Choosing The Right Online Dating Profile Photo: Seven Tips

by Sara Musfeldt

There is a lot of talk about posting the right photos on your online profile and for good reason because a bad photo will ruin your chances of making an online connection. Be sure that the photos you post do not portray some kind of characteristic that is a turn off to the person you are trying to attract. Here are seven key elements to consider when choosing your photos.

Element One, Being Unique: Choose a picture that sets you apart, first and foremost. Look at other profiles and take notes of what you see. If everyone else is in someone’s backyard drinking a beer or at the baseball game, then you should not be. Try something fun instead that brings out your personality, for example. You could post a photo of you holding a sign that says “Will you go on a date with me?” against a bright blue wall.

Be Repetitive, Element Two: If the focus of your “About Me” section is on your travels to Europe then choose pictures that correspond with your profile. Include a photo or two of you in Spain; you will be made more memorable with a little bit of repetition.

Element Three, Be an Editor: Don’t be afraid of photo editing. There is plenty of free graphic editing software out there for you to download and use to edit your photos. I’m not suggesting you should make yourself look different than you are, but I am saying you should crop the photo so you and only you are the focus. Brighten up the color and contrast so that your wonderful features are highlighted. Feel free to get rid of that red eye and big pimple.

Element Four, Be Dressed: Put your shirt on. It is most people’s preference to date someone that they can eventually bring home to mom and dad. If you portray yourself as a sex-god you reduce the number of possibilities. Of course your great body is a worthy marketing tool but make it known without being too over the top.

Be Alone, Element Five: Yes, it’s true a lot of people are impressed by the sensitive side, but leave kids and pets out of it. After you’ve seen four or five profiles that include pics with a niece or puppy it becomes transparent that it is a ploy.

Element Six, Be Happy: Your smile and eyes should be present. We want to know what your face will look like looking back at us so take off your shades and post at least one picture that shows all of your happy face.

Create Variety, Element Seven: So we can see not just what you look like, but what you look like doing the things you love, make sure to have more than one photo if the site allows it.

About the Author:

About the Author: Sara Musfeldt has a blog with dating stories and dating profile tips for everyone. She has also created an online dating advice to help single people everywhere find love.