Are you looking to increase your chances of finding love on popular dating apps like Match, Tinder, Kippo, Bumble, Clover, Hinge, OkCupid, and eHarmony? Your dating profile photo is the first thing potential matches will see, so it’s essential to make a great first impression. As a professional dating profile photographer, I can help you capture the perfect photo that showcases your best self.
In this article, I’ll be sharing my top tips on how to get the best photos for your dating profile. I’ll cover everything from what to wear, to hair and makeup tips, to the best location and setting for your photo session. With my years of experience and expertise, I can guide you through every step of the process and ensure that you come away with photos that truly represent who you are and what you’re looking for in a relationship.
The Importance of Authenticity in Your Dating Profile Headshot
When it comes to online dating, your profile photo is the first thing potential matches will see. That’s why having a great close up headshot is so important in the world of online dating. Since your profile photo is the first thing people will look at when swiping right or left, having a professional dating profile photographer capture your portrait can increase your chances of getting noticed by more and higher quality matches!
To achieve the best results, I’ve found that it’s best to include:
- a close-up headshot,
- a full-body shot,
- a candid-looking photo of you doing your favorite hobbies or activities
- a selfie you capture yourself with your phone.
If you’re on a budget, your close-up headshot and full-length portrait are the most important photos to have captured professionally. That said, featuring additional photos of you engaged in your favorite activities, sports, or hobbies can really help demonstrate your personality and interests to matches with similar interests to yours!
Dress To Impress
Your clothing choices for your dating profile photos can make or break the overall impression you leave on potential matches. No matter your style the most important thing is that you be authentic and dress how you normally would.
Now this doesn’t mean you should show up to your photoshoot in worn, mismatched clothes. What it does mean however is if you’re a jeans and t shirt kind of person, you should go get new, well fitted pair of jeans and a nice collarded for your photoshoot.
Clothing Tips for Dating Profile Photos
- Make sure your outfit is clean, pressed for your photoshoot, as wrinkled clothing can adversely affect your photos
- Make sure your clothes fit you well. Clothing that is too tight or too loose can be unflattering in photographs for both men and women.
- Opt for solid colors and light patterns instead of busy or loud patterns, as they can be distracting and draw attention away from your face.
- If you’re not sure what colors work well for you, check out my post about how to color coordinate outfits for photos for some great tips.
Accessories can add a personal touch to your photos and also a pop of color. The trick is to not go overboard. Simple, classic jewelry and accessories can enhance your look without being overly distracting. Things like:
- watches
- necklaces
- rings
- cuff links
- ear rings
Can all enhance the look of men and women in the right context. Just remember, less is often more when it comes to accessories.
Lastly, think about the overall style and vibe you want to convey in your photos. Maybe your perfect match is someone who enjoys outdoorsy activities. In this case, a new hiking outfit and a portrait of you on the trail might be a better plan then slacks and a dress shirt.
If you want a more expensive sophisticated look, a suit and tie or a dress and heels may be more appropriate. Whatever you choose, make sure it reflects your personal style and makes you feel confident and comfortable.
Hairstyling, Makeup, and Skincare Tips for Your Dating Profile Headshot
When it comes to dating profile photos, many people (especially men) overlook the importance of their hair, makeup, and skincare. As a dating profile photographer, I’ve seen countless profile photos that could have been great, but were let down by poor styling and preparation. Whether you’re a man or a woman, these tips will help you look and feel your best in your dating profile photo.
Hair
Let’s start with hairstyling. Your hair should be styled in a way that flatters your face shape and showcases your best features. Don’t overdo it with complicated hairstyles, instead opt for a simple, well-groomed look that you know looks good on you. Your photoshoot is NOT the time to try a new style. Instead go with a look that you’re familiar with and that you know works well for you. Having your hair cut and colored 3-5 days before your photoshoot is best to allow your hair to grow in slightly and allow any hair dye to fade from your scalp.
Makeup
Next up, makeup. Many men shy away from makeup, but a little bit can go a long way in enhancing your features and making you look your best. For men, a small amount of concealer can help to cover blemishes or uneven skin tones to give you a more polished look.
Women, on the other hand, are usually familiar with how makeup can enhance their features for their portraits. That said for dating profile photos I generally recommend light natural looks as this tends to appeal to most men.
In any case, It’s important to avoid any makeup or skincare products that contain reflective ingredients, such as SPF in foundation. These can cause unwanted glare in your photos.
If you’re not confident in your hair and makeup skills, I can provide a professional makeup artist for your photoshoot to help you achieve your desired look.
Skincare
Finally, let’s talk about skincare. To ensure that your skin looks its best in your dating profile photo, it’s important to follow a consistent skincare routine leading up to your photoshoot. Simply put, good skin care will give your makeup artist the best canvas to work with when enhancing your features. Putting effort into making your skin look healthy leading up to your photoshoot is also one of the most impactful things you can do for the quality of your final photos.
Therefor it’s important to drink plenty of water, avoid foods that can cause breakouts, and use quality skincare products in the weeks leading up to your photoshoot. Doing these simple things can help to give you clear, glowing skin in anticipation for your photoshoot.
Location and Setting for Your Dating Profile Headshot
When it comes to taking the perfect dating profile photo, the right location and setting can make all the difference. I always encourage my clients to think carefully about where they want their photos taken.
To best achieve this first consider the style of photo you want captured. Do you want a more formal, studio-style portrait, or something more casual in a natural setting? If you’re unsure what you want, you can check out my post on environmental versus studio headshot styles to gain more insight into these different looks.
If you want your portraits captured with natural backgrounds, it’s generally best shoot is around sunrise or sunset when the light is closer to the horizon and more flattering. Harsh midday sun can be more limiting to work with and in some cases can compromise the quality of your photos. Therefore, timing your photoshoot during the golden hours (around sunrise or sunset) will help to create a soft, warm glow that is most flattering for portraits.
Finally, consider the background for your photos. Choose a background that complements your look and style. If you’re going for a more formal portrait, consider a plain, neutral background that won’t distract from your face like a studio portrait. If you want photojournalistic portraits that show you enjoying an activity you love, consider an environmental portrait that will support this look and make your photos appear most natural.
How to Select the Best Photos for Your Dating Profile
Selecting the best photos of yourself for your dating profile can be the difference between a great dating profile and one that doesn’t get much attention. Truthfully I find that people often struggle to choose the best photos of themselves (myself included). So how do you choose the best photos for your dating profile?
To choose the best photos from your session, I strongly recommend you work with a photographer who’s portfolio you admire, and ask the photographer to help you choose the best photos from your photoshoot. This will allow you the best chance to get photos like the photographer shows in their portfolio.
Don’t expect to get photos like a photographer shows if you insist on choosing photos different than what the photographer recommends. Likewise you shouldn’t hire a photographer to recreate someone else’s work you found on Pinterest. If you love a photo you found somewhere online, you should instead hire the photographer that took that photo to get an image consistent with what you actually want.
Dating Profile Photographer Jason Guy
In closing, capturing engaging dating profile photos that will attract more matches is about:
- presenting yourself authentically
- selecting the right outfits
- Preparing your appearance with self care and good grooming practices
- Enhancing your your appearance with skilled application of makeup
- Choosing a good location for your intended photos
- Selecting the right photos for your dating profile
- Hiring a professional photographer with the experience, knowledge, and equipment to create stunning images can help ensure that you showcase your best self.
If you’re ready to take the first step towards a successful online dating journey, I encourage you to book a photoshoot with me. As a dating profile photographer, I specialize in creating high-quality images that truly capture your personality and showcase your best features.
Don’t settle for mediocre photos that don’t do you justice. Instead, invest in a professional photoshoot with me today and start attracting potential matches who are genuinely interested in getting to know you.
