How Good Are Your Online Dating Photos?
Anne & Amit’s Dating Profile Photos
The most important part of your online dating profile is your photos. How are yours? Do they show off your smile? Your personality? Do they reflect some aspect of what makes you unique?
We live in a culture that judges women by their appearance. It’s not fair, but it’s a fact. We are so much more than how we look – our personalities, interests, work, volunteer contributions and so many other elements make up the essence of who we are.
As women age, we worry about looking older, we worry about the inevitable weight gain of midlife. And so, we may be tempted to post more youthful photos of ourselves – or even lie about our age.
It's not a good idea. If you value honesty in a partner, then it’s important to be honest yourself.
When Anne began online dating at age 58, a well-meaning friend, trying to be flattering, suggested she shave eight years off her age and say she was 50.
“Everybody does it,” said the friend.
It didn’t feel right to do that.
Sure, she likely missed out on the chance to date some guys who might have been interested in her at her “younger” age, but being authentic means being real. Besides, eventually the truth would have to come out. As it happens, Amit is two years younger than Anne (58 to her 60). There are men out there who don’t care about your age.
As we get older, there’s all the more reason to ensure you have high quality photos on your dating profile that show you at your best self (not your younger self, your real self).
We recommend hiring a professional photographer or asking a friend who has good photography skills, to take your photos to ensure they are the best they can be, showing you relaxed, smiling, perhaps engaged in an activity that you love.
A good photographer knows how to set you at ease. Having professional shots also shows prospective dates that you’ve invested time and money in your photos, which indicates that you are serious about online dating.
Your dating profile is your personal marketing campaign, and you only have a few seconds to make an impression.
Studies show that men spend just a few seconds looking at a dating profile photos. We are visual creatures — it’s estimated that 90% of information transmitted to the brain is visual.
How do you put your best face forward with your dating profile photos?
1. Use a variety of photos (headshot, full body shot, in studio and outdoors)
2. Hire a professional photographer. There’s a lot more that goes into great quality photos than you might think
3. Express your personality by, for example, sharing vacation photos.
4. Remember to smile! One poll found 96% of people prefer seeing a big happy smile in a profile rather than a sexy pout.
5. Your photos should be current, preferably within the last year.
6. Four to six photos are the ideal number for your dating profile.
7. Show your full face. Avoid floppy hats and sunglasses.
8. Check out other women’s online dating profiles to get ideas for great poses and looks.
9. Lead with a close-up: According to Tinder, profiles that open with a full shot of your face get 27% more likes.
10. Include photos taken outside. This can lead to 19% more messages according to the dating platform eHarmony.
Remember: Great photos can help kickstart conversations on dating sites but in the end it’s your personality — and potential compatibility with a prospective date — that matters most.
Interested in any of our upcoming photoshoots?
