Guys, we all know that online dating can be hard and frustrating. Sometimes its just plain hard to get a date online with out the right dating profile pictures to make the right first impression. It sucks. Here are some dating profile photo tips that will help you to remedy the problem.

When that happens sometimes it’s a good idea to ask your friends to give you an honest critique of your most important aspect of your online profile, your primary profile photo …you know the one that everyone sees when they do a search. More often than not this is the root of your problem.

Our brain processes images faster than text because we think visually. If you don’t choose the right pictures, you won’t be getting many dates. Online dating is a competitive sport. You need to right equipment and mind set to be successful at online dating. If your profile isn’t appealing then they’ll move on without a second glance. Many times you will find that upgrading your profile photos will have an immediate impact on your dating life. Some people go from zero dates to many dates in just a few weeks after they update their profile pictures. most attracted to.

We’re going to share with you three online dating photo tips for men to include in your profile so you can score more high quality dates with less effort. No more shots in the dark. All you need are these simple online dating photo tips to turn your profile around.

1. Lifestyle Profile Photo Shots Work Best

Over the last 20 years shooting and working with online daters we’ve tried multiple different types of photography styles to see what resonates the best. after all that time, it turns out that lifestyle photo shoots work the best. They aren’t formal portraiture, not actor head shots and not action shots. To get the best lighting and keep things more casual we find that a outdoor lifestyle shoot is the most pleasing and the easiest for our clients to adapt to. While it does offer some photographic challenges becasue of light and environment, invariably people prefer these type of dating pictures.

Add more bokeh to your photos whenever possible as this tends to focus the viewers attention on the main subject.

2. Candid and Close-up Dating Photo Tips

This might be the most important tip out of all the online dating profile photo tips for you.

Your profile picture should be more of a close up like a simple portrait from your chest to just over the top of your head literally no more than 2 inches above the subjects head seems to work the best.

A great main profile picture is your greatest line of defense against being swiped left. Make it as easy as possible for them to match with you. Choose a photo where you have a candid smile and you’re looking directly at the camera. Profile pictures tend to be small, so this gives them an up close view. It also leaves more to be desired. Curiosity is what’s going to drive people to click and scroll through the rest of your photos and information.

Smiles have the proven side effect of increasing attractiveness. People are drawn to a person with a good smile like bees to honey. there is no need to try and be overly sexy or overly “tough” it never comes across as you think it does, sometimes I’ve seen client try looking to tough only to have the final result look more like they are constipated 🙁

Even better is a smile when you’re genuinely happy. That’s a candid smile. you know the kind we’re describing? Like  the smile after your best buddy told a great joke or when you see the latest Cat video. These look like they are genuine and happy. This will tend to draw people to you. In these pictures, you look the most relaxed. It’s the best representation of who you will be once they get to know you.

Don’t forget about the eyes when you’re working on your killer smile. You’ve heard that people “smile with their eyes”? Especially if you have a less common eye color like blue or green. For light color eyes, wear a shirt or find a background that’s the same color. For brown eyes, it can look really cool to have light reflecting in them. Eyes are the focal point of the face. If you can make your eyes stand out in some way, you’ll stand out.

Don’t be afraid to practice your “look” before your shoot! Models and celebrities practice in front of a mirror to get that perfect smile and learn their best side for the camera. You can too. It might seem foolish at first but it’s the best way to nail your look and nobody has to know.

3. Dressed up, Zoomed Out

Once someone has decided to click through to your profile, it’s time to build momentum. They saw your face, but they want more. The second photo should showcase your full body. But for goodness sake, keep your shirt on! Ask someone to take a picture of you on Fancy Friday or during Cocktail Hour, or at a wedding instead. The reason you should get someone to take your picture at events like these is you’re already dressed to impress. Why not take advantage of it?

This is a good idea for three reasons. One, it avoids a mirror selfie. Two, when someone else takes your picture, it lets potential matches know that you actually have friends and family who’ll take your picture and Three, it shows that you’re putting effort into making a great first impression. Keep this in mind when you are following these profile photo tips

It’s a good idea to have a range of casual and formal outfits on your dating profile. This way, people can picture themselves with you throughout their daily lives. If they can picture you going to the movies with them and going to a event, they’ll be more excited to meet you.

Remember to choose a backdrop that lets you be the main focus. Shine that winning smile. If you’re not someone who’s into dressing up, that’s okay. However, be aware that sometimes “casual” comes across as sloppy. even if your not the most formal person it’s best to not waste photos on your shorts and ironic t-shirts. Whatever you choose, pick something that you would wear on a nice first date for the formal shots. As for the casual shots, try not to go too casual. They might not be ready to see you in sweat pants just yet.

4. What do you like to do?

The first thing people connect on and that will carry them into long term relationships is hobbies and interests. What do you do during your free time? What do you see yourself doing on your first, third or one hundredth date? You’ll attract people who have the same interests and they’ll know you’re a good match because you take pictures doing it. They won’t know this unless you follow these profile photo tips to create the best online dating profile possible.

If you’re a musician or an artist, show that off! Playing guitar is sexy. While you want to attract a wider variety of people, you want to balance it out by attracting the right kind of people. people you’ll be compatible with and have shared interests. By utilizing these online dating photo tips for men, you will attract more people by curating your photos, but they’ll also be people who fit your lifestyle. Take the time to put thought into not only your profile picture, but all your photos, and you’ll reap the rewards.

When people find your profile, they’ll be able to connect with you on a deeper level. If they like what they see, then there’s a good chance they’re a good match for you. You want to feel like you have enough common interests that they can see themselves spending the rest of their life with you, starting from day one.

One word of warning here: if the activity you showcase is in a group setting, you will be judged by the other people in your photo. It’s okay to show that you like to do things around other people, but there’s an art to it. You neither want to be with too few or too many people. If you want to learn more about what pictures not to include in your dating profile, check out our post here.

5. BONUS: Something Unexpected In Your Dating Pictures

After reading these online dating photo tips for men, you should have three to five photos. It’s good to have more than one photo that showcase different strengths in each category, so add them! She should feel like she knows a little about you before the first date. The unfortunate reality is that people not only have to figure out if they think you’re hot and interesting, they also have to make sure you’re not an ax murderer. That’s why more pictures that show who you really are through hobbies and in different environments can help them feel confident in setting up a date.

That’s where this bonus category comes in. Show a picture that their not used to seeing on dating profiles. Stand out with an unexpected picture. These can be action shots where you’re moving, like cliff jumping, rock climbing or giving a presentation. It could also be where you are instead of what you’re doing. If you love to travel, share a picture from one of your favorite places.

If you have a dog, this is a good spot to throw them into the mix. It’s not really unexpected, but no one has a dog like yours. Be authentic. There are a lot of ways you can be unexpected. You could hold up a sign that says something, hold a pose that’s out of the ordinary for dating sites.

Want to take your dating profile to the next level?

There’s a lot that goes into a good photo: angles, lighting, focus. a professional can  take care of all the elements so you can leave the guesswork out of it.  These profile photo tips can help you move the ball forward and help create a great online dating profile. If you’re unsure about your profile description, there’s help with that too! We provide detailed help in all areas of dating profiles. You’ll never be overlooked by the right match again. And once we’ve transformed your profile, you’ll have the confidence to knock your first dates out of the park.

Click Here to learn more or book one of our professionals now. We’re so confident in our ability that we offer a full refund if you don’t like the image quality of the photos.

What did you think of these online dating photo tips for men? Share this article with your single friends who also need help sprucing up their dating profile.

About the Author:

Claire Bahn has over 15 years working as a personal branding expert helping clients build authority and influence through their online profiles and social media accounts.

Her background includes branding, public relations, Social Media and marketing, as well as, entrepreneurship. She has a passion to help executives, entrepreneurs and influencers strategize and create their best personal brand.

She is currently the CEO and Co-founder of Online Profile Pros and Stratus Branding. Ms. Bahn recognizes that first impressions are made online and the fastest way to achieving your goals is by taking command of your personal brand through your online profiles and social media. She started Online Profile Pros and Stratus Branding to help individuals create, maintain and protect their personal brands so that they achieve the authority, influence and trust the need to succeed at online dating or their job search.

She’s been featured in numerous publications and news outlets including Forbes and Entrepreneur magazines.

Ms. Bahn is a former model and actress, appearing in national ad campaigns for major retailers. An avid fashion / lifestyle blogger she’s a recognized influencer. Ms. Bahn holds a BA from University of Texas at Austin, and currently lives in the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles, CA with her 2 red miniature pinchers, Beau and Trixie.