If photos speak a thousand words....

[XXX_photos]

...why do you continue to use homemade snaps?

OK, so i have a vested interest in the answer. Professional photos make you look good, throw in professional make up and hair and you are probably never going to look better and of course the better you look the more people want to see you...and spend with you....!

BUT so many models use photos from their phones, self timers or ones their boyfriends took to promote themselve online. I just wondered why.

Is it cost? you think they will cost too much?

You think they won't make a difference so just make do with home snaps?

Dont' know where to go - I accept that not all photographers do this sort of work but there are plenty of us out there....

I'm genuinely interested to know your thoughts. Some of the MFC girls have some stunning photos and you can tell instantly they have been professionally taken. I just wonder why more don't make the investment.

 

[LadyLuna]

There are many reasons a girl might not want to do professional photos.

1- many girls start camming with absolutely no money to invest in it. So they might have to wait to take such photos until after they've earned the money to pay for them

2- sometimes guys *want* the do-it-yourself look. We are asked all the time to do amateur porn vids, and the guy gets upset if we edit it to make it seem more professional.

3- many girls can't risk people finding out what they do for a living.

4- I'm paranoid. I refuse to let anyone take pictures of me that they will then see on the site, because then they'll know who I am. I do all my pictures myself for this reason, but I figured out how to do it without them being "pic in the mirror" or "hand on the mouse" pics. And have recently shared how to do this with girls of the community who are of a like-mind.

 

[XXX_photos]

There are many reasons a girl might not want to do professional photos.

1- many girls start camming with absolutely no money to invest in it. So they might have to wait to take such photos until after they've earned the money to pay for them

2- sometimes guys *want* the do-it-yourself look. We are asked all the time to do amateur porn vids, and the guy gets upset if we edit it to make it seem more professional.

3- many girls can't risk people finding out what they do for a living.

4- I'm paranoid. I refuse to let anyone take pictures of me that they will then see on the site, because then they'll know who I am. I do all my pictures myself for this reason, but I figured out how to do it without them being "pic in the mirror" or "hand on the mouse" pics. And have recently shared how to do this with girls of the community who are of a like-mind.

Hi Luna,

You make some really good points. Starting out with limited cash - none of us have unlimited budgets so i think that is fair point. Amateur - again really good point, I still think you can have "professional" amateur. Where a photo has that amateur quality but actually has had an awful lot of thought and consideration in how to make it look amateur but to make sure it shows the subject at their best. This is an area I think many men like - too professional can be a turn off, amateur suggests the girl is "attainable".

Not sure i understand point 3 - do you mean that they wouldn't want even the photographer to know who they are?

I loved 4 Not one i can probably get around but i appreciate your honesty. I have met many "nervous nudes" people who take their clothes off for a living but don't feel comfortable doing it in front of a real person. I've been doing this a long time so i guess i am reasonably good at relaxing people, can't remember the last time i had someone not go through with it. But TBH, in the early days i was an nervous as they were

 

[Nordling]

Yups, and when you take your own photos, you have complete ownership of them; there will never be an argument about "rights" to the images except between the model and possibly members who may use them in ways for which they were not intended. Why add a third layer?

A compromise suggestion might be investment of a decent digital camera...not a high priced one but an easy to use, adjustable camera with a good lens, and with a timer (or a trusted friend)

 

[Jessi]

Basically everything Luna said.

You will notice that the models with pro looking photos are the ones who are up in the top lists and make a lot of money. I can speak for myself, and I am not embarrassed to say (fact of life here) but if I were to pay a pro, Id basically have to choose between making the rent and getting photos done. My landlord isn't going to care if I tell her it's a good investment.
Most photographers who work for free are going to want to at least use your image in their portfolio- which becomes an issue with watermarks and things becoming traceable to your location.

 

[MadisonLeigh]

- Many guys have expressed a preference for amateur/self taken photos

- I like to update my photos frequently and take new sets semi often so it would be cost prohibitive to get pro photos every time

- Not sure if I would feel comfortable taking hardcore/explicit photos with a photographer. I have done paid nude modeling shoots but they were softcore.

- I have a HD webcam and my photos are well lit. I am pretty proficient at doing my own makeup and would probably never pay for that service. My self taken pictures work fine for me...I'm able to make money from them, and I can take them for free and in the privacy of my own home.

I am certainly not opposed to taking professional photos, it's just not something that I feel is a good investment of my time and money right now.

 

[XXX_photos]

Thanks - really appreciate your thoughts.

The ownership one is always going to be a bone of contention with photographers, personally I don't keep the IP on adult work (except professional/corporate) so for the women that have photos taken for their websites/profiles etc we agree a fee and they get it all. I have done trade for pics (TFP) in the past where i need a new type of shot but not so much these days

@madisonleigh - again fair point but if you can use the photosets in multiple places, cam site, personal website, model site it becomes less of a cost. TBH most of my independents are for soft stuff. Which if I'm honest i prefer - I'm still an artist at heart!

 

[Bocefish]

The ladies bring up some valid points. With the affordability and quality of DIY digital imaging nowadays, it's way more cost-effective for them to invest a little time studying digital photography basics and use a tripod or significant other/friend. Good lighting would be a better investment for camwhoring IMHO.

Putting together a portfolio for professional modeling is whole different story.

 

[MadisonLeigh]

@madisonleigh - again fair point but if you can use the photosets in multiple places, cam site, personal website, model site it becomes less of a cost. TBH most of my independents are for soft stuff. Which if I'm honest i prefer - I'm still an artist at heart!

I don't have a personal website and my point was more that I like to have a large variety of photo sets. However if I did have a personal website, I can certainly see much more of a value in investing in professional photos for that!

I sell explicit photosets because they make me the most money, so I wouldn't want to go take softcore photos with a pro photographer that may or may not sell well. I mean, I'm not talking like anal gangbang sets or anything, but there are usually at least a few pics in my sets that are showing off the bits, and some of my sets include toy play. I don't know if I'd want to do all that with a photographer. Softcore just isn't really my niche as far as making money from photos. But, it works for some, and I think the kind of guys who like to buy softcore photos are probably also the type to appreciate pro photos.

 

[Jessi]

@madisonleigh - again fair point but if you can use the photosets in multiple places, cam site, personal website, model site it becomes less of a cost. TBH most of my independents are for soft stuff. Which if I'm honest i prefer - I'm still an artist at heart!

I don't have a personal website and my point was more that I like to have a large variety of photo sets. However if I did have a personal website, I can certainly see much more of a value in investing in professional photos for that!

I sell explicit photosets because they make me the most money, so I wouldn't want to go take softcore photos with a pro photographer that may or may not sell well. I mean, I'm not talking like anal gangbang sets or anything, but there are usually at least a few pics in my sets that are showing off the bits, and some of my sets include toy play. I don't know if I'd want to do all that with a photographer. Softcore just isn't really my niche as far as making money from photos. But, it works for some, and I think the kind of guys who like to buy softcore photos are probably also the type to appreciate pro photos.

On MFC, it seems only the super fans would buy softcore sets anyways (AFTER they buy your explicit stuff, because they want everything) - softcore is usually expected on your profile for free.

 

[AmberCutie]

Cam girls are sort of a girl-next-door approach to the glitzy and glam strippers and porn stars that so many guys flip their shits over. We do things however we want, with no boss, on our own, sometimes with very amateur quality. It's what separates us from the more professional professionals, so to speak.

We are real people with webcams, not glamour adult stars. Sometimes we may go the extra mile for some pro looking pictures, but for the most part, we are in our own business and run it as non-chalantly or as professional as we feel like.

 

[LaceyRoyce]

I do both.

I have yet to find a NON sleezy photographer in my area thats willing to do hardcore shots like I want.

Many guys LOVE the amateur quality of the pictures that I take myself. Supposedly, some article I read recently - amateur porn is where all the money is these days. Which makes sense, thats more or less what Cam Girls are!

When I do get professional sets done USUALLY they are done as a trade for pics as I really cannot afford to pay for them.

Some girls make a TON of money from photo sets... however my audience are not the type to pay for galleries much. I make just as much money from my home done ones as the ones taken by pro's.
I make SOME money from them, but not enough to justify paying a photographer. They are 'swag'. stuff to give out for big tips, send as thank yous, throw in with prizes...

I should mention that I do have a decent camera and SOME skill with it. Im by no means a photographer but I do understand how to work a camera

I would be curious to find out looking at my avatar pic on here how many of you think its a pro photo and how many of you think its done by me?

 

[LadyLuna]

RANDOM THOUGHT!

What 1000 words do you see when you see a professional photo from a camgirl? What 1000 words do you see when you see a self-done photo from a camgirl?

Post the pic if it's relevant

 

[Rose]

Simply because I'm a perfectionist and I have trouble handing over the reigns to another photographer when I'm one myself. I have a few friends in the photography field because I model on the side; but it's still difficult for me to let them take control when I know I can do the same job by myself without dealing with their sexual issues. Why should I bother with a guy I don't really know getting horny taking my pictures when I can do the same, or better, job myself with minimal help from my roommate? Besides, I spent the money for the professional equipment so I fully plan on using it whenever I can.

 

[Anonymous]

There are many reasons a girl might not want to do professional photos.

1- many girls start camming with absolutely no money to invest in it. So they might have to wait to take such photos until after they've earned the money to pay for them

2- sometimes guys *want* the do-it-yourself look. We are asked all the time to do amateur porn vids, and the guy gets upset if we edit it to make it seem more professional.

3- many girls can't risk people finding out what they do for a living.

4- I'm paranoid. I refuse to let anyone take pictures of me that they will then see on the site, because then they'll know who I am. I do all my pictures myself for this reason, but I figured out how to do it without them being "pic in the mirror" or "hand on the mouse" pics. And have recently shared how to do this with girls of the community who are of a like-mind.

I agree with what LadyLuna said here. :thumbleft: And besides, if you have a high definition webcam (Logitech HD C910, etc.) and good lighting, that's good enough for cam modeling. You can take lots of photos as often as you want without having to worry about spending x amount of money on a one-time photo shoot.

 

[XXX_photos]

Thanks everyone, you've really given me some interesting perspectives. And to a point you have given the answers I needed to know.

Pro photography is not going to appeal to everyone, and it may well be that i don't have much of a market with cam girls (and that is really what i was trying to find out). I think the argument that amateur/cam girl/girl next door appeals to your clients is a fair one. I think like most things, the best outcome is probably a bit of everything, pro/amateur/self portraits some of which will appeal to most people.

thanks for your input

 

[LacieLaPlante]

Thanks everyone, you've really given me some interesting perspectives. And to a point you have given the answers I needed to know.

Pro photography is not going to appeal to everyone, and it may well be that i don't have much of a market with cam girls (and that is really what i was trying to find out). I think the argument that amateur/cam girl/girl next door appeals to your clients is a fair one. I think like most things, the best outcome is probably a bit of everything, pro/amateur/self portraits some of which will appeal to most people.

thanks for your input

Many people are scared of a professional photoshoot, you must remember. They don't think they'll be able to pose right, or the pictures will come out terrible. Who wants to spend money on terrible photos? I remember this one shoot I went to that I have never released any pictures from because.. I look like a news caster. So proper, so.. uptight. I spent $200 on those pictures and I only got ONE print because I hated every other photo. I hate the print that I got. The photographer and I didn't have the same image of me, what she thought was sexy was really not very sexy. She didn't know me well.

You've got to find a photographer who works for you and so many people are quick to say "I'm a photographer" that you will find many girls hesitant to work with just anyone.

 

[Anonymous]

I spent $200 on those pictures and I only got ONE print because I hated every other photo.

Yup. It always bugged me how some photographers charge $300 - $400 for a professional shoot, but then all you get is a photo CD, and they tell you to choose a FEW pics that you'd like to have retouched.

 

[LacieLaPlante]

I spent $200 on those pictures and I only got ONE print because I hated every other photo.

Yup. It always bugged me how some photographers charge $300 - $400 for a professional shoot, but then all you get is a photo CD, and they tell you to choose a FEW pics that you'd like to have retouched.

Well a few retouched is about right. Retouching takes a lot of time, not to mention not every photo is really worth showing off. I was a photography major for a bit and I really focused on retouching. But if you get a cd with all the images you can do the rest of the retouching yourself, it's very very easy and there are hundreds of tutorials on the internet. If you need any help, send me a message :]

 

[Shaun__]

I remember this one shoot I went to that I have never released any pictures from because.. I look like a news caster. So proper, so.. uptight.

You seem to be a very relaxed and casual person to me so I can understand how that image does not suit you. You seem to be forgetting though that a lot of people think newscasters are sexy. Maybe you should sell the pictures as a joke cosplay set to see if you could recoup some of your costs.

 

[Anonymous]

But if you get a cd with all the images you can do the rest of the retouching yourself, it's very very easy and there are hundreds of tutorials on the internet.

Yeah, that's what I've often done, because I've had CDs with lots of photos that I loved.

But thank you for the offer. :thumbleft:

 

[JoleneBrody]

Can I suggest OP that you place a link to your website on you twitter sig as well as here. I think you will have better luck appealing to the cam world with some sort of portfolio available.
Personally I prefer pro quality shots and my fellas constantly compliment my photosets and the level of work I put into them. I also have the type of MFC pals that appreciate the artistic side of things.
All in all I think the cam world needs a good mix. Some guys really dig the pro shot, maybe more soft core stuff. While others like the grittier feel of the self shot.

 

[JenniCooper]

I think a lot of times, professional photos can look STUNNING, but wind up not looking anything like the model. I think as cam girls, it's a good idea to have a bunch of photos that accurately represent what we look like. I would love to have some professional photos done... and plan on doing so soon! I think variety is key. Webcam pics can even be fun as a way of showing what members might expect to see in your cam room.

But yeah, so far, all my photos have been taken by ME and I don't think it has hurt me as a cam girl at all

 

[SNATCH]

I find I get nervous as shit fuck when ANYONE else but myself is taking photos. I've always been that way. I also feel that because of the nervousness, what could be awesome, always ends up looking like shit.

As far as the copyrights, agree there too. Nothing to sign, no need to ask, or have to deal with any of that either.

I just find it much less of a hassle to do it myself.

I have been looking for the right opportunity to have someone else photograph me... Have asked my husband, && he has taken photos of me before in the past, but for some reason I still get nervous. .

I also find the hair && makeup, getting glammed up to be fun... But I think a lot of us are going to less toned down, more girl next door than full out glammed up photoshopped. .

 

[PlayboyMegan]

I think a lot of times, professional photos can look STUNNING, but wind up not looking anything like the model. I think as cam girls, it's a good idea to have a bunch of photos that accurately represent what we look like. I would love to have some professional photos done... and plan on doing so soon! I think variety is key. Webcam pics can even be fun as a way of showing what members might expect to see in your cam room.

But yeah, so far, all my photos have been taken by ME and I don't think it has hurt me as a cam girl at all

THIS!!! I love professional photos, but I do not have a hair stylist, make-up artist, wardrobe assistant, and photography lighting at my home. So a guy comes in my room and says, "your picture doesn't look like you." Yes, it does look like me, because it is me. It just doesn't look like me when I'm at home missing a crew of people to help me look like my best.

 

[Anonymous]

Girls that don't have professional pictures are obviously not professional models, therefore you being able to see sexy shots of a regular girl is a privilege. :twocents-02cents:

Plus, some cam girls don't sell pictures. So who cares what the pictures on their profile look like. I'd like to add the fact that a lot of these professional pictures don't look anything like the girl you see on cam.

 

[PlayboyMegan]

Girls that don't have professional pictures are obviously not professional models, therefore you being able to see sexy shots of a regular girl is a privilege. :twocents-02cents:

Plus, some cam girls don't sell pictures. So who cares what the pictures on their profile look like. I'd like to add the fact that a lot of these professional pictures don't look anything like the girl you see on cam.

I have to disagree with you. Some girls are professional models on MFC but don't post the pics by choice. Or some have professional pictures, but it does not make them a professional model. Also, every girl is a "regular girl."

 

[Sevrin]

Also, every girl is a "regular girl."

That depends on whether she makes sure to eat her fruits and vegetables, along with whole grains.

 

[Anonymous]

Girls that don't have professional pictures are obviously not professional models, therefore you being able to see sexy shots of a regular girl is a privilege. :twocents-02cents:

Plus, some cam girls don't sell pictures. So who cares what the pictures on their profile look like. I'd like to add the fact that a lot of these professional pictures don't look anything like the girl you see on cam.

I have to disagree with you. Some girls are professional models on MFC but don't post the pics by choice. Or some have professional pictures, but it does not make them a professional model. Also, every girl is a "regular girl."

I meant it more like, girls that don't go out of their way to have professional or quality pictures aren't taking it as seriously as those who do. And regular girl as in a girl who is not interested in being a porn star or popularity or attention, and is solely just trying to make decent $.

If a guy saw me out in public, there's no chance in hell that he'd be able to see more of me. So in my opinion, if I use cell phone pics on here, they really shouldn't complain about it because otherwise they wouldn't see me at all. I mean, obviously if the pictures are absolutely horrendous and you can't see shit, then that's one thing... but if not, they are just being selfish and rude. It's like buying cupcakes at a bake sale and complaining that they aren't gourmet. If they want professional, high quality, whatever it may be, then go to a real porn site.

 

[PlayboyMegan]

Girls that don't have professional pictures are obviously not professional models, therefore you being able to see sexy shots of a regular girl is a privilege. :twocents-02cents:

Plus, some cam girls don't sell pictures. So who cares what the pictures on their profile look like. I'd like to add the fact that a lot of these professional pictures don't look anything like the girl you see on cam.

I have to disagree with you. Some girls are professional models on MFC but don't post the pics by choice. Or some have professional pictures, but it does not make them a professional model. Also, every girl is a "regular girl."

And regular girl as in a girl who is not interested in being a porn star or popularity or attention, and is solely just trying to make decent $.

You might be that type of girl, but certainly you do not think all cam girls are. I know many camgirls that cam for attention (not their only reason for camming, but a bonus).
There are pornstars on MFC and most girls do porn on MFC (according to the dictionary definition).
I don't know what your reasons for camming are, but mine are not only for the money.
I just don't think your description is the only type of a "regular" girl. I'm sure many girls who don't cam, don't think cam girls are "regular" girls, but we are. They could say that "regular" girls don't get naked in front of hundreds of men a night. But I think we are all "regular", in some way. Pornstars, cam girls, librarians, etc. Anyways, I think you misused the word. That is all.