When Pro Isn't the Way to Go
- Sunday, June 05 2011 @ 09:23 am
- Contributed by: Jet
- Views: 1,495
There are some people who, when they commit to a project, like to do everything the “right” way. The reasoning seems sensible: if you do something, do it right the first time, and as professionally as possible. Thus, home renovations aren’t done without consulting contractors. Haircuts and manicures take place at salons, not on the back porch at the hands of the teenaged neighborhood “artist.” And when these people commit to giving the world of online dating a try, sometimes they decide to get pictures professionally taken.
The problem is, professional pictures aren’t necessarily the best move when you’re trying to make a first impression. “Why?” you may ask. “After all, they’re professionals! They can probably make me look better than I can.” While it’s true that a professionally-taken picture can be preferable to a creepy cell phone self-portrait in a bathroom mirror, even the best pro pictures don’t usually stand up to a good, candid photo where you’re having a good time. Simply put, even though we may be pulling our faces into the same general shape, a genuine smile doesn’t use the same muscles as a posed one. People can instinctively tell the difference, even if they don’t realize it.
Secondly, an online dating profile is all about personality. You want to show who you are, and a candid photo is one of the best ways to do so. Sure, it might be nice to have a picture where you look pretty standing in front of a mountain, but unless you’re a mountain climber, it doesn’t actually give any insight into your personality. Think about actors and their headshots: the whole point of professional headshots is to show that you’re photogenic, yes, but also versatile, a blank slate. Do you want others to think of you as a blank slate?
As you begin to craft your profile, remember that though you want to make a good first impression, you also want to make an accurate one. Some things are best left to the professionals; others, however, are better with a more personal touch.
If you would like someone to go over your profile and you are looking for a professional profile service I would check out our Geek's Dream Girl Review.
The problem is, professional pictures aren’t necessarily the best move when you’re trying to make a first impression. “Why?” you may ask. “After all, they’re professionals! They can probably make me look better than I can.” While it’s true that a professionally-taken picture can be preferable to a creepy cell phone self-portrait in a bathroom mirror, even the best pro pictures don’t usually stand up to a good, candid photo where you’re having a good time. Simply put, even though we may be pulling our faces into the same general shape, a genuine smile doesn’t use the same muscles as a posed one. People can instinctively tell the difference, even if they don’t realize it.
Secondly, an online dating profile is all about personality. You want to show who you are, and a candid photo is one of the best ways to do so. Sure, it might be nice to have a picture where you look pretty standing in front of a mountain, but unless you’re a mountain climber, it doesn’t actually give any insight into your personality. Think about actors and their headshots: the whole point of professional headshots is to show that you’re photogenic, yes, but also versatile, a blank slate. Do you want others to think of you as a blank slate?
As you begin to craft your profile, remember that though you want to make a good first impression, you also want to make an accurate one. Some things are best left to the professionals; others, however, are better with a more personal touch.
If you would like someone to go over your profile and you are looking for a professional profile service I would check out our Geek's Dream Girl Review.
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