Like all online daters, I look at photos on profiles which interest
me and I have found that even though someone can have several photos,
having the wrong kind of photos can be just as bad as not having any
photos at all.
So here are the 3 types of photos I think every profile should have (along with some things to avoid):
1) An up close headshot of a smiling you. People want to see your
eyes, your smile and even a few of your "flaws" as those add character
and anyone who can't accept any flaws you may have, probably isn't worth
getting to know.
2) A full body shot so people can see how you carry yourself. From
experience, many users have decided that the absence of a full body shot
is a sure indication of a weight problem.
3) Your environmental photo and this is the photo that shows you in
the place you love or doing that thing you love to do the most. Some
examples might be you on the beach or riding your horse or hanging out
in your favorite place.
Now that you know which 3 types of photos you need on your profile,
here are some things that you need to avoid in those photos:
1) Photos taken with your camera phone... arm outstretched or
reflecting in the mirror of your bathroom. Everyone has a friend, get
someone to take some decent photos and post something worth having.
2) Topless/shirtless photos. Guys come across as superficial and
ladies, if you use boobs as bait, all you are gonna catch is a boob! The
exception to this is if your photo in environmental and shows you
playing volley ball on the beach or something else that's natural.
3) Professional / Corporate / Glamour shots may look great but they're not really you. People want to see the "real" you!
4) Old photos. There is nothing worse than finding someone
attractive based on their photo and show up for a date only to learn
they look nothing like their photo and the photo is 5-10-20 years old.
5) Superficial photos. These are photos that show you with your all
your toys. Photos can reflect your values and if the most important
thing to you are your possessions, you will end up attracting people who
are only interested in your possessions.
The most important thing to remember is that you're setting an
expectation and when you show up for that first date, you want your
potential partner to not be disappointed. Disappointment feels like a
lie and lies destroy trust and with no trust there can be no
relationship... not even a friendship.