For a cam model, first impressions are critical. The first impression you make on a potential customer is your profile picture. When a customer sees you for the first time, they'll make a series of rapid assumptions about who you are and what you do. This could mean the difference between them taking you into a paid show or moving on to the next model. Think of it like an actor's headshot. The actor may be brilliant, but if he or she doesn't match the casting agent's type, they will not get the call. If your picture does not lure a customer into your chatroom, you should consider it a missed opportunity.

When it comes to taking an enticing profile picture, hiring a professional photographer is never a bad idea. An experienced pro knows how to accentuate your best features, suggest color schemes that compliment you, and will bring a full understanding of lighting to the table.

Of course, this may not be in your budget. If you plan on taking your own pictures, here's some advice to help you avoid the most common mistakes.

1. High Def! Most modern smartphones and computer screens support HD. Uses a camera or phone with full HD capabilities is essential for that first impression. Tip: A good trick is to use your HD webcam, as most have the option to take still pictures as well.
2. Keep the Camera Off-Cam! Candid selfies taken in a bathroom mirror can be fun to share with your fans via social media or a texting service. Their spontaneity can be very alluring for customers. But in that crucial first impression, you don't want anything in the photo to take the focus off of you. Tip: A small, portable tripod and a camera with a countdown timer will help you can find the perfect angle and strike the perfect pose before the snap.
3. Avoid Clutter! Again, you don't want anything in the frame that can distract a potential customer from you and your look. Make sure there is no visible clutter, or anything else that might draw the eye away from you in your shot.
4. Look Your Best! Wear something that makes you feel sexy and makes your assets pop. Sexy outfits will draw customers into your chatroom and make you look confident in what you're selling.
5. Experiment with Angles! Take a lot of test photos to find your best side and your most flattering position. Again, a tripod will help you mobilize your camera so you can lock on to your best angle. Tip: Full body shots of models standing or lying down tend to be the most popular.
6. Lighting! A good camera works in tandem with good lighting. You won't grab a customer's attention if they can't see you through the shadows, or if a bright light makes you look overexposed. Tip: Outdoor swimsuit photos are great, but the sun is a harsh mistress. Be sure to use a screen. For indoor pics, use multiple lighting sources. Using the same 3-point lighting setup you use while broadcasting is a good place to start.
7. Keep it Fresh: Make sure you portray yourself accurately. If your body has changed some over the past 2 years, don't use that old photograph. If you're decked out in fetish gear, but don't want to attract fetish customers to your room, don't use that photo either. Pictures that misrepresent you will make it harder to establish trust with a new customer, and could attract visitors looking for something you don't offer.

We hope these tips will help you create a really eye-catching profile pic. For more fantastic advice on profile pics and developing your cam-image in general, check out this blog post on guidetocamming.com