I do know that there are some providers that do. I think they offer it as another form of Verification & Screening. If it's not your bag of chips, then don't do it.

I guess to see what you look like before agreeing to meet. Similar to how some ladies ask for a physical description.

I think some use it as a form of screening, and some just want to make sure the guy in the peephole is the guy they have been communicating with.

Personally, I would not send a picture. I have never had a lady ask for obe but if she did, I would politely decline and move on to another girl.

asking for pics

I don't ask for photos of a gent prior to first meeting and personally don't think its a great idea for you the gent to do. Small world...what if you send a pic and its a lady that knows you in your private life etc. If you arrive and you recognize a lady you are both on the same playing field. I do ask for physical description when I send out references though. That is for safety. If I am told a 6" dark haired gent is David do little by the provider that gave reference and a 5"9 blond gent shows up I know don't even open door. Sadly there are A FEW gents that go to great lengths to avoid screening etc. I have also had ladies send me a reference request where the gent says he met me and I have never met. So gratefully most hobbyists are wonderful but the few bad apples make it imperative to screen well and physical descriptions are part of it. I do not ask for photos though and would not send if I were in your shoes. Many beautiful ladies to choose from, not worth risking YOUR privacy/safety.