I created a "greenbox" map, to create the player model images I posted. It is a box with a green sky, and one side is a mirror. (You need to turn on reflections, to sharp or better to insane).

Maybe that could be of help too.

I uploaded it here:
http://rapidshare.com/files/135195988/greenbox.pk3
(24KB, TrafficShare)

BSP Name: greenbox.bsp

You can use GLIntercept for positioning your camera also in front of the player, using its shipped plugin GLCam.

There is a known bug/feature in chase_active you can abuse:

]pausable 1
]chase_active 1
]cl_movement 0
... spawn, play a bit ...
]pause

Now move the mouse - you can rotate around the player model now! But this won't show animations.

Another idea:

]pausable 1
]chase_active 1
]cl_movement 0
... spawn, play a bit ...
]cl_netlocalping 5000

Then you can rotate, and the player follows your rotation only 5 seconds later