is image really everything?

OK It Ain't so! Are you singling me out because of my thread about provider’s rates? A PM would have worked nicely! I'm not sure what you said, but I bet it’s been said before. Originally Posted by Still Looking

Oh, that's a relief! I apologize for the misunderstanding. I was worried that you were quoting word for word

rates should be set based on what makes them comfortable and what meets their financial needs Originally Posted by Still Looking

some two hours later what I posted here:
http://eccie.net/showpost.php?p=1518588&postcount=9

I set mine according to what makes me comfortable and what meets my financial needs. Originally Posted by Carrie Hillcrest

Thank you for clarifying. What a strange coincidence!

I do indeed have GPS, though. It's what keeps me from getting lost on my way to an outcall.

I do indeed have GPS Originally Posted by Carrie Hillcrest

I believe you!

Image is what you want others to see. Perception is what others do see. You can't present yourself as you see yourself. You lose objectivity. If there is a certain image you want to portray, get several opinions from people you respect in the hobby. What you really want to target is how potential clients perceive you. The only way you will know about that is to ask others. Oh and BTW, perception goes way beyond a slick set of photos or a website with all the bell ans whistles. Perception is built by being on a board like this and in reviews or word of mouth.

Image is what you want others to see. Perception is what others do see. You can't present yourself as you see yourself. You lose objectivity. If there is a certain image you want to portray, get several opinions from people you respect in the hobby. What you really want to target is how potential clients perceive you. The only way you will know about that is to ask others. Oh and BTW, perception goes way beyond a slick set of photos or a website with all the bell ans whistles. Perception is built by being on a board like this and in reviews or word of mouth. Originally Posted by Cpalmson

Standing Ovation!

Thank you guys so much. Definitely just saved me at least a thousands dollars. Before I write this I spoke to a few web designers, one wanted $500 for a semi custom design (absurd) and for the quality of photos I want for myself would require a skilled photographer and nice upscale location. Side I do outcall only I would have spent alot more just for a nice room!

I do think I want new photos for myself still, but after 4 years of computer graphics school I hope I can manage to design my own website. Its just a matter of taking the time to do so.

Thank you guys so much. Definitely just saved me at least a thousands dollars. Before I write this I spoke to a few web designers, one wanted $500 for a semi custom design (absurd) and for the quality of photos I want for myself would require a skilled photographer and nice upscale location. Side I do outcall only I would have spent alot more just for a nice room!

I do think I want new photos for myself still, but after 4 years of computer graphics school I hope I can manage to design my own website. Its just a matter of taking the time to do so. Originally Posted by exoticentyce

Excellent decision young lady!

Exoticentyce,
It's fine you don't want good photos or a decent website but saying $500.00 is absurd for a decent website is a little much. Unless they are talking about a cookie cutter template based site, a semi custom site would take 20-30 hours to build. So you're saying a web designer is worth less than $16.00 per hour? BD

Exoticentyce,
It's fine you don't want good photos or a decent website but saying $500.00 is absurd for a decent website is a little much. Unless they are talking about a cookie cutter template based site, a semi custom site would take 20-30 hours to build. So you're saying a web designer is worth less than $16.00 per hour? BD Originally Posted by ben dover

I'll let her answer for herself, but I thought she was saying she will have quality pictures taken... NOT expensive touched up professional pictures!?

On the web site... dam I couldn't get mine done for under $2,000.00 $500 would seemingly be a generic or very simple site I would guess!

Thank you guys so much. Definitely just saved me at least a thousands dollars. Before I write this I spoke to a few web designers, one wanted $500 for a semi custom design (absurd) and for the quality of photos I want for myself would require a skilled photographer and nice upscale location. Side I do outcall only I would have spent alot more just for a nice room!

I do think I want new photos for myself still, but after 4 years of computer graphics school I hope I can manage to design my own website. Its just a matter of taking the time to do so. Originally Posted by exoticentyce

I personally think your website looks wonderful, I think your graphic skills paid off because it looks alot better than some other wix sites I've seen.

I would say make the plunge get a wix premium upgrade to finish it off if you haven't already they are having an upgrade sale now plus it comes with a free domain name. And that won't put a dent in your pocket.

I've stuck with wix for about a yeah now and it has served my needs well. Now they are in Alpha mode with their mobile site builder which helps alot because not every device is blessed with flash capability,.

Still,
That's what i'm saying... The last site I built was for a trailer manufacturer and it was $4,000.00 plus $50.00 a month to maintain it. It's pretty big and lots of flash etc. I've done sites for providers and also barter them. They can be very reasonable or expensive, i'll do it either way. I misread what she said about the photos, I've done a bunch of providers photos and usually bartered for them. I shoot in studio mostly but i'll do incall locations also. It's tougher though because i'm dragging lights around. The only editing i'll do is cover a tatoo if they want, blur the face and maybe cover a blemish that will be gone in a day or two anyway. BD

As I prepare to invest more money into myself within this industry, I have to ask... is image everything??

Do you guys really pay more (money or attention) to the girls with the high quality glamour shots and super upscale websites than the girls who host websites on escortsite.com or any other variation and have self shot photos?

Does the investment in high quality presentation make a difference when it comes down to getting dirty (or deciding who to get dirty with)? Originally Posted by exoticentyce

Yes, there are photographers really putting around the story that expensive photos bring in a lot more money. That's not what I've heard on the grapevine - one of the most well known providers recently got (expensive) new photos and hasn't seen a cent back.

FireSerpent what is your website link? Your banner doesn't link to anything.

In my opinion you do not have to spend alot to create a professional appearance for your brand.

I spent $120 tops on my site and its paid off tenfold. There is nothing better than a simple and well laid out website to get a person interested in getting to know you better. I strive to make sure that my website and other networking tools reflect my warm personality and my occasionally naughty demeanor. Then again I am not asking for the moon when it comes to my rates, so I think the image I project gives my brand more value to the price I request.

When looking to upgrade your site don't worry about the best way to get the $$$ guys, figure out how to best present yourself and what you are willing to bring to the table. That matters so much more than any fancy layout.

If you network you can get alot of overhead things for free or close to it. I can't remember the last time I actually paid a photographer for pictures! I either do TFCD with some great photogs for my pics or take them myself.


It's not about how much money you spend, but where you spend it. Originally Posted by SkylarCruzWantsYou

What is TFCD?

Exoticentyce,
It's fine you don't want good photos or a decent website but saying $500.00 is absurd for a decent website is a little much. Unless they are talking about a cookie cutter template based site, a semi custom site would take 20-30 hours to build. So you're saying a web designer is worth less than $16.00 per hour? BD Originally Posted by ben dover

This is so true, and besides that, web designers have OTC time and expenses too so actually this would come down to more like $8 to $10 per hour. And that while you ask for $250 per hour yourself?

TFCD means Time for a CD of the images you have taken. It's a fair trade because the photog needs a free model and a few pics to add to his port and you get free pictures . I make sure that I let the photogs I work with know what my intentions are with my photos before signing a TF aggreement.