I have recently started out. I made a post the other day as a way to introduce myself, but it was considered an ad. Even with my ad being on here along with my website, it has been pretty slow start. I'm not sure if maybe I'm presenting myself in a way that is hindering my success.

I've read that the best ways to get yourself out there are by getting involved with discussions on the boards and posting ads to make your presence known. I'm trying to research as much as I can. However, in order to validate myself, is there anything else that I should do since I don't have reviews or high/professional quality pictures? These two things seem to be very important to hobbyists, especially when considering a new provider.

Thanks for your help,

Brianna

By the way, have you read the Newbie/Self Help Manual yet?  You'll find it linked on this page.

It will help you out a lot if you do.

I hope things start looking up for you.

The photos will come along with time. If you're worried about photos may I suggest trying a couple of TFP photo shoots? Sometimes you get some very decent photographers learning the ropes and looking for experience who will do Time for Print etc... ModelMayhem is a good place to set something like that up. I would recommend Wix for beginning. You can add all the info there you want or need, and when more experienced eventually pay someone for a professional website, or you might even meet someone who'd be willing to do it for you. Get your website up, and TER and P411 and you'll be well on your way! Good luck!

you will find guidelines for ad posting.  Not sure what you did to violate the rules in your introductory post, but it's obvious you did.  Read the self help center and if you still have questions, come back here.

As far as I am concerned, amateur pics are fine, but pro pics are always a nice touch.  Reviews will come as you get known, and to do that you should start posting on your regional board.  You can also post pics on the daily photo only board.

Swim

They considered it an ad. If you start a thread on a regular discussion board you can't link your website. However if you are replying to a thread you can link your website to your posts. You also can't post your photo on a regular discussion board. Of course on the ad boards, and the photo board, the rules are different.

As for your photos, good photos are a must, but I don't think pro photos are. We don't want to see grainy bathroom mirror selfies, but modern digital cameras (and even the newer smartphones) are capable of taking really good pictures. Personally I'm a fan of good candid amateur photos, as I feel that will more likely represent the lady I'm going to meet when the door opens.  

Read the self help center ad mrf, and swim suggested. Keep posting, and good luck. :

regional board, guys will get to know you and one will TOFTT.  Once he writes a good review of your time together, your business will be off and running.

Good luck to you.

I really appreciate it! I realized afterwards that I violated the rules by posting my website, lesson learned. I've been reading the Self Help Center and going through a few old threads as well.  

I'll definitely look into TFP shoots. I think with school ending, moving and all that other fun stuff, it completely slipped my mind. I feel like the new girl people aren't sure about, but I'll definitely try taking the plunge and getting involved in my Regional board.  

Anyway, it was very nice and helpful of you all to respond. Thanks again and enjoy your weekend!

If you're new to the biz and also new to photo shoots, get some advice identifying legit photographers and various contract terms.  Who will own the pics and the copyright?  (You don't want the photog owning the pics and selling them to Hustler or Playboy ... or maybe you do!)  Do you mind having the photog's watermark / ad on the pics? (Not a big deal to me.) You might have to pay extra if the photog doesn't get the "free" advertising on your pics. BE SURE TO WATERMARK ALL YOUR PICS, pro amateur or selfie, so others can't rip them off. Etc.  

There are threads on photo shoots several times per year.  Use the SEARCH feature and be sure to go back 300+ days.

And what's TFP?

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From all of the above suggestions, a few more words of advice and caution.

Pictures / contracts / watermarks ... been there.

Just because you're new, don't do dumb things if you're unsure of something.  I'm thinking of a particular incident reported by a former-newbie (now, a very successful courtesan) wherein her very first customer convinced her to do something she didn't want to do because, he said, it's normal, everybody does it.  (I'm going to PM mrfisher because he knows how to explain these things better than I can and he was part of her newbie advice thread.)

Make sure you know how to screen for your safety, LE and otherwise.  Ask for advice if unsure.

Make sure you know the rules ... you CANNOT advertise 'discount for writing a TER review'.  That sounds like a bribe.  

Some newbies have asked about joining a local agency to "learn the ropes".  If you consider that route, make sure are reputable and look out for the welfare of their models and not just the welfare of their pockets.  

More answers on the way.

Good luck

Meaning you let the photographer shoot the pictures and use them in his portfolio for free and he takes some pics you want also for free.  Both parties get something with no cash traded.

Sometimes what he wants and you want are different but he shoots both for free.  I've on occasion seen it where some of the photos are just for the photographer and some are just for the model.  

*Care should be taken with these agreements as to who owns what rights to which pictures.  For instance the girl might not want the blurred pictures she uses in her ads to also be available online in an unblurred form from the photographer.

I assumed TheDeludedRaven meant TFP as Time For Print/Pictures, but I could be wrong. From my understanding Time For Print is when a photographer and model trades their time for pictures. From my interpretation it’s supposed to be a win-win for both; photographer gets to perfect his craft, more exposure, etc. and the model gets more exposure, pictures(depending on what they agreed on), etc. Since it’s a trade, no money is exchanged (I could be mistaken). I have also heard TFP called Trade For Print/ Pics and Test For Print. However, I think everyone interprets it differently. Image rights I think depends on the photographer, but I hope that I would have a say as well. I’m going to look more in to that because like you said, I really don’t want my pictures being sold all over the place!

As for my boundaries and screening, I’ve thought a lot about both. I’m aware that there have been incidents like the one you mentioned. When it comes to screening, I have set requirements that I feel are enough for my safety and comfort. Others might feel they’re too stringent, especially coming from someone who is newer.  

I’ve looked into agencies. I tend to be a little wary of agencies and your last point is exactly why. Also, from what I could find it seems like there are very little agencies in the area I’m currently in. Not to mention many have been shut down /:

Sorry if this is all over the place. It's been a long day ha. Thanks so much for taking the time to offer more advice  

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NO! Image rights depends on YOU!  If you don't like the terms offered by the photog's contract, do not sign and walk away and find someone else.  Don't go for the "oh, it's standard contract lingo ... don't worry, I won't sell or distribute your pics to anyone"  (until you become Miss America or Senator Brianna when they'll fetch big bucks from the tabloids).  

Here's one of the threads I was thinking of:  
http://www.theeroticreview.com/discussion_boards/viewmsg.asp?MessageID=110270&boardID=33&page=#110270

If in doubt about anything, bring it back to the newbie board.  

Good luck

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