I can’t tell you how many profiles I have reviewed that I have requested that my client get a new photo. I have seen a man without a frown, a woman in a sleeveless dress who did not have attractive arms, a guy in a sweater that was big and baggy, a woman wearing unflattering shorts, a man who was wearing a formal tux as his main picture and the list goes on!
I would have to say, 8 out or 10 times I need to recommend that the client to either put a different photo as their spotlight photo or get an entirely new photo take by a more professional person.
So what’s important here? Does the photo show an inviting facial expression with a warm smile? Are you looking up! One client, an attractive woman, was playing the guitar and was looking down.
Second, wear a dressy-casual outfit for your premier photo. Not too formal (I suggested my client put the tux photo in his photo gallery), nor too casual. Wear something that is a flattering color and something you would wear on a date. My dating advice is to wear a nice shirt for a man and an attractive top for a woman. Women, I suggest you wear some makeup and lipstick. Definitely show a well groomed look.
You want the photo to be recent that is within a year or two the most. How would you feel if you showed up to finally meet the date and the man was ten years older than his photo with more weight and less hair!
The photo seems to be the gateway to the rest of the profile. If a guy or gal doesn’t see an appealing photo, he or she will move onto the next profile.
One of my male clients almost missed meeting his wife because of the photo. I had the opportunity to look at a woman’s www.eharmony.com profile with him. I told him that I thought that the photo was a horrible photo of this woman. I told him, “I bet she looks better in person. “ After my urging, he did go to meet her and the rest is history!
How important is the photo for you for online dating? What do you like to see in a photo for an online dating profile? What are your pet peeves?
This inquiring relationship coach wants to know your answers to these questions and any comments you may have on this subject. (Click comment link at the end of this blog post)
Your relationship coach,
Amy
You can join my free tele-class on Monday 3/16 at 9 EST pm on online dating. Sign up at www.heartmindconnection.com/telegatherings.html .
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Hi Amy-
As a woman looking at men’s photos I can say if they have their shirt off trying to look all studly, I usually skip over them (I’m thinking: big ego, thinks he’s all that, looking for sex right away.) One guy is laying in his bed with no shirt in his profile–seriously! Dour or sad looks on his face, no thank you. I want someone who has worked out their issues and is committed to growth and the joy of life shows in his face. Photos from so far away you can’t see their face.
Be in your element, it shows a connection to what you love. Have a friend of the opposite sex give you feedback on which photo would be your primary or even included. So the short version is yes! the photo matters.
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