Online dating photos should look natural – not too posed and definitely not “photoshopped.” My sessions are fun and relaxed resulting in candid, authentic images your potential matches can connect with.
Good dating photos help you get more swipes, likes and matches. Bad ones make you appear less attractive and leave a negative impression.
Headshots
You need more than a few good photos for online dating (and LinkedIn and social media). Using a professional photographer for your headshots is an investment that will pay off in the long run.
A good headshot shows a closeup of your face and conveys a professional, approachable look that is ideal for online dating. However, you also need full body shots and pictures of you doing things that are interesting and show off your personality.
A good online dating photographer will take the time to light and pose you in a flattering way, while ensuring that your photos still look natural. They will also be able to help you choose outfits and give you tips for writing an impactful online profile that will set you apart from the competition.
Outdoor Photos
Online dating photos that show you outdoors are a great way to showcase your personality and interests. If you love hiking or camping, outdoor photos will capture your adventurous spirit and demonstrate your passion for nature.
Having outdoor photos in your profile also helps to create a sense of authenticity. It’s important to remember that your online profile is the first impression a potential match will have of you. A photo of you outside on a beautiful day will communicate that you have a good sense of humor, are fun to be around and that your life is well-balanced.
In most cases, having your headshots done in a studio is ideal for a more polished look. However, if you want to do lifestyle or full body photos as well, it is best to do an outdoor session at least once during your photo shoot. This gives you the option to choose different backdrops and outfits.
Lifestyle Photos
As the popularity of dating apps increases it is important to stand out from the crowd with a quality set of photos. Great dating photos convey a sense of confidence, style and body language. They also show a personality, lifestyle and passions that may not be clearly displayed in the text portion of the profile.
A quality professional photographer will be able to find and capture the right settings, angles and lighting to showcase the most authentic version of yourself. They will also be able to provide direction and pose coaching to help you feel comfortable in front of the camera.
Depending on your needs you may require more than just headshots or outdoor shots. A good online dating photographer will know what additional photos you will need and be able to accommodate your requests. For example, some people want full body photos or additional headshots in a different setting such as at home, on holiday or at work.
Natural Light
Search the internet for online dating advice and you’ll find a myriad of articles offering different tips. However, there are some common themes: optimism that you can find someone and the importance of good profile photos.
The images you use for your online dating profile tell a story about you and the kind of person you are. Choosing the right backdrops can subtly alter how people perceive you.
A photographer who specialises in dating photography will have a range of locations that they work with and be able to suggest places that might best suit your personality.
If you’re shooting outdoors try to avoid direct light. This can wash you out and make your skin look dull. Instead aim for a light source that is around eye level and shoot at the optimum time of day for your location (about an hour before sunset). This will give you lovely soft lighting with shadows that frame your face nicely.Professional online dating photos
