They say a picture's worth a thousand words. How about a thousand responses to your profile?
Profiles with photos attract up to
15 times more attention, and two or three images may generate even more activity! So keep these do's and don'ts in mind:
- If you are not extra lean and muscular, keep your shirt on.
- Don't have an arm slung around someone else's waist.
- Don't stand in front of a picture of a yacht—unless it's yours.
- Your close up should actually be close up.
- Don't let 'em see the red of your eyes.
- Don't squint.
- A crooked photo creates a crooked neck and nothing more.
- Do not show all of your tattoos.
- A look that screams come-hither might make your profile wither.
- Smile... if you have your front teeth.
- Don't wear an outfit two sizes too small—you want them to take a second look, not cover their eyes.
- Wearing shades doesn't show off the sparkle in your baby blues.
- Blowing a kiss at the camera could blow your chances instead.
- Nix the group shot; you're the star here.
- Don't make your funny face or scrunch up your nose—only okay for a child of four.
- Use a recent photo; an oldie, in this case, is not a goodie.
- Lose the cowboy hat; let her see your beautiful bald head.
- Muscle shirt, no—unless you actually have them.
- Avoid side views unless your side is actually viewable.
- Don't chop off your head or cut off your midsection; it's hard to picture the whole you if dissected in two.
- A mountain range background is nice, but seeing you as a dot is not.
- Letting it all hang out is out.
- Adjust the color and resolution, cut, rotate, size adjust—whatever it takes, then upload your photo and watch what happens.
- If the photo is not quite to your liking, snap a few more; it's worth a little effort and time to change your life from one to two.
- Don't use your mug shot, not very arresting.
- A 'Thinker' pose in a bathrobe... what were you thinking?
- A cigarette in one hand and a drink in the other signals a dead end.
- There are a lot of don'ts when choosing the right photo, like don't take it too seriously; let your uniqueness translate into a slick pic.
- Does your photo percolate? Ask a friend or two what they think.
- Be in a good mood; the camera will capture your perkiness.
- Primp, be stylish, casual, off beat, be yourself, be perky—a presentation worthy of many admirers.
You are in control of your destiny, so accentuate your best traits and soon you will be another one of our success stories.
Sharon Schroeder is a freelance writer who often covers relationship issues.
