Tips For Online Dating Photos

Copyright 2006 Jeffrey Betman
Would you buy a car, sight unseen? How about a diamond ring? I don't know about you, but I want to see what I am buying.
Unbelievably, many people are dating online and not posting photos of themselves. What a waste of time. I just read a statistic that said 95% of people on dating sites only search for other members who have posted a picture of themselves.
What's the point of spending money to join, spending time to write a profile, spending time answering a questionairre, only to eliminate yourself from 95% of those searching for you?
I wonder if people lack confidence in themselves or feel unattractive. Look, you are who you are. Period. Put your best out there and you will find somebody.
Many people that do upload photos are making mistakes. Here are common mistakes I've seen in photos. I'm sure you can add to this list.
1. Blurry.
2. Old picture.
3. Group shots.
4. Out of focus.
5. Kids in the shot.
6. People drinking or toasting.
7. Sexually suggestive photos.
8. People cut off.
9. Photos with a mysterious arm around the subject (but they aren't in view).
10. Too far away.
11. Way too close, like the camera is hitting them in the head.
12. Not smiling.
13. Washed out, so person looks white as a ghost.
14. Photos that include guys (if you are female) or vice versa.
15. Photos showing a "bad attitude."
16. The 'deer in the headlights' photo.
17. Wearing unattractive or non-flattering clothing.
18. Ultra formal pictures.
OK, I could go on, but you get the point.
Wait, bad haircuts. Couldn't resist throwing in one more for you.
Now, here are some tips for great photos.
First, get your picture done by a professional. This is your life and love life we are talking about. Take it seriously and do it right.
Second, smile. Simple. You look better and will attract more people to you.
Third, use a current photo, or nothing more than one year old. Can't tell you how often I was expecting a date for coffee and they were ten years older in real life than their picture showed.
Fourth, post multiple photos if the site allows. One shot is good, two shots better, three shots great.
Fifth, no group photos. Look, if I'm browsing, I'm not looking to date you and your friends or family (that's a different issue). I'm just looking at you.
Sixth, make yourself look like a fun, inviting person. I can't say what to do here specifically, but I know it when I see it. People are browsing, and probably browsing fast. Your picture registers in their brain for a split second. It must register a message that says something like: "wait...slow down...this person looks interesting." If your picture doesn't communicate that, you are done for.
So, avoid the mistakes and follow the tips. Easy as "1-2-3 cheese." (Boy, that was totally cheesy, but I couldn't resist).
To Your Dating Success,
Jeffrey Betman