5 Expert Photo Hacks to Boost Your Dating Profile Matches

Your dating profile photo is your first impression, so make it count. With just a few pro-level tricks, you can go from getting ignored to getting matches. A top photographer reveals the five hacks that will instantly make you look more attractive, confident, and approachable. Ready to upgrade your swipe game? Let’s dive in.

Hack number 1.

Avoid group photos. More than one person in the frame is distracting and does not portray a person that would be seeking a date on any serious level. It is a little like saying “Hey, look at my social popularity, I’m not interested in you on an individual or singular level, I’m just a socialite who’s just out for fun, fun, fun…”

Keep the photo singular and have at least one photo where you are looking directly into the camera. This provides the viewer with a sense of feeling that they have your complete attention.

Hack number 2.

Avoid cluttered backgrounds and consider outdoor photo shoots. Again, this is a distraction and can be perceived as someone that is not only an untidy person but also has not put any effort into considering the frame in its entirety. Selfies are ok when done properly. A big NO are bathroom and/or mirror selfies as they just look cheap. What this can also do is distort the image. This happens because cameras on phones vary in design, quality, and focal lengths. An example of this would be a wide-angle lens being used close up would completely change the shape of someone's head and body, and who wants that!? If anything, avoid indoor shoots altogether. The lighting can be terrible as well so if you definitely want an indoor shoot consult a professional photographer. An outdoor shoot allows room to breathe and naturally puts colour on the face. Natural light can compliment skin tones as well but try and avoid mid-day sunshine as this can cause eye squinting. Again consult a professional photographer.

Hack number 3.

Avoid AI filters With AI imagery growing ever more popular, it is tempting to deceive oneself and others with a photo that is a little too over-polished. I once watched a youtube interview of one of my favourite contemporary portrait photographers Ivan Weiss who explains that, in life, how we see ourselves and how we think we look is different to how others see us. We naturally flatter ourselves and it is the job of the photographer to bridge the gap between what we think we look like and what we actually look like without compromising our genuine authenticity. As a professional photographer, I use a minimum amount of re-touching as there is a fine line between the natural and authentic on the one hand, and an over polished look on the other.

Hack number 4.

Full body shots This is a slightly contentious one, but in the name of genuine authenticity full body shots from a professional standpoint is a must. We are all built differently, and we all have parts of us that we wish were bigger, smaller, or just plain different. There will always be some who see themselves as Gods or Goddesses to behold but these are a minority in my experience as most of us have hang ups about the body we carry around. However, to avoid full body shots is counter intuitive as hopefully, some lucky person will get to meet you, and more than just your face too! Full body , or at least three quarter photos can exude a sense of confidence and honesty giving a sense that you are a person that does not hide behind a headshot only profile.

Hack number 5.

Book a professional photographer! If you are serious about dating and a potential relationship, then investing in yourself is a wise idea and will certainly get you ahead of a very saturated pack. A good photographer will capture you in the very best possible way, and knows how to subtly edit colour correct to get the best, flattering but most authentic results. We as photographers understand that being in front of the camera can be challenging but part of our job is to make one feel relaxed, plus, it really can be a lot of fun!