The number one complaint about online dating is that people don’t look like their pictures. Let’s face it, initial attraction is about looks. When you admire someone across a room, do a double take in a grocery line or smile at a stranger on the street; it’s because something about them was visually appealing.
It’s no different when deciding which picture to swipe right on in a dating app or what page to click open online. If there is a bad picture or no picture your profile won’t even be read. But a happy, smiling face will almost always attract attention. Below are my guidelines for posting pictures online.
Get a friend to take some pictures of you outside as the sun is going down (it lights your face beautifully). Or better yet, it really is worth it to have a professional take your picture. You can get 60% off at DatingHeadshots.com if you click through any of the ads on this page.
You don’t have to look like a supermodel to take a great photograph. Your picture just needs to be recent, well-lit, in-focus and look exactly like you. The objective is to have an accurate representation of how you look on any normal day of your life. When you meet face-to-face for the first time your date is hoping to see whatever it was that attracted him to you in the first place. You want him to be pleasantly surprised. If you were casual in your picture, then you can get dressed up a little for your date. Your goal should be to hear them say, “Wow, you look even better in person.”
It’s a big mistake to post glamorous, overly retouched or outdated pictures (more than 18 months old and/or 5 or more pounds of weight). Don’t believe that if you can just get her to meet you your charm will win her over. You’ll most likely anger her—you’re wasting her time. If you falsely advertise to get the meeting, you can be fairly certain you won’t get a second date, or even a hook up if that’s all you’re looking for.
8 guidelines for posting pictures online:
- Smile! A happy smiling face will attract more clicks on your profile.
- Be the only person in all of your pictures. No kids, friends, and especially no one that could look like an ex. No one needs to know anything about anyone else in your life until you decide that you want to get to know them.
- High resolution and well lit. Dark and moody lighting should be reserved for romantic moments after you meet. Have a clear, well lit, easy to see who you are photo.
- No disguises! Do not wear sunglasses, hat’s, scarves, costumes or anything else to hide who you truly are.
- No misrepresentation! Make sure you look exactly like your picture. If you retouch photos or use outdated pictures you are only wasting your time, and probably angering everyone who takes the time to meet you in person.
- Have a full length shot to show your body. Also, make sure you have a good headshot (just shoulders up).
- Don’t objectify yourself. Posting racing or suggestive pictures do not portray you as sexy, they portray you as desperate, or as someone who is only looking for a hookup. Subtly sexy is much more intriguing.
- Be aware of your backgrounds. Make sure you don’t reveal anything that might turn someone off in the background of your pictures. A messy room, weapons (too scary), or even your car can make you look like you’re showing off.