First and foremost...that model is gorgeous beyond belief. If she ever models for your class again, tell her I'll marry her.

I could go two completely different routes with this--the counselor, caring, only-listening friend; or the life "spotter" who tells you to suck it up, stop being a bitch, and do one more rep or I'm going to teabag you. Instead I'm going to combine them:

M, you know I will always be there for you. We've gone through a lot of shit together--I love you, I am so proud of your photography and your talent for it--you are an exceptional photographer.

That said, the only person who can get past this is you. You need to stop allowing yourself to justify not doing this, whether it's applying for grad school or not talking to A. Easier said than done, I know, but you need to admit you're taking the easy route by putting this off. There's this scene in Cider House Rules where Tobey McGuire says (sardonically) something along the lines of, "Fine, let's just wait and see. If we wait and see we don't have to do anything." You have the talent, you have the power, at least apply and decide from there. You also know that you need to talk to A, so do it (although it seems you did). You have more answers than you allow yourself to believe; you just need to ante up and admit to it.

I've been through this shit a lot too, don't get me wrong (this entry's particularly applicable: http://chasing-sunsets.livejournal.com/8266.html)...and while I don't have the "fear of failure" I used to have, I definitely don't put myself out there with girls as I should. So I expect you and M to rib me about it, just like I'm doing to you now.

Okay, I'm on way too little sleep and I was supposed to be in bed 30 minutes ago...so I'm gonna stop here. Dude, call if you need to, even if I'm asleep.
love you
-c