If you’re single in the twenty-first century, the chances are that you are on at least one dating, if not multiple apps. 

Dating apps have made it easy for people to get out of their comfort zones and meet people in a low-risk way and potentially find a life-long partner. I have several friends who have met their significant other on a dating app. I’ve also photographed at least five weddings for people who met via a dating app.

While I can’t teach you how to be more charming, I can assure you that nearly all people make split-second decisions based entirely on your photos before they read a single word of your bio. 

Everyone knows that a picture paints a thousand words, yet most people share crappy haikus rather than a thoughtful sonnet when it comes to dating profiles. The tragic truth is that many people are genuinely attractive but have no idea how to show their best qualities.

Because everyone has access to a camera,  it’s easy to assume that access means competency. This isn’t the case. There’s a difference between the pasta you name at home and the pasta that Gordan Ramsay prepares. Yeah, you might have access to the same ingredients, but it’s the chef that makes the meal.

In this blog, we’ll go over some questions I’ve gotten about dating profile pictures and how they are different from other photography styles.

Let’s get started.

Do I Really Need Professional Photos for My Dating Profile?

I will answer this question with a question: how important is it for you to find someone you’re interested in dating? Every once in a while, I’ll come across a dating profile that I think is rock solid; the photos will look amazing. And because they look amazing, I assume that the person has taken the time and effort to create a nice profile because they are looking for a serious relationship. 

Take your dating profile seriously, and people will take you seriously. At the very least, you’ll get some great photos of yourself to look back on when you’re older. 

Nice photos are not the same as dating profile pictures.

A lot of people think that a nice photo is the same thing as the right photo. If you’re on dating apps, I’m sure you’ve come across a profile of someone who uses a photo from a wedding they attended. They are smart enough to know that this is a nice photo, but it isn’t the right photo. So, what’s the difference? A good dating profile picture is high-quality and will convey something about you to the person viewing the profile.

What is your process?

My process for taking dating profile pictures is a bit like going on a date. I get to know the person and learn about their values and interests, what they are looking for in a partner, and help to show off their best attributes. 

We then plan different looks, pick out outfits, and schedule a time to meet up for ninety minutes or so. After the shoot, I begin the editing process, which usually takes about a week. 

What kind of photos will you take?

We’ll take photos based on your interests. Like to cook? We’ll take some photos of you whipping up a dish. Like to game? We’ll get some dope shots of you at your PC or console doing your thing. Like to garden? Put on your waders; we’re getting dirty!

We’ll also take some boudoir-inspired shots to show off your sexy side. These are dating apps, and, presumably, you’ll want to have sex at some point, so we want to give people a glimpse into that side of your personality.

I don’t have the confidence to do a professional photoshoot...

The funny thing about confidence is that it’s not something that you have or don’t have. It’s something that you cultivate through practice. The more you practice doing things that make you feel uncomfortable, the more confidence you’ll develop.

Ready to take your dating profile to the next level?