7 Tips To Improve Your Online Dating Profile Photo(s)

Increase your chances of meeting that special someone.

First let’s make one thing perfectly clear, almost ANY photo is better than none. It’s a fact that better than 50% of online daters won’t even look at profiles without any pictures. And of those that will- they are 7 to 10 times more likely to respond to a profile that has a picture than one that doesn’t!

Today’s inexpensive digital cameras make it possible for you to take a good picture. But they can’t correct the aesthetics; all they can do is capture the image you provide. Even Denzel Washington looks ordinary (if such is possible) when the lighting is wrong or the pose is unflattering.

Here are some tips that you can put to use today!

1. Don’t look rigid

Have a good friend be the photographer. Try to forget about the fact that they’re taking your picture and just chat. While you’re interacting like you usually would your friend can just keep clicking away. Pet the dog, stroke the cat, pick up a pan whatever. Digital pictures cost nothing! Also, try not to keep your hands right by your sides. Instead, clasp them in the front or in the back, or hold on to your eyeglasses to help relax your body.

2. Minimize wrinkles and avoid shiny skin.

Foundation for women and translucent powder for men are quick fixes. However the real secret is lighting. To get as much light on your face as possible pose near the closest light source, like a window if your indoors. Always use a flash, both inside and outside – the flash will illuminate your skin and help hide imperfections. Make the most of your scenery. Photographs taken on a white sandy beach or a snow-covered surface tend to be more flattering because the reflective qualities of those surfaces help de-emphasize wrinkles and pockmarks. Of course, some scenery is just not practical for online dating profiles, but you understand what we’re saying.

3. Avoid shooting a double chin

Professional photographers will tell you to pay attention to the camera position. If the lens is at your eye level or above, you’re in the right frame. If the lens is below your eye level, then you run the risk of looking like you have an extra chin. One trick is to bend down so you’re at least on an even plane with the photographer (assuming it’s not a full-body photo). If you’re significantly taller than the photographer, sit in a chair and look up toward the camera. Or have the photographer stand on a chair.

4. Avoid a fake smile

The best way to avoid a fake smile is not to have one. Have your photographer friend say something that you think is funny. Or think about a joke you know that makes you laugh and tell it to yourself. Lastly, some models suggest that if you’re self-conscious or critical of your smile, practicing before a photo shoot can be helpful.

5. Avoid “red eye”

Glance at a lamp or the nearest light source right before the photo is taken. This is because red-eye usually occurs in a dim room when the irises have opened up so much that the retinas, which are red with blood vessels, light up when the flash hits them. Glancing at a light source helps because when the pupils affix on something bright, they shrink, reducing the potential for red-eye.

6. Crop your photo

Cropping your photo is easy. Just about every computer has editing software that lets you crop, correct color and more. Get rid of the background and focus the picture on what’s important… you!

7. Highlight your skin tones

Wearing colors that flatter your complexion reduces your risk of looking drab and brighten your overall look. If you have warm skin tones, go with colors in the orange and red families, like coral. If you have a cool complexion, try bluish and violet colors.

What you have here are some simple tips to make yourself as attractive as possible. A good quality, recent photograph is the best strategy. So, choose the best camera you can, choose the colors that convey both the mood and personality you want and note the simple guidelines above to avoid unflattering poses. And, be sure to post more than one picture. Following these suggestions will help get you noticed!