Dating photos are a crucial element of your dating profile and it’s often the first thing potential dates see when they swipe left or right. In fact, studies show that having a bad photo can significantly reduce the number of matches you get on dating apps and websites.
But, it’s not just about how you look – the type of photos you choose to post can also have a major impact on how well your profile performs. So, if you’re having trouble getting noticed on the dating scene, it may be time to update your photos with some professional help.
There is a whole genre of photography known as online dating photography that has developed in recent years with a distinct style and flair. It’s a style that isn’t quite portrait photography but it’s definitely not snapshot or selfie. It’s a combination of lifestyle and environmental portraiture with perhaps a little bit of late 1960’s Vogue magazine thrown in for good measure.
Unlike other forms of portraiture, the main focus in this style is to create photos that aren’t too obviously posed. It’s a very specific type of portraiture and one that requires a lot of practice and skill in order to achieve the best results.
In a world where so many people are dating online, having professional dating photos can give you an edge that helps your profile stand out amongst the crowd. Professional dating photographers know how to best capture your personality and unique features in ways that will attract the right kind of attention. They’ll also take care to make sure your facial expressions are natural and that the photos aren’t too close-up which can be off-putting.
Some dating photo mistakes to avoid include posting group photos; pictures of your pets (unless you’re in the picture with them); and pictures that seem heavily doctored. People are capable of spotting when a photo has been doctored and it will almost always work against you.
One other thing to remember is to be brave in your dating photos and don’t hide away anything that you don’t feel comfortable showing. Chances are that if it’s something you’re self-conscious about then a date will probably notice it anyway.
Finally, it’s a good idea to have at least one full-body shot in your dating photos and to be mindful of the location and lighting. A great time to shoot a full-body shot is around an hour before sunset as this is the optimum time to achieve the most flattering light and a soft glow on your skin. Also try to keep the background simple and if possible use a wide aperture in order to blur out any distracting elements. Dating photos