Smile for the Camera – and Get More Dates

Has the online dating profile that you posted not gotten the windfall of responses that you expected? Or maybe you’re just about to take the plunge into the world of online dating and want to start out with a bang. Best advice - post the best photos that you can.

Your photographs are a key element to your success with online dating, maybe even the most important element. We’re all visual beings and making a strong first impression with your photos can make all the difference with the kind of dating experience that you have online.

Here’s some advice that can tip the scales for you.

Have your photos taken professionally.

As well meaning and helpful as our friends or family might be with that digital camera, they do not have the expertise to photograph you at your best. A professional knows how to light their subject to enhance their look and how to pose you to maximize your best features and downplay what might not be.

Professionals are trained to put their subjects at ease – and you want to look relaxed and at your best in your photos.

Think of going to a professional photographer as an investment. You have only seconds to catch someone’s eye as they peruse the listings. If you have photos that make you stand out from the crowd, you will get far more “hits” to your profile.

Online dating can be a time consuming prospect, and you want to make the most of your time and the viewers as well.

When choosing to “Do it Yourself”

But if going to a professional is not in the budget, here is some advice to getting the best photos of yourself.

1) Use current photos

We all have that one photo that we know was the best photo ever taken of us, but if it’s 15-20 years old it’s not going to be to your advantage to use it. Remember, “truth in advertising” is the best motto here. We have all heard the story of the person who goes to the restaurant to meet their online date and does not recognize them because their photos were anything but current.

2) Have someone else take the photos

Don’t hold the camera up in the bathroom and snap yourself in front of the mirror. The surroundings don’t do you justice. When you hold a camera at arms length, or use that web cam your face will appear distorted, with your nose looking larger than life.

3) Advice for your photographer

Photograph people alone. More than one person in the photo gets confusing.

Make sure the background is not cluttered. Use a wall that does not have a lot on it and have your subject stand away from the wall not, close to it. Weather permitting go outside.

Use a flash when the environment is dark so your subject is lit. Also use a flash to illuminate your subject if you are outside and the light is behind them.

Avoid mirrors or shiny surfaces in the background. These will catch the light of your flash and appear very bright.

Don’t have your subject stand too far from the camera. Do some close-ups so their face is clearly visible.

Take a lot of photos so you have a choice, and have your subject try different facial expressions; smiles, serious.

4) Dress for Success

Have yourself photographed in 2-3 different looks, from casual to dressy. Give people a sense of the range of what you wear.

For Men - you might not be someone who dresses up a lot, but at least do so for a photo or two. Wearing a sports jacket, and/or suit can look classy and most women like that.

Men, if you’re planning to have a hair cut before your photos, give it a week or so to grow out a little before your photos.

For Women – dress sexy but don’t overdo it. Too much skin showing can give the wrong message. Leave them intrigued and wanting to see more.

- For Women – have your hair and make-up done professionally for your photo shoot. It will make all the difference.

Good luck with your on-line dating experience.