Thanks again for all the replies! I sent some fanmails today with custom photos and IRCs. I'm excited and hope to receive replies soon.

I used to never send my own photos, but now that it's so easy to either buy one from ebay or create your own custom photo (as long as the file size is big enough), I try to do that whenever possible. If I can't find a good sized photo or a trading card, I at least try to send a DVD cover or insert.

Unless, of course, I'm asking for a photo through e-mail

I send CD, LP and DVD jackets along with a letter

Thank you very much for all your replies! They are of big help to me. When I'm looking forward to sending another fanmail, I'll include a photo with the LOR.

@gabo
That's great! I'm so happy for you. That's so cool of him to sign over a PP card for you. Oh, and thank you for the update. I'm going to set aside some budget for that IRC for any future fanmails.

@Icena
Oh yes, I agree with your point. Some of the autographs I received won't fit in my album...and I was hoping I could fit in the envelopes too I guess I better buy a bigger album.

It depends on the situation, I send my own if there's a particular photo I like, or if I know the celebrity doesn't have his/her own, or if it's via venue. Other times, I may just send a letter alone. It doesn't effect my success rate or speed of reply either way.

ails,

I recently had success with my first request in which I sent my photo and an LOR. Though my photo was not signed, but he sent me his own signed photo. He signed over a PP card.

By the way, I was able to buy an IRC from our postoffice in Lawton, Manila (P115). I promised to update you on this right?

i always supply something for them to sign...

I find that I get the fastest replies when I send my own photos (especially to musicians) and write a lengthy letter.

When I first started collecting, I only sent LORs, and I got a photo back from all of those requests. However, I prefer sending my own photos now because I like to send particular sizes, depending on what will fit in my album, and I also like finding good photos to send online.

Your chances of receiving a reply are higher if you send your own photos or item for them to sign (like a blank index card for example, but just sending an index card may show laziness on your part or that you just want an autograph). If the person is unable to sign photos you send because their contracts only permit them to sign certain photos, then they will more than likely provide those photos.

I try to send a photo as often as possible. If I see that there are a lot of successes not getting their original photo back anyway, then I will just sent the letter and SASE.