6 Tips for Dating Profile Pics That Actually Get You Matches
“He seems cool, but his pics are sooo bad”
On Sunday, I was at a photoshoot, and by the end of the day, the makeup artist, myself, and two models all sat on the ground analyzing one of the girl’s Hinge Date’s dating profile pics. She was going straight from the photo shoot to dinner with him and was so nervous because she said his pics were so weird- an ex seemingly cropped out of one, a group pic with two people with black circles put over them… it gave her the ick.
“Why aren't people investing in these?!” I thought. Literally, this guy has a radiant, talented BEAUTIFUL woman debating on ghosting him just because he can't take a god damned good picture of himself. So that inspired me to write this. Because, ladies and gentlemen - Valentines day is near and you need good dating profile pics.
So I have gone through Tinder blogs, Reddit discussion boards, magazine articles and a University of Colorado study to bring you these 6 tips….
1. Ditch the Shirtless Selfie (Yes, Really)
Guys, I know you've been hitting the gym, and that's awesome. But before you post that mirror selfie showing off those hard-earned abs, consider this: research from the University of Colorado found that women actually rate shirtless photos significantly lower in terms of attractiveness and social appeal. In fact, they associated these photos with lower competence and higher promiscuity.
Plot twist, right? Turns out, a well-fitted shirt does more for you than six-pack abs ever could. Save the beach bod reveal for the third date.
2. Smile Like You Mean It (Because People Can Tell)
Here's something that'll make you grin: multiple studies confirm that smiling in your photos makes you appear more approachable, trustworthy, and—wait for it—more attractive overall. Research examining social media profile pictures found that people who smiled or displayed positive emotions were perceived as having more positive personality traits across the board.
But here's the catch: it needs to be genuine. A real smile engages your whole face, especially your eyes. That forced "say cheese" grimace? People can spot it from a mile away. Think of something that genuinely makes you happy when the camera clicks. Your future matches will thank you.
3. Skip the Weird Angles and Heavy Filters
Remember that study that surveyed online daters? It found that photos taken from strange angles topped the list of profile picture sins, with over 41% of users saying these were instant swipe-lefts. Coming in at a close second? Overly edited or filtered photos at 41%.
Here's why this matters: people want to see the real you. When you meet up for that coffee date, you want them thinking, "Wow, they look just like their photos!" not "Um... who is this person?" Authenticity beats perfection every single time. Natural lighting, straightforward angles, and minimal editing will serve you way better than that filter that makes you look like a completely different human.
4. Show Yourself Doing What You Love (Action Shots Are Your Friend)
Here's where things get fun: research from Bumble surveyed over 6,700 adults and found that more than half of single people believe photos showing skills or interesting activities would prompt them to start a conversation. Academic studies back this up too—photos that offer glimpses into your hobbies, lifestyle, and interests act as an invitation to potential matches, giving them a sense of what life with you might be like.
Think about it: a photo of you playing basketball, playing guitar, painting at a farmers market, or even trying your hand at pottery tells a story that "standing against a blank wall" just can't. These shots give people conversation starters and help them imagine doing those things with you. Plus, they show you're not all work and no play.
The key here? Authenticity. Don't post a photo of you summiting Everest if you went hiking once in 2019. Choose hobbies and activities that are genuinely part of your life. And here's where a professional photographer really shines—we can capture you in your element, doing what you love, in a way that feels natural and effortless rather than staged or awkward.
5. Include Full-Body Shots (Trust the Data)
I know, I know—vulnerability is scary. But here's a stat that might change your mind: according to research from Zoosk, full-body shots increase the likelihood of getting messages from matches by a whopping 203%. Yes, you read that right. TWO HUNDRED AND THREE PERCENT.
Why? Because people want the complete picture (literally). It shows confidence and honesty, two traits that are incredibly attractive in the dating world. You don't need to be a fitness model—you just need to show up as your authentic self. Wear something that makes you feel great, stand up straight, and own it.
6. Hire a Professional Photographer (AKA the Secret Weapon You Didn't Know You Needed)
Okay, I might be biased here, but stick with me because the data doesn't lie. A survey by Zoosk found that profiles with high-quality photos received 60% more messages and were viewed 40% more often than those with lower-quality images. Another study showed that 70% of dating app users reported professional photos as their secret weapon for increasing match rates.
But here's what really matters: professional photographers know how to capture the real, confident, amazing version of you that your bathroom mirror selfie just can't quite nail. We understand lighting, angles, and how to make you feel relaxed enough to let your personality shine through. Think of it as an investment in your love life—because you deserve matches who are genuinely excited to meet the real you.
And here's the thing: we're not limited to boring studio backdrops. Want to be photographed at your favorite coffee shop? Playing with your dog at the park? Browsing records at that vinyl shop you love? Rock climbing at the gym? We can do that! In fact, combining professional quality with your authentic hobbies creates the ultimate dating profile power combo—the research-backed benefits of both high-quality images AND lifestyle shots all rolled into one.
Plus, let's be honest: coordinating outfits, scouting locations, and trying to look natural while your friend awkwardly holds your phone at arm's length? That's a lot. A professional dating photographer takes all that stress off your plate and gives you photos that make you feel like the catch you are.
Ready to Level Up Your Dating Game?
Look, you're amazing. You're interesting, you're kind, and you have so much to offer. But if your dating profile doesn't reflect that? You're doing yourself a serious disservice.
The right photos can be the difference between endless swiping and meaningful connections with people who actually get you. And I'm here to help you make that happen.
So here's my challenge to you: Stop settling for mediocre bathroom selfies and grainy group photos where no one can tell which person you are. Let's create images that show the world exactly who you are—confident, authentic, and ready for something real.
Your future partner is out there, and they're looking for someone just like you. Let's make sure they can find you.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.