Affiliate Program
Dating is hard. It doesn’t matter which app you use: OkCupid, Tinder, Match, Grindr, eHarmony, Bumble, or whatever else is out there. It’s just really hard to find and meet “the one.” Instead of meeting at school, or through friends, more people are finding dates digitally. This means you must learn how to present yourself on a dating app so you’re genuine but also captivating. That’s a lot riding on a photo! Thus we are seeing a new trend: professional headshots for dating profiles.
Why You Need Professional Headshots for Dating Profiles
Match.com did a recent survey on online dating habits. The survey found that the number one reason that people didn’t progress to second dates was due to ‘unmet expectations.’ No one wants to plan a date with one picture in their mind, only to meet the person in real life and find the photo was too old, too edited, etc.
In a dating profile, you want to show your true, authentic self. That’s why though it may seem silly, professional headshots for dating can make a big difference. A great photo can get you more dates and make you stand out among all the low-quality selfies. Dating headshots will definitely put you ahead of the game.
It is estimated that 3 out of 10 adults in the U.S. have used a dating app or online dating service. In fact, according to at least one study, dating apps are now the most common way to meet a spouse. People process information visually and make judgments almost immediately. That means your dating profile photo can have a huge impact on your life and long-term goals.
The Swipe Right Report
Last year, Skylum published its “Swipe Right Report” about how the photography used in dating profiles impacts the experience. Unsurprisingly, the report showed that 60 percent of users would never connect with another user who didn’t have a photo. Additionally, 25 percent of users believe using a good photo means you care more about dating.
Perhaps a bit unusual was the finding that many users would even consider overlooking a potential flaw in another person if they had good photos. For example, roughly a quarter of people surveyed would overlook “dealbreakers.” This included someone’s drinking or smoking, their education level, their relationship goals, their political views, or even their height.
Photographic Dealbreakers
The “Swipe Right Report” also listed the most common photo dealbreakers. They include:
- having bad quality photos
- using photos with someone that could be an ex
- photos that use filters, such as those used on Instagram, Facebook, etc.
- photos of a large group
- group photos used that block out other people’s faces
- mirror pictures or gym selfies
Each of these issues can be addressed by option for a professional headshot instead of a low-quality one.
FAQs About Professional Headshots for Dating
If you stumbled across this article, you are likely researching ideas and options for improving your dating photos. Yes, it’s important to have good, solid photos in your dating profile. In fact, doing so will improve your chances of getting more likes and better matches.
But there is no need to spend hundreds of dollars on a professional photoshoot! Headshots.com provides all the tools you need to take a great photo with your phone and have it retouched by world-class photo editors.
Since using professional-quality photos for your dating app may seem new and bewildering, we’ve cut through the noise to answer some common questions.
Should I Get Professional Photos For Online Dating? Should I Hire A Dating App Photographer?
These are actually two very different questions! Yes, you should get professional photos for your dating profiles. But no, you do not need to hire a boutique “dating app photographer” to do the job.
There are many reasons to create an updating dating headshot. Nowadays most folks are too busy for a traditional photo shoot. But everyday “lifestyle” photos may not do a great job of putting you in your best and most accurate light.
People change appearance, especially with facial hair, hairstyle or color, weight change, etc. Any of these changes represent a situation where you should consider creating a new dating headshot. Otherwise, you’re likely to show up to a first date looking different than your photo, and there won’t be a second date. Headshots.com is an affordable way to stay on top of any changes and maintain a high-quality dating headshot that will show you put effort into yourself and your dating life.
However, if you were to run to set up a full in-person professional shoot every 6 months, you might be investing a little too much in your dating profile. As more and more people are using dating apps, there is a growing trend of photographers looking to take advantage of this booming industry. No need to go bankrupt just to get a date!
So Do I Need Dating Headshots?
Yes! One high-quality professional headshot geared toward your dating profile can go a long way. Since most dating profiles include an additional 5 photos to round out your profile, you’ll have an opportunity to include photos of you that show interesting backgrounds, such as if you enjoy outdoor sports or traveling.
You may want to show a photo of you doing a hobby you enjoy, such as gardening or woodworking. You might also want to include a photo with a pet or a photo that shows off your height or physique. However, it is that first photo that will catch the attention of another user. That’s the photo that you want to create with the support of a professional.
Should I Use Selfies In My Dating Photos?
No! Selfies are not recommended for various reasons. They often feature some amount of distortion because of proximity, unflattering backgrounds, and bad expressions. Even worse is a selfie in the mirror, bathroom, bedroom, or hallway. When you create your headshot with Headshots.com, our tutorial will walk you through how to use your phone’s camera timer, take photos from an appropriate height and distance, and utilize good lighting.
Will I Look Career-Obsessed and Too Busy for a Relationship?
Dating is all about striking a balance. You want to give the impression that you’re put together and successful, but you don’t want to turn off potential mates by seeming unavailable and married to your job. This is exactly why you need a headshot designed for your dating profile! If you simply use your actual professional/business headshot in your dating profile, you may give off the wrong impression. Don’t self-sabotage, just make the investment in yourself to get an updated headshot meant for your dating profile. To help you seem more casual, consider bright clothing or makeup that gives more of a fun, flirty vibe.
How Do I Get Good Photos For A Dating Profile?
Don’t rely on an expensive photographer! Headshots.com can help you create a high-quality headshot to fit your needs. For the rest of your profile photos, be sure to ask friends or family for their feedback. Turns out we aren’t very good at judging our own photos, so feedback from someone you trust can make a big difference in impacting how others see and judge you.
Getting Started
There are many psychological reasons why a photo matters. It is estimated 90 percent of information transmitted to the brain is visual. We are visual learners and communicators. Thus, the importance of using good quality headshots and lifestyle photos for dating profiles comes as no surprise.
A good-quality photo can convey a lot of information about a person in a very short amount of time. At the same time, it can leave a lasting impression on a person long after they have closed the app. So ditch the old photos and Headshots.com, because the era of professional headshots for dating is here.
