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cell phone bathroom mirror shots...

if you know an f-stop from shutter speed and ISO and can develop a comfortable rapport with your model... it's a good idea... comfort with lighting, both artificial and natural is a big plus..

And I mean one with interchangable lenses. If you're taking shots with your cell phone, or your point and shoot then forget it. Otherwise, if you have a good camera, know how to use it (outside of the automatic mode), and take really good pictures then why not. It's fun.

I've been a professional photographer since the late 70s.
- "Interchangeable lenses" have nothing to do with the quality of photograph produced.
- Don't get hung up on the negatives of "using the automatic mode". If you take a meter reading
 and then FOLLOW the meter reading, then you may as well use the automatic mode. Any
 photographer who knows what he is doing can override the auto mode any time it is
  appropriate.

A camera is just a tool, it is the photographer who takes the picture. Any camera with a lens capable of taking a reasonably hi-res image can be used to shoot professional-quality photographs.

EVEN a cell phone camera, in the hands of a knowledgeable photographer, can take photos that will look good on a lady's website (and by the way, web photos don't even need to be hi-res, in many cases the smaller the better as far as page loading times).

Most people take a few shots on their cell phones or instamatics that are good and they call themselves amateur photographers. You can take good pictures with them but doing so on a regular basis is key. Plus if you don't know how to take your camera off the automatic mode and adjust for different conditions, like lighting, then you will miss a lot of shots. The comment about the interchangeable lenses was meant that those cameras generally are higher quality.

My point was that if the OP is talking about offering a service to other providers then they should know what they are doing.

and know how to use lights, a very good camera and accessories for a real shoot.  I would not pay anyone for photos with a cell phone camera.  If you are serious, try to put a portfolio together and see how it goes.  You may need to do some shoots for ladies pro bona to build a portfolio and take it from there.  What have you got to loose.

Since "knowing how to use it" is the title of my post... and as I said
"Any  photographer who knows what he is doing can override the auto mode any time it is   appropriate."

I have encountered countless weekend warriors in my time who go out and spend a couple grand on an SLR system and immediately get business cards printed up to start shooting weddings. Pathetic.

Once again, a person's ability to be a "professional" photographer has absolutely nothing to do with the equipment they are using, and everything to do with their technical knowledge and artistic ability.

You might have an easier time gaining the trust of your models as far as discretion goes.
Also, some models feel more comfortable with a female photographer.
Although, I don't know, would there be a "competition" issue that might hurt you as well?

I can't think of any other issues that would make it a bad idea. you do have to prove yourself -
if you don't have a portfolio, you'll have to get a few friends/acquaintances to help you build
one, and/or work cheap or free on your first few models until you build a name.

You also need to be honest with yourself about your knowledge and abilities - are you a person
who "takes nice pictures" or are you a photographer/artist with training and experience?

So is having good equipment. If I showed up for a photo shoot with a model and had a Nikon Coolpix point and shoot versus a Canon 5D what is going to take better photos? Having decent equipment and knowing how to use it is part of what you get with a real photographer, like you. I've seen many times the guy with the expensive camera that takes mediocre photos, but how many good photographers are using crappy cameras? Not many because of the difference in the image quality and what the cameras offer.

So the OP was talking about providing a photography service to other providers. My point is to have the tools and the abilities to take good pictures first.

I plan to learn Photography though until that time I do passionately work both sides in the industry. Modeling, producing, make up, wardrobe, promotions, workshops, ect ect.
Having the experience is one of the greatest things to be able to share with another model to make an exquisite shoot.
I've directed some providers during their shoot and the outcome is amazing.
One of the most important factors is being able tone comfortable with the Artist who is shooting you. If you are not, it will show through relaxation of the hands, feet, toes, posture, and face.

I'd jump on the opportunity. They know what makes outstanding content. Though as with anyone I shoot with, I only shoot with very professional/ reputable Artist.

2 cents

Pro photog uses "cheap" camera and flashlight lighting for challenge.  "It is in the mind and the eye, not the equipment"