Getting your online dating profile picture right
By: Cheryl Ashbrook

By Cheryl Ashbrook
http://www.maxmyprofile.co.uk

Getting the picture right on your profile really isn't that tricky now that most people own, or know someone who owns, a digital camera. It's up to you if you post one at all of course but statistically you'll get a lot more responses if you do.

Here are some guidelines to getting your profile picture right. I know it's tedious and spending time having your picture taken and searching through your existing pictures probably isn't top of your list of priorities but it is important. This is how your potential dates will see you. We've all seen fuzzy, out of focus shots on dating sites or even e-bay, it doesn't tempt you to investigate further does it?

Posting a good picture is just a case of following some simple rules - even if you don't think you're photogenic you should be able to get one you're happy with! If you really don't think you can find a good picture then you could consider using a professional photographer. There are a number of companies who specialise in profile pictures and retouching.

Using an existing picture versus taking a new one
If you have some great digital pictures of yourself already that you like then there is no reason not to use them but remember:
. They should recent. Posting a picture of you 20 years ago will put some people off and could make meeting face to face tricky!
. You should be on your own. Don't cut around other people - it may not be your ex you are cutting out but you can be sure your profile reader will think it is!
. Check the location is OK, not too distracting and doesn't give too much personal information away that you wouldn't want to reveal.
. Make sure the picture is well lit and not out of focus
. and finally. remember to make sure the picture adheres to the simple rules below!

Think about your outfit
There are some basic rules about what you wear for a picture shoot. Firstly make sure that what you wear represents you! Don't wear gym clothes or a swimsuit for your main picture as it will put off some potential dates.
Generally it's a good idea to opt for plain simple clothes that flatter your eye and skin colour. Busy patterns tend to be distracting. A suit can be too formal for a dating profile picture, as is a tie on a man. For women a simple shirt, t-shirt or sweater is best whilst for guys a shirt is probably the best option, not too formal but not too casual either.
Think about how you contrast with your background, you want to stand out remember? You might also consider having at least one picture in your profile where you are wearing something very bright as this will stand out well on the page. White and pale clothing can blend in with the page a bit too much.
Avoid showing too much skin. Naked chests tend to put women off and too much flesh on women can attract the wrong type of partner, unless that is your intention of course.
Accessories can look clichéd and are usually best avoided in amateur photography, particularly sunglasses as people want to see your eyes. If you do wear glasses then fine but don't use someone else's just to make you look more intelligent!
You may want to have a couple of outfits so that you can take several different shots. This is entirely up to you but if you do choose to do this then remember to also change your background or it may just looked too posed.

Use good lighting
Outside light is best, but avoid full sunshine as this tends to cast unflattering shadows on your face and can leave you squinting into the camera. Use a flash, even in good light, if your camera has it as this also reduces shadows. Remember to turn red-eye reduction on though!
Try and pick an outside location that gives you an appropriate or neutral backdrop. You want your reader to be looking at you, not your location! If you have an interest or hobby that is important to you (and therefore mentioned in your profile) it can be a good idea to include an appropriate photograph but, unless it's obvious from your headline or username, don't use it as your main picture.

Make sure you are close enough to the camera or use a zoom
It's a common mistake to loiter somewhere in the background when you don't like your photograph being taken but it is really off-putting in a dating profile picture. Your potential dates will just wonder what you've got to hide and will probably be put off. However, you may feel more comfortable standing a little way back and getting you photographer to zoom in on you for a head and shoulders shot, rather than having them inches from your face!

Sit or stand tall and don't slouch
Your posture and position in front of the camera will dramatically affect how you look in your pictures. If you sit or stand straight with your shoulders back you will immediately appear taller, slimmer and more confident.
Often the most flattering pose is taken from the side, with your body at a 45ºangle to the camera and your head and shoulders turned towards it. If you are unsure about this pose then just take a look in any magazine or book and see how the celebrities do it.
Make sure that the camera is about level with you face so that you don't end up with unnecessary chins! But avoid coy looks from under your lashes as these can look false on amateur pictures.

Smile, smile, smile
Think about something that makes you happy, be it your puppy, chocolate cake or even something more personal! A good smile will attract people to your profile and make then want to find out more about you. Don't worry if you don't like yourself with a big cheesy grin, just an upwards curve of the mouth is enough to make you look approachable and friendly.
Try looking at a point just above and beyond the camera. This will make your profile reader feel you are looking at them but minimise the chance of red-eye.

Take literally hundreds of shots
If you are taking digital shots then get your friend to take hundreds of shots one after the other. Try moving around, chatting with your photographer friend and generally relaxing. You'll be surprised how many good ones you end up with!
Try some different poses too. Don't just stand there; try lying on the grass with your head in your hands, or sitting on a rock or bench. Also include full length, ¾ and head and shoulder shots.

Which pictures should you choose?
Choosing pictures you are comfortable with and like is the most important thing. It is worth considering however that you are not your target audience and often we don't like pictures of ourselves. Asking a friend to help you choose can be a good idea particularly if they are representative of your target audience! Mothers on the other hand for example tend to be less objective usually - they think you look good in every picture so may not be the ideal person to ask!

How many pictures should you include in your profile?
Common sense should prevail here. It is good to include at least one head and shoulders and one ¾ or full length picture if you feel comfortable doing so. If you have a couple of other pictures that are relevant to your life (and therefore your profile!) and want to add them in then they can provide a talking point and give your potential dates a better idea of the real you. The most important thing is to consider what you would think if you were looking at your pictures on someone's profile and if you think it's OK and you are happy then go with it!

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