A great set of photos is an essential part of online dating. But finding photos that capture your personality without looking staged can be a challenge.

Many photographers specialize in glamour photos but struggle to understand the unique needs of a dating profile. They often produce photos that look too stiff and overly done.
Professionalism

If you are serious about the quality of matches you hope to attract through your dating profile photos, consider critiquing your current photo array and revising it with a mix of professional lifestyle images and quality real-life images. Your profile photos will need to have both to tell your story in the way that will capture and hold attention from your potential matches.

Your headshot is the first thing a prospect will see when looking at your Tinder or Bumble profile, so it needs to be stunning. Whether you use a portrait or lifestyle photographer, look for one who understands lighting and how to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera.

You also want to work with a photographer who understands how to set up props (books, headphones, bikes, hats, etc.), and can help you find outfits that accentuate your body type and highlight your best features. This will make your photos feel more authentic.
Flexibility

In the era of online dating, photos are what get noticed first. A good rule of thumb is to keep them current. If a photo is more than a year old chances are you look different now. A good photographer will help you feel comfortable in front of the camera so they can create flattering photos that are reflective of how you look now. They will also offer a variety of looks so you have choices when it comes to selecting a profile picture. Packages typically include a couple of distinctive “looks” along with one full body shot. This way you can choose which one best suits your needs for your profile.
Personality

Your dating photos are a chance to show off your personality and style. A professional photographer will help you bring out your best features in a setting that suits your personality. For example, if you’re into yoga and working out, your photographer may recommend taking photos outside or at one of your favorite spots.

You should also choose outfits that reflect your interests and hobbies. For instance, if you’re a foodie, you might want to wear an outfit that reflects your love for cooking or baking. You can even include props in your photos to convey your personality.

Most people look at dating profile photos on their phones, so your photos should be clear and close-up. Avoid photos with sunglasses or hats, and be sure to show your whole face. You should also smile naturally in your photos. This will help you appear more approachable and attractive to potential matches. You can ask your photographer for tips on smiling in photos, but remember that natural smiles are the most appealing.
Experience

As online dating profiles become more and more picture first, quality photography has never been more important. When looking for an online dating photographer, you want someone who understands that your photos are your calling card, and that great images convey a sense of personality in a very short amount of time.

Look for a dating profile photographer who can help you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera, and who knows how to capture genuine moments that show off your personality. It’s also important to avoid using smartphone photos, which can send the wrong message and make you seem unreliable.

It should be obvious that you hired a professional for your photos, but they should also look natural and not overdone. People are able to tell when photos have been extensively edited, and this can take points off your credibility score. The best photos for online dating look as though a friend snapped them while you were out having fun.