Start with what the photograph is for. A personal portrait, a portfolio image and a photograph for a website can ask for different things.
Bring a small set of references. Notice the light, mood and setting you respond to, rather than trying to reproduce another person's expression or pose.
Think about wardrobe as shape and texture. A few intentional options are easier to work with than a suitcase of unrelated looks.
Leave room for the location. Los Angeles offers a wide range of visual settings; the right one supports the image you want to make.
If you would like to plan a session, get in touch with your ideas and references.