opinion on personal work vs. paid session images

[vintagesnaps]

I agree it would be better to hire someone to model for the type shots you like. If during the course of a portrait session you happen to get a photo that you'd like to be able to use, you'd need to think about getting permission/release signed and showing the photo to the client; maybe you could offer compensation in exchange for usage. But I don't know that it's a good idea to do much of that if at all; perhaps if you got a good photo depending on the client and your relationship with them you could ask but I don't know that someone having a portrait session would be interested in modeling.

As you said, what if the client sees it later displayed somewhere? that might create problems later if you don't get permission first.

 

[johnkgoodman]

However, I don't think it is ever a good idea to hold good images back from a client.

And plus (to answer the OP directly) it would be incredibly bad form for the clients to SEE those photos show up in a different context, regardless of your intentions.
Did they sign a waiver or release before the shoot? If they paid you for the shoot, and you want to use any for personal, much less commercial work, you REALLY should get a release in writing.
Just my $.02

 

[pixmedic]

You never know what the client will like or dislike until you show them. Throw a couple of the edgier ones in the gallery and see what the response is. If they were at the photo session then they know the images exist. Is isn't going to be a surprise. Sometimes I am really shocked at what images my clients end up picking. You just never know until you show them. I am not saying show all of them, just show them the best. You are the photographer and visionary behind the session, so lead the way.

Kathy nailed it...

If its pictures of the client, then they know you took them because they posed for it. Edgier though they may be, if the client had issues with the way they were shot, they wouldnt have posed for it. (unless you are just talking about processing)
It isnt JUST about what you can legally do with the photos if you care at all about your reputation as a photographer. Show the clients your best photos, you may be surprised What business it turns up.