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The photos you upload to your online dating profile, are the most influential factor when it comes to attracting messages from potential dates.
No longer a mysterious art of instinct and guess work, there is now hard science to tell us how to create the perfect online profile photo.
A study into the most effective online profiles with an online dating site, showed that women who posted selfies received 4% more messages than women who didn’t. However, men posting selfies suffered an 8% drop in popularity.
The same study found that while men with outdoor images received a 19% boost in messages, women posting profile photos taken outdoors saw a 40% reduction in messages.
So women should take their own profile photo, with an indoor backdrop, while men need to get outside and have a friend take their picture.
We’re not advocating full frontal nudity here, but at least one of the images on your profile needs to show prospective dates what they are working with. Include a full-length photo which shows your body shape. Choose clothes which flatter, but do not deceive, and avoid the baggy look as profile viewers may imagine you are bigger than you really are.
You should be standing rather than sitting in the photo, as this creates a more flattering outline.
Your profile photo should be all about you, so no group hugs, or bff selfies. Having another person in a profile photo decreases popularity by 42%. Worse though are photos including a beloved pet, which knocks messages received by 53%.
But before you get scissor happy in Photoshop, cropped photos are even more unpopular, especially if it looks like an ex has been removed from the image.
If you’re serious about kick-starting a relationship on a free online dating site, consider hiring a professional photographer to capture some images. They will have the knowledge, experience, and post production editing skills, to create flattering photos that show you in the best light. Consider the images to be an investment in your online profile as they can also be used on Facebook and Twitter, and on professional sites like LinkedIn.
Pick an outfit, location, or both that makes you feel fabulous. Your inner confidence and happiness will shine through in your profile picture.
Jaunty hats and super-cool sunglasses may look awesome in real life, but are cause for suspicion on a profile pic. People viewing your photos want to see your face, not your eclectic collection of accessories. Also avoid posting hilarious fancy dress photos which are unlikely to be flattering, and make it hard for prospective dates to see the real you.
A study in which the attractiveness of photographed subjects was evaluated found that men and women are drawn to different emotions. Women were more attracted to men displaying pride, by tilting their head up, expanding their chest and raising arms above their head in fists. Men were more attracted to women who were smiling broadly, expressing happiness.
To create a more genuine expression, recall a memory that evokes feelings of pride or happiness, and hold the memory in your mind as you are photographed.
It’s hard to tell too much about someone from one image, so if the dating site allows, post two or three photographs. Try to include one which shows an activity you enjoy, giving potential dates something to focus on in their first message to you.
Most importantly, recognise that your photograph will have a huge influence on the popularity of your dating profile, and deserves more time and attention than simply cropping a Facebook photo and uploading it to the dating site.