by Snow Vandemore

Created on: August 29, 2010

Online Dating Profile Photo Tips

Make no mistake.  The photograph you choose for your online dating profile is the most important feature of your online dating profile page.  Get it wrong and you seriously diminish your chances of finding Mr. or Ms. Right.    

The photo you select to represent yourself on your online dating profile is your unique virtual calling card.  A successful profile photo has the power to attract a larger number of potential mates, as well as generating more interest in the opposite sex to want to learn more about the person behind the photograph.  

There have been a number of important studies conducted on some of the major online dating sites which resulted in the following conclusions about what makes, or does not make, an effective online dating profile photo.

1.  Eye Contact.  Making eye contact with the camera and smiling flirtatiously is a win-win for women.  For men, the opposite is true.  Not smiling and not looking into the camera was found to be more appealing to women.  

2.  Photo Orientation and Angles.  Webcam and self-shot photographs.  Surprisingly, photographs taken by  webcam or with a digital camera held in one hand in front of a large mirror - were more appealing to both sexes.  
Sometimes referred to as the "Myspace Shot" - was the most effective photo for women wanting to attract more men.  

3.  Showing some skin.  For women, especially older women, showing some cleavage attracted 49% more messages per month.  For athletic, fit men, a shirtless photo can draw more attention.  If you are a man who is not comfortable with taking his shirt off for whatever reason, casual clothing resulted in more hits than formal or business attire.  

4.  Show your face.  You wouldn't think this would have to be stated, but you would be surprised how many online daters use celebrity avatars, faraway shots, or partial face shots (one or both eyes, or the mouth, for example) as their online profile photo.  If you are not willing to show your face, other members will assume you have something to hide and that is a big turn-off.  

5.  Composition.  Showing off an interesting hobby, such as sailing or skiing - helps to attract more potential mates to your page.  Travel photos are also successful in generating interest.  Another attention-getter for both sexes are photos with the online dater and their pet (or someone else's pet - it doesn't matter.)  Hugging a furry puppy or kitten suggests sensitivity and caring to both men and women.  

6.  Quality.  Fuzzy or obviously photo-shopped pictures should not be used.  A sharp, detailed, well-composed profile photo puts your best foot forward and shows that you care about your appearance.  

7.  Avoid unflattering poses.  Photos that reflect stiffness, obvious or accentuated wrinkles, oily skin, and/or hair, double chin, fake smiles and red eye should definitely be reconsidered for your online dating profile photo.  When at all possible, use a photograph that conveys you at your absolute best.                

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