Anika, thanks, for those tips - was definitely thinking of amateur photographers but wasn't sure where to even start looking for ones that were good/reputable, so you've been a great help by providing those 2 names.
ParisB thanks for your insight too, I agree that going outside London is an option I need to consider if I want to spend less. And thanks esp. for recommending the photographer in Watford, as there is nothing I'd want less than to end up with someone dodgy, so thanks lots for that.
Re: how much I want to spend for pics, I don't yet know exactly as as it's quite a gamble to spend any money at all, since nothing might come of this --- I still haven't had a single booking; all I've had is a few Directcam sessions, and OK it's only been a week but it might stay that way. Especially as I have no real self-promotion skills to speak of.
Pennymoney- I have been told quite a few times that clients prefer real images as opposed to professional, but I still feel my profile could do with a bit of glamour, just to 'stand out' a bit more --
Also as a side note, I was reading posts on places like Punternet,etc, and most of their recommendations and field reports were links to these gorgeous women (with prof. photos) whom I could never look like in a million years lol.
Anyway I'm rambling now, sorry guys. I'm grateful for all your advice, and it's great that you're all given me lots of options to consider.
This is possibly the most badly-written post in on your entire forum -- apologies as I haven't been up very long (i got up 7.30 pm!!) Thanks xx