A picture says a thousand words. No matter how descriptive and witty you are with your personal description, many people will not even consider someone who does not include a photo. Very few of us are model material but that doesn’t mean we can’t take a good picture. If you think by not posting a photo, someone will get to know the real you before they see you, you are only kidding yourself. The real you includes what you look like.
So how do you post a good photo? The best thing to do is post several pictures that show the real you. You need a series of photos that include: a face shot-people want to see your smile, they want to see your eyes. A nice smile and a sparkle in your eyes will go along way towards attracting a compatible person.
A full body photo, so you are built average or a few extra pounds, far better to flaunt it and be up front about it than catch someone by total surprise. The best photos are natural, not too posed that show us in a good light. A professional photo is a nice addition, you can have a portrait taken at Target or Walmart for very little cost. Glamour photos are nice but they really don’t show the true you. Photos that show you doing something such as your trip to Mexico or out hiking, also tell more about who you are. More than one photo reveals even more about you and your interests.
Very few people post more than one or two photos. With the majority of people posting bad photos, you will be way ahead of the competition by posting several great photos. Your profile will really stand out. A portrait, a full body shot and some fun photos are all good choices. Web cam photos, photos with your ex cut out, mug shots, photos of you with your arm around a member of the opposite sex even if they are related are a poor choice. A person looking at your photo doesn’t know who the person is. Avoid shots that are so dark or distant that no one can see your face. Don’t use photos that are blurry or out of focus. And don’t cover up or hide your face. Don’t use group photos. You don’t need someone writing to you asking if your blond friend is available! It is your choice if you want to post photos that include you with your children. On one hand it is nice to see the most important people in your life but if you would rather protect their privacy than you can leave them off.
Ideas for getting a good photo include:
• Have a friend with a digital camera take a series of photos of you in a
variety of settings, outfits, etc. and then choose the best 2-8.
• Don’t use your high school graduation picture from 1988.
• Don’t use any photo no matter how good it is, if it is older than a year.
• Don’t use a photo that shows you 50lbs lighter or back when you had hair.
• Don’t use any photo that doesn’t look like you today.
• Don’t use photos of your pets only or pictures of you on the sofa with kids or pets that are not yours, it may turn some people off.
People looking at your ad want to know the current you and your photos should reflect that. Don’t use 5 photos where you look totally different in each one. Is this the same person or different people? When it comes to meeting you in person you should look like the photos you posted.
The golden rule when posting photos on dating sites is obvious – Be Honest. We’ve all heard stories of people who’ve posted a photo that is ten or twenty years old. Or worse still, a photo of someone else entirely!
A misleading photo causes all sorts of unnecessary problems on a first date. You will have your date questioning your honesty. You want to turn up for dates relaxed, with your best attitude put forward. Still not convinced? Just think how you would feel, if someone using a dishonest photo deceived you? That should be incentive enough for you to be honest and accurate.
So what if you’ve gained a few pounds? Aged a bit? Give yourself some credit, you’re still a great person, and sure to be someone’s ideal match. Physical attraction is a very personal thing. Some people may be attracted to you for your smile or that sparkle in your eye and they may actually like your “love handles”. Don’t be afraid to let people know the real you. None of us are perfect. Attitude counts for far more than a perfect body.
Posting accurate current pictures is the only way to go for online dating success.
