Trying to Find an Excellent Picture for Your Profile?
A Quality Picture Showing a Quality Life
A quality picture speaks volumes, so let’s discuss how you can take better pictures for your online profile. First, you might want to think about who you are, as well as who you are looking for. This might seem like an elementary thing, but the fact that certain styles of pictures attract certain types of people isn’t often considered.
For example, if you are looking for a long-term commitment, then posting pictures of you highly intoxicated while wearing something very revealing, then your efforts are counterproductive. If you want to attract a sports enthusiast, posting pictures of you sitting on the couch may not be the best idea. See what we are getting at? Putting a little thought into your pictures goes a long way. In a picture, you communicate who you are and who you are looking for. Quality pictures lead to quality responses!
No matter how tempted you are, do not post that picture of you from ten years ago. Yes, you may look fantastic, but it is not exactly a truthful image of who you are now. We all age, weight fluctuates, hairstyles change, and clothing goes in and out of style. While you should put your best face forward in online dating profiles, you still need to be true to yourself, lest dates end in disappointment.
All pictures you post need to be taken within the last year—within the last month is even better. If there is something you particularly like about yourself in an older picture, perhaps you can incorporate that feature into a brand new photo. It is never too late to start getting healthy and taking care of yourself! Even if you cannot recapture your “old” self, you can try buying new clothes, getting a new haircut, trying on new makeup, or bring on other changes that boost self-confidence.
Other Factors That Count
Lighting—this element alone can make or break a picture. Try taking pictures outside, early in the morning for some of the most flattering lighting. Avoid the midday sun that leaves you making a terrible squinty face. (Not sexy!) Flash can work to your advantage, but be sure you are not washed out or ghostly looking.
You will need a high-resolution face shot and a full body shot. Don’t cringe now…both are important for weeding out the riffraff and finding those dates who may truly be into you. A little extra junk in the truck is loved by a lot of people, so stop those toxic thoughts that are whirling around in your head and post those pictures! Flattering clothes and a nice pose will help you look your best.
If you aren’t sure how to do this yourself, seek a friend, or seek a professional photographer whose job it is to make you look good. The close up picture’s expression will depend on your gender and what you are trying to convey. For women, eye contact and a flirty expression, or a simple smile work best. For men the more mysterious look may work.
You can post a group picture with you and your friends if you like, but do not make it your main profile picture, otherwise you may end up with a lot of date offers…but all for your friend on the left! Action pictures are good icebreakers, as they give your potential dates something to talk about.
A picture of you out sailing will certainly stand out in a crowd of boring same old same old pictures after all. Don’t be afraid to have some fun and show off your personality. So there you have it. Put some thought into your profile pictures and welcome more attention!
