrium setting and instead of having my assistant along, I was flying solo. Usually I'll ask some passer-by to pose for me for a lighting test--it only takes a few seconds--and then I'm ready to shoot when the subject shows up. With no one around, I had to improvise. Yep, I put the camera on my tripod and used the self-timer! While not ideal, it got the job done and I was ready to roll when the first subject showed up.
Not an ideal test "model", but he'll do in a pinch. LOL. ISO 125, 1/40th sec. f4, 24mm lens.