Top Mistakes Made in Online Dating Profile Pictures

I have oodles and oodles of files of horrible online dating pictures that I use as examples for my clients. Let’s say I’ve seen every mistake in the book. Of course, this is great news for you because you don’t have to make those mistakes now! Here are things to avoid in your online dating profile pictures:

1) Old pictures. If you are 5 years older or 10+ pounds heavier/lighter now, you need new pictures. Nobody wants a “surprise!” on a date when the person they meet doesn’t match the person they thought they found attractive online.

2) Fuzzy pictures. Get a good camera and be sure your photos are clear.

3) Webcam pictures. I don’t care how state of the art your webcam is, it does not take good pictures. The colors are washed out and the lighting is awful.

4) Cell phone pictures. Ditto.

5) Cleavage shots. Ladies, I’m talking to you. Most women who complain that online dating is full of pervs have pictures of their cleavage in their profiles. Don’t throw blood in the water and complain when the sharks arrive.

6 Clever angles. The ladies are more guilty of this one. If you are a curvy gal, don’t take all your photos looking up at the camera to disguise your weight. It’s only setting you up for heartbreak later.

7) Photoshop. I’ve seen it all – hilarious “touch-ups” that look like the person’s been paint-by-numbered, friends that have been blurred out of pictures, friends that have been blacked out of pictures. If you have to use Photoshop for anything other than cropping or resizing, it’s not a good photo.

8) Disembodied arm. If your ex is in the picture, it’s in bad taste to crop them out so they’re just a disembodied arm. Use a different photo or crop so it’s just your face.

9) No smiles. Men, I’m not sure who started the rumor that it wasn’t manly to smile in photographs. You look scary, not manly. Give us a smile so we see that you’re not a serial killer.

10) Props and groups. Avoid pictures that show you in less than honorable situations, such as at a keg party. Group shots should be included in moderation, and only ones where your face is easily discernible in the group.

Local photography studios often offer special rates for online dating photos – just call them up and ask! (These also double quite well for professional headshots if you need them for your job!)