ladies, i may be getting old and cranky, and ymmv and this may only apply to me, myself and i, alone, but if i may offer my opinion:

using iphone camera pix on your ads or websites is incredibly cheesy.  i took a look at some of the photographer websites discussed in other threads on other boards, and it seems like you can get a good, high quality and sexy photo shoot for just a few hundred dollars, which (if my math skills are still good at my age) would be only a couple of sessions worth of moola to lay out.  and it would (i think) pay for itself in no time at all.

to me, a high quality picture says that you are focused and serious about your endeavors here.  and if you pay attention and put effort into your pictures, i am guessing you will do the same for me during our time together.

conversely, a cheap one-off shot in the bathroom mirror from your phone or ipad tells me you are too cheap and in a hurry to put any effort or thought into this.   if i see that on cityvibe or on the ter ad boards, i move on without giving the lady a second thought.  sorry, but that's just the way it is.

i know i'm ranting, and i apologize if i've stepped over a line somewhere, but it just seems to me to be marketing 101.  it doesn't cost a lot to look good in these ads.

of candid and pro shots to prove to the gents that I really do look like my photos.  A lot of gentleman have been burned by over-edits on professional pics.  Occasionally I post a candid pic on an ad, on a photo thread, and have a candid pic section on my blog so I can update it periodically.  

On my website photos page, I will only use pro shots.  BUT if I feel like I've made a big change in my appearance before I can get new pro pics done, I could use some candid ones there too.  It's all about being real and current.  

I had my camera stolen, I am in the market for a new one just wondering what you would suggest?

Thank you
JC

i can't argue with  your logic.  sounds good to me.   at least you are using some professinal shots.

of how the provider looks, it doesn't bother me if they use an Iphone.  There are plenty of serious providers who take I phone pics.  I've had some wonderful sessions with providers who take their own pics, especially new providers who are just starting in the business. Many new providers, aren't aware of photographers and website designers.

...but it's nice to have nice candid pics aside the pro ones. Therefore what you see is what you get.

However candid pics also have to be of good quality! Self-miror pic in the bathroom and a toilet with the cover-up in the background....Really? There is a way to make it cute and classy

Bisoux!
Genevieve Marceau

You have said this numberous times, so why would pictures even matter to you?

For me I prefer candid amateur shots. it is way more likely that they are representative of who shows up, than some glammed up photoshopped professional picture.

In this day and age, it's very easy to get a good photogropher to do a free photo session for trade...they want the experience, you want the pictures.  You just have to find one who is willing to not release the photos...sometimes I do photo shoots for trade (I offer other services in real life besides this one
I like to make my photos professional and realistic so we eliminate the one off mirror pics but also get a fair representation that obviously isn't edited.  There are enough one armed photos on FB and other web applications, they don't belong on my website.  Having a proffessional website with professional pictures says a lot, I agree...it says you are willing to take the time...and I don't want to attract clients who aren't willing to take the time also, to fill out the screening form and get to know about me before expecting to spend an hour or more in person

but they certainly must be high quality.  The pictures are your #1 sales tool...  There's no excuse for poor quality.  I don't know about the newer devises but even moderately priced cameras take excellant pictures.  Self pictures are difficult...  but a girl friend or even a client would take them ON YOUR CAMERA.  
While we're on the topic...  pictures need not be explicit.  Face can be hidden, blurred or cropped...  a previous thread mentioned distinctive identifying tattoos  ok to blur but not covere them up totally as this would change your look.  What do I look for?  Simple, taken in total, I should know what you look like naked before you open the door.  A variety of poses, dress & undress, and as I said need not be explicit.  
I don't want to see all the pictures of your back side!  There are clients for every body type & cup size...   if you need to shape up than hit the gym or whatever.  No fakes.  If I click on a profle where I don't know what you look like...  I click right back off!
HV

For everyone.

And I'm not trying to nitpick but a lot of these pictures that you see actually run us THOUSANDS of dollars when its all said and done.
My last photoshoot was with a photographer who only charges $300 an hour.

Between the flight, suite, outfits, salon appointments, incidentals it was over $3k by the time I was done.

There are some signature photographers used by many providers whose sessions BEGIN at $2500.

Interestingly the candid pictures I post get more compliments and book more immediate appointments ("I just saw that picture and I love it") than professional photographs.

Yes, the package in its entirety are a statement about a provider's business.  But I think a statement that a lot of men like to see is "she doesn't take herself too seriously, looks good and she looks like a lot of fun".

I'm sure many of you ladies have clients that are amateur photographers.  

I have taken pics of ladies I have seen. Once they found out I was into photography, they asked me to take the pics.  I could have charged some amount, but I don't do photography for money.  And no, it wasn't for barter.  

Before a session, we did the shoot at the incall location.  When we wrapped the shoot, I gave the donation and proceeded with the date part of the session.  I got a great model, the ladies got pictures. With minimal equipment (basic lighting and reflectors help) and some skill/experience, great shots can be achieved without a "professional" photographer.

So ladies, I'm sure you don't need to spend a fortune on pics.  High quality shots can be had for free or minimal cost from some of your clients who would be honored to take pics of you.  Just see samples first, so you know he's for real.  

I cannot tell you how many times I have seen a girl who looks nothing like her pics.  If you can impress me with an iPhone pic, you can probably impress me in person.

I agree with you completely, I have done photography professionally and have always been more than happy to take pics.

Not taking any credit away from someone that does it everyday. They will certainly have more gadgets, but it helps if you have an eye for the final pic

Pro pics is great because you guys are so visual and a great pic will make you take the decision: I want HER...
However, pro pics are also enhanced, the angle is usually a very flattering one...the only problem is when the provider open the door do you rather be nicely surprise or deeply desapointed? HAHA!
So I put both so my date has a clue what I actually look like and I used to put amature pics on purpose to actually surprise my date and make him go: JACKPOT!

Although I like to keep things separated...
My website only holds professional pictures... The "self portrait" ones go on twiiter... that way I keep it balanced and real for those who take the time to follow me :p

Example:



-- Modified on 10/15/2012 8:36:49 AM

If you see nothing but cheesy shots, she is not interested in investing much into her image, which may carry over to other areas of her business practices, but one or two cell shots to show those match the pro shots is a good idea.

I have never been jealous of a Dolphin until now.

I support your method because your pics are super hot