Let's break the ice with a personal story 🙃 I was "off the market" for most of the "Tinder revolution", but in my 20s, I was a bit shy and had trouble connecting with people in real life and at parties. I've never been much of a talker, especially back then. However, I've always needed to establish a personal connection before pursuing any kind of relationship with someone. That's why dating sites were a great fit for me. They allowed me to learn basic information about girls through their profiles and to chat and connect online before venturing into the nerve-wracking world of real-life dating. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to meet an amazing girl on one of these sites. We discovered that we shared similar views on life, had many things in common, but also enough differences to keep things interesting and exciting. We started dating nearly 10 years ago, and we're still going strong.
I wanted to share this story to let you know that I understand what you're going through. I also wanted to encourage all of you because, despite the frustrations that can come with online dating, there are happy endings. As the immortal band Journey said, "Don't stop believing" 😎
But enough of the rom-com, let's talk about photography. Specifically, let's dive into portraits for online dating sites and profiles.
In the world of online dating, your profile photo is the first impression you make on potential matches. It's crucial to choose a photo that accurately represents you and catches the viewer's attention. When selecting a portrait for a dating site, there are a few important factors to consider.
First and foremost, choose a recent photo that genuinely reflects your appearance. Avoid using overly edited or heavily filtered images as they may not give an accurate representation of how you look in person. You want potential matches to recognize you when you meet face-to-face.
When it comes to posing, aim for a natural and relaxed look. Genuine smiles and eye contact with the camera work wonders. Avoid using overly posed (like some fashion-style posing) or stiff photos. The goal is to showcase your personality and establish a connection with the viewer.
Pay attention to the background and setting of your photo. Choose a location that reflects your interests or personality. For example, if you love the outdoors, consider using a photo taken in a natural environment. If you're more of a city person, an urban background might be fitting. Studio portraits can also be effective, but keep them casual and try not to rely solely on one studio shot. Above all, avoid using photos taken in cluttered or unflattering environments, such as a messy bedroom.
Also, consider the clothing you wear in your photo. Choose something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Wear something you would wear on a date. I recommend posting multiple photos in different outfits. Showcasing your multifaceted personality is key. You might dress differently for hiking, work, or a date, so let that diversity shine. You can still dress nicely, but if you don't typically wear evening gowns or tuxedos, leave them out and opt for something nice yet casual. I could go into more detail here, but I don't want to stretch out this post too much.
When selecting a portrait for a dating site, consider the impression you want to make. A professional headshot can convey that you take your career seriously, while a more casual photo can showcase your fun-loving personality. Think about the type of matches you hope to attract and choose a photo that will resonate with them.
Now, I'm not going to push you too hard, but it's important to avoid using low-quality or unflattering images. They might give the impression that you don't take dating seriously or that you don't care about yourself. So, even if you or your friends take your photo, make sure to choose one that looks good and has good quality.
If you want to truly nail your photos, feel free to send me a message. I can assist you with selecting your wardrobe, figuring out the types of photos that would work best for you (studio, urban, in nature, lighting scenarios, overall ambiance, etc.), and, of course, I can do the photoshoot.
Lastly, remember that a portrait is just one aspect of your online dating profile. While it's important to choose a photo that represents you well, it's equally important to be honest and authentic in your profile text. By combining a great portrait with an honest profile, you'll be well on your way to finding a great match online.
Whether you choose me as your photographer or opt for someone else or even decide to take your own photos, I sincerely hope you find the person you're looking for. Keep searching because there's someone out there for you.