I've read in the forums that most inmates post earlier pictures because that's all they have. Since they are only earning 0.10 an hour they are unable to afford taking current pictures.
So I want to ask my penpal if I sent her $$ if she could send me current pictures.
Is this a reasonable request? Are they even able to take pictures in prison?
Also, before I ask her I would like to know what the cost is. If I knew beforehand what the average cost is I would be able to tell if she is scamming me if she asks for a lot more.
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Wow, you want to ask her for a new picture and are willing to meet the cost, but already assume you may be scammed out of more money? Where’s the trust bro?
The first thing you would want to do is NOT offer to pay for anything if you're not able to afford/lose any money, especially when the contact is still on the fresh side of things. If you want a picture, just ask for one and you'll find out soon enough if she's willing to send you one.
So wait? You want to ask for a current picture to see if she's scamming you? How's about you get to know her a bit first and then ask her the question.
It's not like prison has a photo service where inmates can ask to have their pictures taken. Pics are taken only at visits and the visitor has to pay for them, normally they cost a few dollars.
Thank you for responding and I will take your advice.
I feel like there's mixed information going on here.
In my experiences of writing incarcerated women, they can seemingly just go and get photos taken. Usually there are specific timeslots available on maybe 1-2 days a week. Of course, this costs money - how much I'm unaware of. I know that girls often get photos taken together when someone is about to be released or transferred. They often get group photos taken (2-3 girls) - maybe that also helps split the costs?
Sending money to specifically get photos taken for purposes of seeing if she's a scammer? That is getting everything off to such a negative start. Just put more focus into establishing a friendship - being careful and aware of risks, while also looking for the good in others.
I have received numerous pictures from basically all my penpals - and I never once asked for any.
Also, just a sidenote; if someone sends you pictures with a letter, then I also send pictures back in my reply letter - I feel keeping that balance is quite important and also slots in with the prison way of life too (i.e I do this for you, you do this for me etc).
Thank you for responding.
I've been writing to Jessica for close to two years now but I only have photos that she posted on her ad. I originally did send her my pictures. I figure I could send her current pictures of myself and ask if she had any.
You can ask for a current picture and I don't see why after writing for two years you can't be straight up about this.
"Do you have a current picture I could see, I'm really interested to see how you look right now. I'd also be keen to see one if you don't and I'd be happy to pay for the cost. I'll send you a few copies back also so that you have some more to share with your friends and family..."
Capisce?
Frankie, this might be the only time we are in agreement. I agree with what Frankie said. If she goes to the kiosk (jpay) then she can take a pic. I think that's a cost of a stamp or two, I don't really know and each prison seems to have a different price. If you want to exchange pictures just to exchange them, then just ask her if she'd like to do that. If you're asking because you're afraid she might not be as attractive as her earlier pictures, well then that's just kind of gross. Ask yourself this, does it really matter what she looks like? And, do you enjoy exchanging letters? I had a couple of pen-pals previous and it didn't matter to me nor them (with the exception of 1) about pictures.
I don't know why you would say that to be honest? I mean I don't think we've spoken long enough to have a formal thing against each other. I'm just another person here. I might have said something about your career or something? To be honest I don't even remember exactly what I said, most people don't after a while and that's a whole other problem about the legal technique they used to call "bricking..." but hey whatever...
Yes, that's half the problem, each facility has its own rules about photos so it's best to refer back to the handbook for that particular state and that particular facility to get an idea of how much photos cost.
I asked my pal to get pictures taken and he mentioned nothing about needing money to do so. But, our relationship has waded into deep waters (I know, I know.....), and I send him 32907894789 pictures (ok, maybe 3 a week lol).
Anyway, IDK how it is for every prison, but for my pal he said they get pics when they have visitors (which, he doesn't get visitors) and if they don't have visitors then they can sign up for them - those individual ones are done like once a month.
I don't think asking for current pictures is unreasonable, but, if you feel badly about her being able to afford them, and you've been writing long enough, it may be worth it to send some money to cover the cost (idk how much they cost).