5 Ways To Avoid Profile Photo Fails

They say not to judge a book by its cover, but what if you can’t read the book at all until you select a cover you’re truly drawn to? This is the interesting paradox presented by online dating because although you do not intend to focus your attention on looks when seeking a potential partner, it’s inevitable that everyone is doing so, even if they won’t admit it. If your first introduction to someone is through a digital medium, you’re more inclined to make a judgment from afar, especially if we consider that words from strangers should be taken with a grain of salt.

Whether we like it or not, our profile photo is arguably the most important component when creating a dating profile, and this is because it’s the only visual aspect you can take away before initiating further conversation. This makes profile photo mistakes that much more detrimental because you will never know what could’ve been if someone you’re hoping to match with overlooks you. Below we’ll discuss the profile photo tips that will ensure you not only get the attention you’re hoping for but also how to make your true personality stand out.

Steering Clear of Group Photo Confusion

One of the most universally accepted truths in all of online dating is that you should never use photos of yourself with a group of people, at least not exclusively. There are a few reasons for this. First and foremost, it creates confusion around which individual in the photo is actually you. The last thing you want happening is for someone to get excited about the appearance of one of your peers, only to find out that’s a completely different person.

Second, group photos tend to be less personal in general, either presenting yourself in awkward framing or coming across as lazy due to the staged pose or pre-planned shot. It also may give the impression that you don’t have photos of yourself or simply didn’t take the time to acquire any from friends or family. If you don’t have images strictly focusing on you in your element, it may seem as though you aren’t taking the dating venture seriously.

A final reason to avoid posting group photos on your profile is so you don’t give too much insight into your personal life. Whether you’re posting with friends, family, or coworkers, you don’t want to reveal too much about who you know or where you frequent with your relative circles just yet. This tends to ruin part of the mystery that comes with getting to know someone, but in worst-case scenarios, it can also turn off a potential match if they happen to develop a certain impression about you or form a preconceived notion about the people you associate with.

At the end of the day, you should be the only person in an image that is being evaluated.

Balancing Selfies with Candid Shots

Another one of the most commonly touted profile photo tips is that you should preferably have more forward-facing candid shots as opposed to selfies. But is there any weight to this? Honestly, there’s no one stopping you from posting a selfie or two, but the issue dwells in the lack of context regarding your appearance. People generally are looking for your authentic representation when dating because no one wants to arrive during your first introduction only to find out that you’re not what they were expecting.

Selfies also tend to be disingenuous because they are too tailored to your own perspective and angle, overly focusing on a curated image instead of a spontaneous one. These shots can be fine when they capture you in a whimsical moment, but a profile full of them featuring you cleaned up and wearing high fashion isn’t very convincing, or frankly accurate, to your daily life. Showing your purest form of self is essential when seeking a viable partner, and many times, it’s not us who captures us in these instances.

We all have to learn to be more comfortable in our own skin when dating, and putting ourselves out there in a manner that can be perceived as genuine and confident will go a long way. This means that you shouldn’t be afraid to post yourself enjoying your favorite things in the places you love hanging out, and an emphasis on candid pictures will allow prospective matches to get a better idea of your lifestyle and experiences overall. If you showcase a variety of interests and hobbies you have, it can immediately attract someone’s attention and give you a topic to bond over initially.

Updating Your Photos Regularly

Making sure that you stay on top of regularly updating the pictures on your page is probably one of the most overlooked profile photo mistakes. Many people simply curate their images upon creation of their account, then seemingly never touch them, no matter how long they continue to use the Jdate matchmaking platform. We encourage all of our users to continuously keep their images fresh throughout their time using our app so that your images stay current. This is also crucial so that your representation is accurate when you do plan for an in-person date.

Another benefit of keeping your photos recent is that they can show you attending events or visiting places that the other person is familiar with, and if you both were there recently, you can relate to your shared experiences. It also provides a good look as to what you’re into at that current point in time, as opposed to three or six months ago.

It’s not lost on anyone that profile photos are an extremely important aspect of your online dating persona, but making sure that you’re intentional and selective about what you choose to present for the world to see is more likely to help you in finding a compatible partner. You can claim all you want that you’re into unique hobbies or have been to certain places, but showing yourself actually doing these things is a way to validate your personality while also highlighting your interests and attributes in an authentic fashion.

As I scroll through JDate, it’s either the amazing or the horrific profile photos that typically catch my eye. The great ones are clear, in color, featuring an authentic smile and with a genuine look in their eyes. These are the elements that create a good first impression, that illicit a positive response and that lead to someone clicking on your profile. Unfortunately, most people do not have such photos and commit one if not more of the following five photo fails:

1. Don’t Use A Selfie.

   It’s always obvious when you’re using a selfie as a profile photo – don’t think you’re fooling anyone! Whether it’s the telltale arm in the corner of the picture, or your eyes looking slightly askew, or the application of multiple filters creating an unrealistic hue, it’s best to avoid selfies. This includes using your computer’s camera to take a photo. When prospects see that you’ve used a selfie as your profile photo, they’ll likely assume that you’re not taking Internet dating seriously.

2. Don’t Wear Sunglasses And/Or A Hat.

   People want to see what you look like – this is not the time to hide half your face. It doesn’t matter if you absolutely adore your smile and hair-do in the picture; if you’re half covered-up, it’s not a good choice for a main profile photo. Perhaps you can use one shot of yourself in a hat and/or sunglasses photo as a supporting photo, but your profile photo needs to show all of you – especially your eyes. Connections are made through the eyes, so do not cover them up!

3. Don’t Use A Corporate Headshot.

   The stuffy picture in your suit that reminds people of going to work is not what people want to see when scrolling through prospective matches. The dull lighting mixed with the neutral-colored suit and tie is far from enticing.

4. Don’t Have Other People In The Photo.

   JDate will try to figure out which person you are in a group photo and zoom in on you, but any semblance of another person will throw off prospects. They will wonder who the other people are: an ex? A friend? A relative? Keep the focus on you.

5. Don’t Look Away From The Camera.

   Look, I get it; photos where you’re looking at the sunset or ocean or glancing away peacefully can be quite flattering, but they are not ones you want to use for a profile photo. Only seeing one angle of your face does not make for the best first impression. Again, you can use it as a supplemental photo, especially if the image helps to demonstrate part of your personality, like your love for traveling.

The key to picking the perfect profile photo is to show your face straight on and to make sure you actually look like the photo. You don’t want to use a professional photographer; instead, make sure you have friends snap away the next few times you go out. Let them know what your intent is so that they can find good lighting and capture you when you’re enjoying yourself. When your photo shows the real you, you’ll increase your chances of catching that special someone’s eye as they scroll.