You can hardly imagine a modern person without thousands of photos on his cell phone. And we are not talking solely about women - men in 2022 make shots definitely no less often! This, however, doesn't mean everyone has turned out to be a professional model... Therefore, we guess such a situation is familiar to you. Whether you need a nice family picture for Grandma's milestone birthday, or you just want to change your avatar photo on Facebook - you get stressed out. There you are, stand in front of the camera. Despite looking relaxed and attractive - you feel trapped. Your lovely smile became a grim grimace that actually reminds Joker from the DC universe. And what do you need to do with your hands? Posing isn't easy as well…
The whole thing is getting significantly harder - when it comes to profile pictures for dating sites. Since there, your goal is not only to look charming - you need to encourage a potential girlfriend to contact you! And, after all, you are not looking for a new basketball buddy or jogging partner - you are searching for the love of your life.
To be perfectly honest - without captivating photos, no one is going to read your profile text. Yes, so brutal the truth is. So make sure your well-rounded personality is noticeable on a small square pic. We know what you think now: mission impossible. Well, nearly. Nevertheless, you can get the most out of your profile picture. And we will give you 15 tips on how to do this.
Tip #1. Selfies, amateur shots, or a professional photo session?
Let's, above all, find out which of these options could highlight your personality better. We will consider each one separately for better understanding.
The first and easiest one is the selfie. It certainly can work - but this doesn't guarantee you will make a good impression on the ladies. Selfies often appear banal, and let's be honest: they are. Also, these photos don't automatically make you look good. The angle from above might help your double chin disappear - but the dark circles under your eyes might be brought into focus by the natural shadows. Forget about mirror selfies - they hardly stand out from the crowd anymore. And if a girl has to look at one of these masterpieces that reveal mountains of dirty laundry or family members sitting on the pot in the background, she gets sick. So, please don't do this!
The best pictures for a dating profile are almost always created by professionals. Their skills ensure you will have good light, bright colors, and a nice background. The cameras of photographs are undoubtedly better than those from smartphones. In the best case, a photo session made by experts includes not only taking photos. But it also involves advice on poses and picked by a stylist outfit. Although, such services can't be free of charge. In addition, you can never be completely sure whether your personality is really being shown in the right light. At the same time, some photographers do not specialize in dating photos. So better take a look at the portfolio of a specialist before paying for his services. If he mostly makes pictures for LinkedIn - do not hire him. Because your goal is to find the right partner - not apply for a job.
When talking about pictures for a dating profile made by your friends - the opinion is uncertain. On the one hand, there is no need to pretend to be someone else in their company. Their shots will be the most real ones, so you can send the right signals through them. Ladies who genuinely harmonize with you are more likely to react to these ones. On the other hand, a photo session with buddies has its cons. Before you realize what happens, one beer to relax can turn into a few more. And, a few moments later, you are involved in pseudo-philosophical conversations or simply laugh together. As a result - you will get really horrible drinking pics that you would rather not want to show in public.
Tip #2. A new one is always better!
Understand us right: we are not arguing that you look simply irresistible in the photos from your graduation party. However, if it's been ten years since the celebration - don't let yourself upload them! The same goes for the vacation pictures made for three years. We know your perfect six-pack abs in those photos will attract more women, but what will happen next? Trust us: that only creates problems. Avoid making this men's profile picture mistake if you don't want your Internet girlfriend to be disappointed in the first real-life meeting.
Tip #3. Black-and-white or color pics?
Everyone knows that black-and-white images are particularly expressive and aesthetic. Still, they could easily get lost among colorful dating profile pics of other singles. So make sure your b&w shots are outstanding.
It is no secret bright colors generally have a greater emotional impact on the viewer. Black-and-white ones are actually limited to what is graphically represented. Therefore, what you need to do is focus on the composition of your picture if you prefer the colorless variant.
Anyway, what you choose is purely a matter of taste. For sure, b&w requires more artistic sophistication - but who said it's impossible? The point is all your photos should be well-taken and attractive. But for those who still doubt - you can't go wrong with color pics.
Tip #4. All alone or with the support team?
If you wonder how to take a good dating profile picture - remember that group photos are taboo. Your outfit and hairstyle can be appealing, your smile - stunning. But if a lady doesn't know exactly which one of the six guys from the pic is her conversationalist... What is the point?
In addition, profile pictures that are strangely cut should be avoided. A hand on your shoulder merely evokes ugly associations with Adam's Family and distracts attention from your face. In addition, a girl might think this is the hand of your ex-lover. Is that what you need?
In fact, only pets in photos belong to excellent dating profile picture examples. It needs to look natural, though. A shot next to a neighbor's dog or an ass of an Irish wolfhound - is not what you need either. Also, if you don't like animals in general - such photos won't do any good. As soon as an enthusiastic collie breeder or a woman with five cats contacts you - you will regret you have posted that.
Tip #5. Authenticity is the key to success.
Do you love to ride your bike, live in a cozy two-room apartment, and drink alcohol only on special occasions? Wait, why do you upload photos where you are sitting in a sports car or in the garden of a huge house? Is it a glass of champagne in your hand? Caution! Such shots can quickly give the wrong impression of your personality.
Bear in mind: your profile pictures don't have to be fancy - they have to be authentic! Even if those pics were made just for fun - they have no place in your profile. You shouldn't be an expert in psychology to realize - it's hard to distinguish between irony and reality without knowing a person.
By the way, you don't have to imitate an alpha male in your profile photo to score extra points with a woman. Because nowadays females prefer the balanced mix of strong and soft sides of the character in their partners.
Tip #6. A smile is all you need.
The study recently conducted by expert matchmakers shows that a sense of humor is particularly important when choosing a life partner. To be more specific - 92% of single women think so. Okay, do you already know the answer on how to take good dating profile pictures, then? Exactly: feel free to smile!
In fact, it's been scientifically proven that fun promotes a perfect basis for a relationship. Because humor connects: according to the same study, 86% of satisfied couples often or very often laugh together.
And, just so you know - a smile makes you seem more approachable, and your potential girlfriend is more likely to write to you then.
Tip #7. Reveal something about yourself through the photos.
Are you an absolute fan of Mark Rothko's paintings? Do you prefer to backpack through Europe in winter, or are you a passionate hobby-cook? Then draw attention to your interests and preferences in one of your cute dating pictures! If you reveal exciting facts about yourself through photos, you can be sure - your conversationalist will remember these details of your personality right away. You also make it easier for other singles to start a conversation.
You can be sure: demonstrating your own interests attracts ladies. A profile photo of you sailing, doing yoga, or building castles with Lego proves that you're self-sufficient and have life except for the Internet. Give potential girlfriends an insight into your leisure activities, and you will be amazed at how quickly some of them will react.
Tip #8. Look neat and handsome in your pics.
All experts include this tip on each profile picture for men. It remains essential throughout the years, though.
Do you still remember what people in the past century usually did before going to the photographer once a year? Absolutely right: they did their hair, chose the best outfits, and generally tried to look perfect in front of the camera. So much effort for that one magical photo! But, actually, there is almost no difference for guys in this day and age...
To be optimally prepared for the profile picture - you should demonstrate your perfect look. This includes, above all, well-groomed skin, the right beard hairstyle or a clean shave, and a hairstyle that suits you. For the final touch against skin impurities (pimples, etc.) or dark circles under the eyes, you can also apply a cover stick (concealer) to appear flawless. Don't worry - no one will find out.
In fact, unfavorably oily areas of your face can be covered up with make-up. And no, it doesn't look gay! Professional photographers do that - and so do the celebrities in front of the camera on TV! If you are unsure about the styling, it is best to ask a good buddy or, even better, a good female friend.
Tip #9. Pick the right outfit for the photos for your dating profile.
Okay, if you have done everything right - you look really handsome. But what should you wear for the profile pictures?
Absolute taboo for men is muscle shirts, track pants, and classic football t-shirts. It's understandable if you want to exhibit your trained muscles to the ladies - but this makes them think you only like to show off. The outfits with symbols of your favorite team are acceptable only if you want to date a woman who is a fan of the same club.
But with which clothes can you have the best dating profile picture ever? The rules are almost the same with outfits for the first date. Depending on your body type, you can wear a loose-fitting t-shirt or put on a neat, long-sleeved shirt. It just has to be authentic and suit you.
You should not look overdressed in the profile pics. Online dating and partner search is the ordinary thing - so stay away from your grandpa's favorite suits.
Tip #10. Do not try to hide anything!
And please, don't wear sunglasses! That doesn't look cool on profile pics of guys! The woman doesn't want to see a typical man in black fighting aliens or chasing gangsters across the globe. You are not Will Smith, and she is perfectly aware of it.
Every lady on a dating site wants to see a nice person as a potential boyfriend. The one she can look in the face and try to figure out what is hidden behind his eyes - just like on a real date!
You should only wear a cap or hat if it really suits you and does not cover your face. The most critical rule: such accessories (and the shadow those may cast) should only cover half of the forehead and never the eyes! Of course, you can also use a hat to elegantly hide your bald head - but it's not a must.
Tip #11. Don't be afraid of using photo editors.
There are many programs and apps that you can use to edit pictures for dating profiles for free. Don't let this chance be wasted! Try out different color settings and filters - if you don't like the results - don't save them. In this way, numerous profile picture ideas can be implemented: changing colors, editing black and white photos, or using various effects. Your conversationalists are going to love it!
One more small trick with a big impact. Simply turn the profile picture upside down or on its side. Suddenly it looks completely different, isn't it? This can be made from a previously simple and maybe a bit boring photo - a wildly attractive one.
Tip #12. Try different facial expressions.
If you want to make the best picture for a dating profile - test what different facial expressions bring. It doesn't always have to be the same friendly smile! Notwithstanding, it has a particularly positive effect - your goal is to stand out from the crowd. For example, ask yourself what you want to say with the profile picture and adapt your expression accordingly.
Wide-open eyes can quickly appear fearful or frightened when talking of profile pictures for a man. Slightly narrowed eyes immediately give a more self-confident impression and charm. In particular, you should lift the lower eyelids slightly. Still, don't overdo it.
Tip #13. Make other singles know what you are looking for.
Let's say you are looking for a committed relationship. How can you make it clear through your dating profile picture?
For example, you love Game of Thrones or Back to the Future and can't wait to make the movie marathon together with your special one. Wear a T-shirt with the logo of your favorite show! Do you think Playstation evenings are the most pleasant ones? Outfits with your preferred games are welcome.
Do you long for someone to give you soup the next time you catch the flu and comfort you when your favorite football team loses? Photos for dating profiles can demonstrate that too! If you are not sure what suits your situation most - it's okay. The customer care service of your site will be glad to help.
Tip #14. The background does matter!
What else makes good dating profile pictures, you ask? Choosing the right background, of course! On the other hand, it could be a tricky subject. For instance, a white one gives the impression it is a photo of your driver's license. Also, depending on the skin type, you could look even paler than in real life. The background color shouldn't be too bright either - since it mustn't get all attention.
When making a picture for a dating profile, make sure the surroundings contrast your hair color. Printed wallpapers, breathtaking landscapes, or untidy, chaotic rooms may seem more captivating than you - so be careful.
Tip #15. Get honest feedback on your dating profile pictures.
Self-perception and external perception often diverge, especially when considering your own photos. While you particularly like how it looks, friends, acquaintances, and relatives may not recognize you at all! So get honest feedback from your closest mates or family members - it will help.
At the same time, if you want a professional opinion on your images, you can contact your website's customer support service. They will be happy to advise you and provide additional tips for making your profile even more creative. Another possibility for feedback is the profile check in the forums for singles. This is where the community could give you constructive feedback.