Save the selfies and group shots with your squad for Instagram—use these four types of dating site photos instead
These Are the Photos Your Dating Profile Absolutely Must Have, According to Matchmakers
First photo: A classic headshot
Most dating sites only give you a 1-inch square for your main profile picture—which is why the perfect headshot is your best option for racking up clicks, likes and messages.
While many people think of selfies when they hear “headshot,” the weird angles of a selfie often distort your face. To take a really good profile picture, swap out the selfie stick and have a best friend snap the picture for you. The formula for a great headshot is simple. Do your hair (and makeup, if you wear it) the way you like it, stand under natural light in front of a simple background like a brick wall and look straight into the camera with a nice smile.
“Everyone wants someone who is approachable, and smiling is the cheapest way to do that,” says Maria Avgitidis, CEO and head matchmaker at Agape Match in New York City. “Looking into the camera shows you’re ready to go, and the eyes are the window into your soul.” Your dating site profile picture should look like your best friend snapped it, because you don’t want a photo that looks like you’re posing at a cheesy mall portrait studio.
As for the biggest faux pas with dating site photos, sunglasses, baseball hats and a stone-cold face top the list. They don’t make you look mysterious. If anything, they make you look unapproachable (or like you’re one of those dating scam artists). “These profiles are one-dimensional,” says Michelle Frankel, founder of NYCity Matchmaking in New York. “No one is finding a reason to go out with someone when they look at other people. But they are finding a reason not to go out with someone.”
Don’t be afraid to use the headshot as an opportunity to embrace who you are. If you have curly hair, let those ringlets run wild. Or if you wear glasses, throw them on for your picture. A little bit of self-love can go a long way in finding true love.
Second photo: A full-body shot
In an era where catfish (people who create fake profiles and steal pictures from other people’s profiles) wreak havoc all over the internet, the full-body shot comes in handy.
“Women tend to lie about their age and weight, while men tend to lie about their age and height,” says Janis Spindel, founder and matchmaker at Janis and Carly Spindel Serious Matchmaking in New York City. “If you’re posting body shots, it’s a little harder to lie.”
The full-body shot is your chance to flaunt what you consider your best attribute, like your sculpted legs. Just be sure all your dating site photos are current and no more than a year old. Dress in an outfit that makes you feel like a million bucks. That could be the dashing suit you wore to your best friend’s wedding, the little black dress you pull out for girls nights or your favorite pair of jeans.
“It’s about your attitude,” says Carly Spindel, matchmaker at Janis and Carly Spindel Serious Matchmaking. “If you feel great and you have on a great outfit that flatters your body, it exudes confidence and comes through in the photos.” Also, remember that your dating profile should showcase you and no one or nothing else. So save the photos of your hot sports car, your pets and group shots with friends for your social media accounts.
Third photo: A lifestyle shot
The third dating site photo is your opportunity to give a glimpse into your everyday life. The lifestyle shot should show you in action participating in your favorite hobby or passion, like finishing a 5K, cheering at a football game (and donning your team’s jersey) or hiking up a mountain.
“It should be a conversation starter,” says Frankel. “You want to give someone a reason to engage with you and ask you a question.” Just make sure the activity doesn’t detract from your looks or hide your face.
But a heads up for beach bums: Try to steer clear of bathing suit photos. Sometimes they appear overtly sexual, which might inadvertently attract sketchy people or relationships. “Bikini tops and shirtless pictures attract the wrong kind of men and women,” says Carly Spindel. “I think you can show off your physique with a fitted dress or a nice button-down.”
Fourth photo: A bonus shot
Four is the magic number of images to post on your online dating profile. Of all your dating site photos, this one can be the most fun. After all, it’s a freebie that gives you the space to share another full-body shot or headshot, but shows you in a different light. It could be you wearing a more casual outfit, a dolled-up headshot or a fun photo of you laughing. Even if it’s super candid, it should still be high-quality.
Make sure all four dating site pictures are crisp, with no pixelation. That way you’ll maintain that genuine and trustworthy presentation throughout your profile. “It’s about marketing yourself,” says Avgitidis. “Make sure you don’t take online dating too seriously. Dating takes courage. Everything will fall in place eventually.”
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Sources:
- Maria Avgitidis, CEO and head matchmaker at Agape Match in New York City
- Michelle Frankel, founder of NYCity Matchmaking in New York City
- Janis Spindel, founder and matchmaker at Janis and Carly Spindel Serious Matchmaking in New York City
- Carly Spindel, matchmaker at Janis and Carly Spindel Serious Matchmaking in New York City
