No, this is def not normal and highly unprofessional. You have no idea what she will do with that pic and with today's Photoshop technology...we'll...a lot of bad can come from it.  

The girl may have a great rep and may do nothing untoward with it but do you want to risk that? I as sure hell wouldn't.

See other girls who don't have that requirement and build your verification portfolio that way. Then, in the future, you will have what you need to see virtually anyone you wish.

the fact that I am female, so I assume that some providers need proof ( or maybe fap material! ). Sometimes I will send one with my face blurred or from the neck down, for privacy.

Then she is probably okay.
Personally, I wouldn't send my photo or personal info to individual ladies, but that is my choice - I play this game very safely.
For many guys, this isn't a concern, and they provide this info to ladies who have stricter screening (FYI, I do almost all my arranging through P411).

Figure out what your comfort level is, and go with that.  But either way, a big key is to stick with well-reviewed providers for best results.  It's when guys deviate from that that most problems are encountered.

You might as well send your name, address and occupation. Maybe you don't care about having your identity exposed. If not, why not use your real name rather than a handle. Assuming that you would prefer to keep your P4P activities private, then the answer is HELL NO. Find other providers -- they are out there.

Her ads say, "no pic no visit." She is well reviewed on another site. Many have complied with her picture request and have been satisfied. Her policy us also discussed on the forum on that other site and many guys refuse to see her because the picture request. You know what? Apparently it works for her and she gets enough business.  

Bottom line is that a provider is free to ask for whatever information she feels is necessary for her comfort and safety, and a client is free to give up whatever he feels comfortable with for his comfort and safety. If requirements don't match, There are other providers and other clients.

So far it's worked like a charm.

Call it corny, but sometimes I'll send a pic (big head of course) shortly before I'm supposed to meet with a provider.  My reasoning behind this is that us hobbyists have a decent idea what they look like, but they have no idea what we look like.  so, hopefully it increases their comfort level!

Quite honestly, it's a business transaction and I don't think it matters much who's behind the door.  Clients are not potential boyfriends.

That being said, some send photos unsolicitedly, and i find that to be even more strange.

When I was just starting out, I came across a lady I wanted to see.  She was a frequent poster on one of the regional Boards and had universal respect.   She insisted on employment verification, AND wanted an image.  When she first saw me, she wanted to make sure I was who I said I was.  I agreed, and it was probably the only time, since I now have references, and can avoid this risk.  I did my homework before agreeing, including reading every post she ever made.   She seemed real solid.  

This was over two years ago, and although we don't see each much since we live in different cities, I have been rewarded multiple times by taking this chance.   She has helped me with references, and introduced me into a tight circle of UTR providers.   She defines professional, and knowing her is a privilege.  I can understand being uncomfortable providing a photo, but for me the once chance was well worth it