Dating App Pictures: Focal Length / Distance, Are Selfies Bad For Dating Apps – How To Take Pictures For Dating Apps
When it comes to distance, it’s important to understand how focal length impacts photos. Typically, the closer you are to your camera, the wider the images will be (distortion). It’s why photographers try to put distance between their cameras and the subjects whenever possible.
Unless you have long arms, selfies are generally not recommended. Yes there is software to adjust images, but it is time-consuming and involves editing skills.
A rule of thumb is to apply social distancing rules (six-feet) when taking photos. Also, too many selfies signal lack of friends, family and social circles.
According to Hinge, selfies receive 40% fewer likes than non-selfies and bathroom selfies receive 90% fewer likes.
Pro-tip: Front camera on mobile phones typically have smaller focal lengths (closer distances) which distort images. Use the back camera or better yet ask someone to take a photo of you with your camera for more flattering images.
The Best Photo Angles: How Do I Take A Good Picture On Dating Site
Photos taken at or slightly above eye level are recommended for photos. Photos below the eye-level or chin often yield turkey-neck type photos which are unflattering to say the least.
With that said, don’t go overboard with super high-angled photos – those are a definite sign of insecurity, catfishing, or trying to mislead others as to appear slimmer.
People know this and rather than try to guess intent or actual appearance, they will swipe left and focus on those profiles that have normal angles. Read this post on how to look more photogenic in photos.
How Do I Take A Dating Profile Picture Alone? How To Take Dating App Photos By Yourself
I recommend timer and tripod or look at travel tripods like gorillapod. Avoid selfies at all costs. With that said, photos with friends are best, see if they have any candid photos of you.
Check for photos online from an event. You can also research photographers (like myself – I do travel) that specialize in taking natural, candid photos like a friend took them.
Lighting + Time of Day, Best Time To Take Good Photos (Profile Photo Tips)
There is a reason why people prefer to take photos during sunrise and sunset also known as golden hour or magic hour. Lighting at those times yield softer, warmer lighting which is flattering for photos.
Shooting photos in the shadows of tall buildings or on overcast days will help but even then reflective light from mirrors, windows and vehicles can redirect harsh lighting to the subject but generally indirect light is great at providing softer, diffused light rather than staring at the sun in the middle of the day.
When in doubt, try taking photos from a few different angles i.e. turning 45-90 degrees once or twice should provide a clear winner for good lighting.
Not every photo has to have perfect lighting (other items like environments, situations, expressions, can make up for imperfect lighting) but it helps to have good lighting to reduce oily skin, red marks on your face and squinting.
Dating Profile Picture Tips: Eyes + Shadows (Picture Tips Profile), Profile Photos Tips – Photos For Dating Profile
Shadows are a great way to use diffused light during the middle of the day but shadows around the eyes are never a good thing. Using sunglasses is ok for 1 photo max in a profile of 4-6 photos but more than that can be seen as a sign of hiding, insecurity or lack of awareness.
People want to see how you look.
If you take photos in the middle of the day, you run the risk of displaying raccoon eyes or panda eyes (dark circles around your eyes). This is not a good look. You want even lighting so people can see your eyes and also help you to avoid squinting.
When it comes to eyes, it helps to keep a relaxed, yet confident look in your pupils. Wide open eyes (bug eyes, bulging eyes) can appear a bit crazy, neurotic or intense. A slight squint can help minimize this look as to not appear like an overeager stalker.
Similarly, squinting too hard can make guys appear creepy and primal. Instead of focusing too hard to look good, focus on relaxing more with the help of friends, environment, pets or ambiance.
Practice keeping your face toward the camera lens but shift your pupils to the edges of your eyes for varied look. Not all photos should look like a DMV or mugshot. It’s recommended to shift your frame and face slightly away from the camera but no more than 5-15 degrees away.
Facial Expressions + Smiles; Should I Smile In My Tinder, Hinge, Bumble Photos?
It’s always helpful to have photos that make a good first impression. Smiles will often do the trick but you don’t want fake smiles, wide-open smiles if you are concerned with your teeth nor do you want small smiles that signal attitude or constipation.
A good photographer can help you achieve smiles that are authentic and varied across your dating profile (but keep in mind, most photographers are bad at dating profile photos).
Portrait photos can come off as staged, fake, embellished, airbrushed, overly slimming or inauthentic. Using the same smile can come off as rehearsed or is a dead giveaway that you hired a professional photographer.
The goal of dating profile photographer should not be to take the photos you like the best but take the photos that will attract the people you want.
Most people are bad at analyzing their own photos. Most of my clients come from disappointed people who hired portrait photographers that yielded ineffective dating profiles.
Photos that seem indecisive, tired, low-energy and lazy are not recommended. These photos signal low-effort in the eyes of others. Many people look lethargic and lack energy in their photos. LOOK ALIVE!
Even if you are shy or introverted, there have to be occasions, hobbies, people or environments that perk you up. Find those things and surround yourself with them for photos and life in general!
Looking Away In Dating Pictures
I have strong feelings about this that I wrote a separate post about it.
