Your photo is going to be the single biggest influence on what others think about you when you’re online dating. Your profile photo is going to be the very first point of contact with your potential partner, it’s what attracts their attention and entices them to click on your profile way before they even see your carefully crafted text, so it’s worth getting it right.

1. Consider your photo composition

There’s nothing worse than a blurry photo taken in a dark room showing only half your face. Make sure your photo is taken with a decent quality camera in a place where there’s enough light. Natural light is far more flattering than artificial lighting, so take your photo in the daytime if possible. Bear in mind that people who are online dating want to see you, not your living room, so take a head shot rather than a full body portrait and make sure your face is the main focus of the photo.

2. Don’t take it yourself

Don’t upload a photo you’ve taken of yourself, either at arm’s length or in the mirror. It makes you look like you either have no friends to hold the camera for you or like taking photos of yourself, neither of which is good.

3. Make sure your photos portray you how you want to be perceived

Pay attention to what you’re doing in the photo, what you’re wearing and what your facial expression is like. If you want to be portrayed as professional or successful, upload a photo where you’re wearing a suit, if you’re playing sport people will think you’re active, holding a drink shows you like going out and being sociable, etc. Work out what kind of person you want to attract and mirror that sentiment in your photo.

4. Smile!

Your facial expression is potentially the most important aspect. It should be open and smiling, not pouty, moody or blank. If you saw someone looking smiley and easy to chat to in a bar you’d be more likely to approach them than someone who looks sullen and unfriendly, the exact same principle applies when online dating.

5. Ask someone to help you choose

Ask a friend of the opposite sex to pick out some photos where they think you look really good, you might be surprised at what they choose. If you’re unsure you can always get a second opinion. You should also check with them that your photo is a true likeness. This will avoid any awkward moments when your date realises you look considerably less like David Beckham/Jennifer Aniston than your photo implied.

6. Make sure it’s a recent snap

Again, online dating makes it tempting to choose a photo of a 21 year old you on the beach, but it’s best to choose a photo that reflects how you look now. If your photo is more than a year old it’s likely you’ve changed slightly, try and use a photo from the last 3-6 months. This way your date will already know they find you attractive and you won’t waste your time with someone who doesn’t want a second date.

Author Bio: match.com is the UK’s best known online dating site. At match we’re proud that every day 160 members leave us… as couples.

Category: Dating
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