Dating apps.
We all use them, or at least we've heard of them and consider them an option to find love.
You might want to read this article if you are thinking about using that photo of you holding a fish.
First impressions matter. According to Skylum's Swipe Right report,
- 58% of users would never connect with another user that did not have a photo,
- 25% of users believe using a good picture means you care more about dating,
- 43% think they can get a better sense of someone's personality based on their photos
- Nearly 40% (38%) say the better the images, the more likely they are to swipe right/connect
For an expert opinion, meet Blaine, a dating coach for men based in Austin, Texas.
Here's a quick Q&A about dating app photography and the benefits of a professional portrait session in your quest for high-quality partners.
Photo cred: Svetlana Frolova
Why do you recommend clients get professional photos for dating?
It’s almost impossible to attract great partners in the digital age without great photos. This is still true even if you don’t use dating apps like Hinge and Bumble — you can bet any woman you meet in person will Google your name before she agrees to a dinner date, and if the photo of you that surfaces is unflattering, she may lose interest!
What recommendations do you make to clients about pro photos for dating apps?
Obtaining high-quality photos is important, but authenticity is even more essential. If all of the pictures on your dating app profile look obviously staged and professionally shot, it can be a turn-off. You don’t want prospective matches to wonder, “Did this guy hire a pro to shoot every one of his photos?” This is precisely why I’m so particular about the photographers I recommend to clients!
To attract high-quality partners, you need photos that truly and organically capture who you are. Deliberately identify a few key things you want your profile to communicate about you (e.g., maybe you love reading), then coordinate with a proven professional photographer like Odette to bring these scenes to life (i.e., get a photo of you reading a book in front of your favorite café)
Which types of locations do you recommend for dating app photos?
As a rule of thumb, I recommend locations for dating app photos that either:
- Communicate something about your interests (e.g., if you love biking, a photo of you biking along the water near South Pointe Park is much more effective than just stating “I like to bike” in your profile).
- Accentuate your appearance without creating a distraction (e.g., sunset at the Montgomery Botanical Center creates a lovely scene that can help you look your best)
What type of outfits do you recommend, and how many different outfits should I wear for the photo session?
I recommend that clients prepare two or three outfits for their photo sessions. This is because:
- On the one hand, you shouldn’t use more than one photo in the same outfit on your dating app profiles (i.e., you’ll walk away from your shoot with as many usable photos as outfits you prepared)
- On the other hand, more than three outfits is impractical (e.g., you don’t want to manage >2 outfit changes on one shoot!)
One trick I love is to use layers to create the appearance of more outfits on a shoot. For example, wear a sweater over a t-shirt or a jacket over a button-down.
Final words about dating app photography
I would say that the photos you use for your dating profile are essential. For most people, no photos or bad photos on a dating app are a deal breaker.
Photos can help transmit who you are, your beliefs, and your story. Make sure it's a great first impression by using great images.
And if you want to build confidence, avoid the friend zone, and find awesome partners, check Blaine's website. She helps men build self-esteem, learn to flirt, and attract women.
