When creating an online dating profile, most people don’t pay much attention to their pictures. But profile pictures are perhaps the most significant aspect of your profile. The Datingroo comparison site for dating recently got in touch with dating photographer Sophia Isabella. The interview contains insights like using more than one profile photo to convey your personality, and attractiveness, provided they look natural.
While catchy photos boost your chances of finding potential matches, clicking the right picture is both art and science. Sophia (a professional dating photographer from Berlin) says that people love to see activity on dating profiles.
Several other studies on profile pictures have also shown that pictures showing activity create better engagement than posed ones online. So what kind of activities do your potential matches want to see?
Tinder is perhaps the most popular dating app, with more than 50 million users. And a mere scroll reveals that most users have profile pictures of their gyms, dance studios, beaches, or some other physical activity.
Another dating app, Bumble, also has thousands of users who are fishing, cheerleading, flying, and even protesting in their profile photos. “The bottom line is”, says Isabella, “that a picture in the moment looks relaxed and natural, and shows your authentic self. Avoid posed photos, unless you are a model”.
Much can be said about the technicalities, but at heart, it is all about good quality and clear photos. She also says that blurry photos are not just less engaging, they also indicate a lack of commitment and involvement. “Sharp and bright photos are much more attractive, and also portray your personality clearly,” Isabella adds.
Along with low-quality photos, online daters should also avoid old photos, cropped photos, and pictures with their ex’s (some people still do that). But how many photos should you use?
The study suggests that you should have at least 3. That is the sweet spot. Moreover, you should also consider changing the combination from time to time, depending on how well the profile is doing. 3-5 quality photos bring better results than entire albums of random and low-res pictures captured in bad lighting.
Dating profiles are also rife with people showing off their possessions, such as their homes, offices, and cars. But this doesn’t always work. Instead, you need to click photos that make you come across as unique and endearing.
And don’t forget pets, because people love them! Especially if you’re a guy trying to attract women, pet pictures top the list. Just make sure that the pet is yours and not borrowed for the photograph. Otherwise, prepare for a super-awkward first date! Women WILL ask you eventually about your pet that they saw on your profile.
But feel free to show off your hobbies, such as arts and crafts or dancing. Moreover, some possessions are part of your personality, such as sports or movie memorabilia. It’s fine to display them as well.
Experts also say that singles shouldn’t hesitate to ask for help with their pictures. Some users take this seriously, and even take help from professional photographers. Of course, that’s not necessary, but it’s better to have a friend take some candid pictures instead of relying solely on mirror selfies. It is especially helpful for senior singles, who may not be so tech-savvy to understand the nuances of pixels, filters, and lighting.
These were some of the dos and don’ts of online dating profile pictures. But there are no rules here. Use a combination of pictures and keep updating them from time to time and see what works. Good luck!