The business side of escorting

[SuzieWong]

Thank you for this post, Katy! I'm so new, I don't think I created my profile correctly on this site. I'm so confused...

[ErectionDemolitionSpclst]

This post and thereupon replies have been absolutely wonderful - Thank you! Not does such assist the new but the ones that aren't so new and also the ones that prefer to fly UTR.

KA, you'd be an utterly more than wonderful assistant - You should seriously consider doing such because so many ladies would indeed benefit.

Like KA - Amanda, EW, etc - You are class all the way and are indeed forces to be reckoned with.


Love & Light,

Mary Magdalene

[Katy Alexander]

Originally Posted by SuzieWong

Thank you for this post, Katy! I'm so new, I don't think I created my profile correctly on this site. I'm so confused...

You are very welcome SW. I think you did fine with your profile, you can always add to it once you feel more comfortable.I like your chosen name btw, It comes from one of my favorite movies.

Originally Posted by ErectionDemolitionSpclst

This post and thereupon replies have been absolutely wonderful - Thank you! Not does such assist the new but the ones that aren't so new and also the ones that prefer to fly UTR.

KA, you'd be an utterly more than wonderful assistant - You should seriously consider doing such because so many ladies would indeed benefit.

Like KA - Amanda, EW, etc - You are class all the way and are indeed forces to be reckoned with.


Love & Light,

Mary Magdalene

Thank you Mary M. I have always liked the idea of encouraging each other to do as much as we can on our own with our business, because the skills we pick up as writers, site designers, organizers, money management, etc may one day tranfer over if we choose to move on to a more traditional career.

I love your chosen name as well.

[NinaBrooke]

Originally Posted by Katy Alexander

What I have noticed with some of my favorite photographers is they seem to use a combination of lighting and great poses to make their subject appear three dimensional, regarless of size, or shape. When a photograoher can create that effect I know they are well worth their fee.

That is why good photographers go to school and study extensively before they are selling their work. Some tend to confuse amateur photographers that do charge money with real professionals. A real professional studies their field of expertise, and they can make anyone look perfect, without too much photoshop. I believe if photoshop is needed too much, the photography can`t have been that good in first place.

Plus, it does not matter how "good" you look (or believe you look) because a pro will try to create a flattering picture. .

I never did regret to pay for good photographers. I only regret the "free shots" I got from amateurs, who made me cringe in pain

Personally, I don`t believe in "candid" shots in escorting, let alone for the fear of being recognised for your physical features by someone that does not know you`re an escort

[NinaBrooke]

Originally Posted by texasgoldengirl

I can say with absolute certainty that many, many ladies have read my books and either began a successful business or greatly improved their current business. I know this because they write me from their work emails and I can follow their success. That is the whole reason I wrote them (and will be writing more).

Amanda

I like your work!

[Katy Alexander]

Originally Posted by NinaBrooke

That is why good photographers go to school and study extensively before they are selling their work. Some tend to confuse amateur photographers that do charge money with real professionals. A real professional studies their field of expertise, and they can make anyone look perfect, without too much photoshop. I believe if photoshop is needed too much, the photography can`t have been that good in first place.

Plus, it does not matter how "good" you look (or believe you look) because a pro will try to create a flattering picture. .

I never did regret to pay for good photographers. I only regret the "free shots" I got from amateurs, who made me cringe in pain

We have a few very popular escort photographers in SF who photoshop so heavy the photo actually looks like a cartoon. I agree, when a photographer has the talent and experience the photoshop is minimal.

I do not know what it is like in other areas, but where I am it seems like the ones who photoshop the most also see the most business. The ones who are truly talented photographers rarely stick around, because the demand is just not there.

Originally Posted by NinaBrooke

Personally, I don`t believe in "candid" shots in escorting, let alone for the fear of being recognised for your physical features by someone that does not know you`re an escort

Candids can be great if you are open about your life as an escort, otherwise I do see your point.

[ElisabethWhispers]

Originally Posted by NinaBrooke

... I only regret the "free shots" I got from amateurs, who made me cringe in pain ...

The stories that I could tell.

And in Dallas, folks always get upset at me when I fuss about not allowing "hobbyist" to take photos of ladies for their showcases, websites, etc.

Rarely does it turn out well and generally, the men (who will swear that they will not keep the images) keep the images and do whatever with them in the future.

I've seen it first hand. Over and over.

This topic keeps getting better.

Elisabeth

[NinaBrooke]

Originally Posted by ElisabethWhispers

The stories that I could tell.

And in Dallas, folks always get upset at me when I fuss about not allowing "hobbyist" to take photos of ladies for their showcases, websites, etc.

Rarely does it turn out well and generally, the men (who will swear that they will not keep the images) keep the images and do whatever with them in the future.

I've seen it first hand. Over and over.

This topic keeps getting better.

Elisabeth

Oh hell yeah!! Absolute no go. Also be aware of secret cameras. The stories I could tell . Mindboggling.

[NinaBrooke]

Originally Posted by Katy Alexander

We have a few very popular escort photographers in SF who photoshop so heavy the photo actually looks like a cartoon. I agree, when a photographer has the talent and experience the photoshop is minimal.

I do not know what it is like in other areas, but where I am it seems like the ones who photoshop the most also see the most business. The ones who are truly talented photographers rarely stick around, because the demand is just not there.

I do see your point. I think what adds to the discussion about this is, that really good photographers don`t need to stick to portray escorts. It`s a niche and also one that does rarely give any good reputation. I am not interested in seing the mmmmpth girl in the xth pose that has been copy pasted numerous times. But it is a good income source for amateur/half professional photographers.

A photographer, whose focus is on models goes into fashion, glamour , or whatever the market demands. Also, portraying humans is really really really difficult. I know great landscape photographers who are absolutely horrible when it comes to humans.

That is one point. The other point is the cost. Usual escort shootings are cheap: around 600 to 1200 for one shot, retouch inclusive. I had several of these shootings and was always dissappointed.

So, the point is, a good photographer needs to charge more and/or involve a lot of other people that cost money. Some escorts cannot or are unwilling to pay that money. I understand the reasoning. But if you work as a high charging escort, I also would want to invest into that kind of resource, and most that I find influential or good in their business do that. It`s well worth the investment, since also every good photographer has a unique style that differs, which is also good for the escort.

Or - bluntly speaking - some people (including escorts) are easy to satisfy. Or have no taste.

[R.M.]

Originally Posted by ElisabethWhispers

The stories that I could tell.

And in Dallas, folks always get upset at me when I fuss about not allowing "hobbyist" to take photos of ladies for their showcases, websites, etc.

Rarely does it turn out well and generally, the men (who will swear that they will not keep the images) keep the images and do whatever with them in the future.

I've seen it first hand. Over and over.

This topic keeps getting better.

Elisabeth

Well said. So true.

[mm-good]

Great thread. As a (very seasoned) business person, this is a fabulous thread.
It has in my opinion , some excellent advice and resource for all business owners - but particularly those in and around the adult industry.

I have often wondered how I could legitimately offer my own services to people in this industry that I not only respect very highly but personally "owe" my sanity.

So big kudos and thanks to the OP and participants.

[Ansley]

bump

[austin_voy]

Originally Posted by Tiffani Jameson

Darling Diamond, you said a mouthful right there.

Dr. Freud is smiling somewhere.

Originally Posted by Tiffani Jameson

Do your research honey, and everything will come to you.

True for everything in life. What to go to Paris? Talk to a travel agent. (plug plug Want to buy a car? Edmunds and KBB. Want to avoid being "Caponed"? Talk to a CPA at least every three or four years. etc, etc, blah blah blah (Jimi Hendrix)

[austin_voy]

I can not stress this enough, and agree with other posters about this, pay your taxes.

When I started my business a few years ago I attended a seminar sponsered by the SBA on conducting business. One of the speakers was a tax specialist CPA.

"Al Capone went to prison not because he killed somebody but because he hid millions from the IRS. The IRS doesn't give a flying fuck () what you do, as long as what you do is pay your taxes. Drug dealer? Say "pharmaceutical consultant". Prostitute? "Entertainer" or "life style adviser"."

Talk to a lawyer about structuring your business. Magic, your lawyer CAN'T do anything about what you do, not what you say. Privileged information. As long as you don't say that you intend to commit and act that endangers yourself or another, a lawyer, priest, or doctor (including psych) can't say a thing about what you do. The other "exception" is if you say "I'm going to fuck <name> tomorrow at two pm and he's going to pay me $500." That's an immenent crime. "I fuck for money and intend to continue" can't be reported because he/she can't tell the police when and where. Or so my psychologist tells me and she's been doing this for 20 years.

But don't believe me. I am not a lawyer. I just pay one $250 an hour for her advice (is she fucking me for money?). Find one and ask about this.

[R.M.]

mary Xmas bump. This is a very informative thread.