7 Sins of Dating App Photos
You’ve probably heard the saying, “you never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Well, this is especially true when it comes to dating app profiles. If you’re not putting your best foot forward with your photos, you’re doing yourself a disservice.
Dating apps like Tinder, Harmony, or OkCupid are so-called purpose-built social networks. It’s a no-brainer that the purpose of using them is to make up a relationship – short or long-term. And no matter which dating app you consider, the most important element of a profile is undisputedly photos. It’s not guessing. According to a study conducted by Passport Photo Online, for 85% of men and 80% of women, pictures are the most critical aspects of a dating profile.
Many people treat their dating app profiles like regular social media accounts – just throwing up whatever photos they have handy. They may not be the best images or even great images at all, but that’s no matter – because people are swiping past them in seconds anyway. Let’s look at the 7 most common dating app photo sins people commit.
1. Photos From Weird Angles
For as much as 39% of men and 45% of women, photos taken from weird angles are a big turn-off. Any photo where your face isn’t clearly visible is best to be avoided. Photos taken from above at a weird angle or extreme close-ups are also best to be left out of your profile. Not to mention that selfie has become passé when it comes to dating app photos – women especially are sick of seeing them. Besides, selfies can create an image that you might be a weird loner without friends to take pictures.
2. Edited or Filtered Photos
Many people try to use photo editing or filtering apps in an attempt to make themselves look more attractive in their profile photos. But according to a study by the dating app Plenty of Fish, 70% of singles consider face filters to be deceptive, and 25% think that using filters implies that someone pretends to be someone they’re not. It’s best to stick with photos that you’ve taken on your own and haven’t edited in any way.
3. Vaping or Smoking
It might not seem like it, but vaping or smoking in your dating app profile photos is a big no-no. 39% of women and 41% of men consider it a red flag. Because smoking photos not only create an unflattering image and send the message that you’re unreliable or lazy, but they also suggest to potential dates that you’re unhealthy. There are plenty of ways to subtly highlight your best features without relying on these visual cues.
4. Old or Misleading Pictures
You might be surprised how many people select photos that are a couple of years old without realizing it. And your best foot forward will actually work against you if people get the impression that you’re deceiving them with old or misleading pictures. Let’s state it clearly: it’s perfectly understandable that you want to put your best foot forward. However, make sure the pictures you select are an accurate representation of who you currently are rather than who you were 10 years ago.
5. Excessive Group Photos
Group shots are fine. They show you’re social and that you know how to be in a group. But one is definitely enough; otherwise, it can be a bit confusing for people swiping through profiles (it’s not a game Guess Who). For best results, you can include a “team photo” of pictures where everyone is smiling and looking at the camera.
6. Too Serious
The sixth dating app photo sin is using too LinkedIn-like pictures in your dating app profile. Photos that are too serious send the message that you’re not fun or approachable. And whether it’s an official photo from work or a candid family picture, either of those options can come off as too formal and sometimes even stodgy.
7. Crazy, Silly, or Just Drunk
You might be surprised how often people use pictures that are too sexy or make you seem a little bit drunk, but they’re not the best representations of your personality. According to the mentioned survey by Plenty of Fish, 45% of women and 40% of men consider these images a big red flag regarding their potential matches. They don’t want to know how many drinks you can handle or what your best assets are. They want to know who you are, and these kinds of photos will make them wonder about that.
Overall, the best tip for choosing dating app profile photos is to be honest about who you are and have fun with it. Avoid weird angles, heavily edited images, or misleading photos. Instead, put your best foot forward and let potential dates see the real you in all your glory!
