Dating Profile Pictures: Julie’s Tips on How to Take Good Photos

Are your dating photos … dated? Fuzzy? Low quality?

I know. I feel your pain. I had to go through the ‘get new photos’ process recently. I love my old photos better, but I’m into authenticity and grrr… it was time. 

I’ve survived dozens of photo shoots. Maybe hundreds. The more grown-up I become, the more daunting the project. I say, Deal With It.

I challenged myself and survived it.

My challenge to you is, YOU DO IT. 

My secrets to surviving a photo shoot: 

Think of something hilarious. That never fails to totally crack you up.

Something raunchy typically does it for me. Whatever it takes.

How to Get Dating Profile Photos (Even If You Hate Being Photographed)

Single? Dating? Hoping to date? Thinking about it?

Your friendly neighborhood matchmaker here has a challenge for you. 

Shoot Yourself. No, not that kind of shot, silly, with a camera or an iphone. On a good day, in decent lighting. Take a BUNCH – you’ll delete 98% of them. 

Your goal? Five great photos. One way or another. Showing the various “looks” in your arsenal. 

Options for Getting Good Dating Profile Pictures

1. Book a photo shoot, in studio or at your place. I’ve got photographers I’ve vetted and work with regularly – affordable and delightful to work with. If you’d love a photographer referral in one of these locales, message me and I’ll connect you:West LA, San Fernando Valley, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Denver. 
2. National photo solutions: LookBetterOnline.com and Snappr.com
3. Or put effort into it on your own, ask a friend to help, or give it a go with selfie sessions. 

Too often, singles rely on basic profile pictures: blurry selfies or cropped group photos. But these days it takes men and women about a half a second to make a decision. That’s how fast first impressions are happening, so as your friendly neighborhood, Matchmaker, I want your photos to pop off of the page. Give it your best shot!

Dating Profile Pictures That Work

Your matchmaker, your dating agency, your best friend who’s referring you to a friend: We need to show your personality in a warm, inviting, playful way. 

If you’re feeling stuck, start by brainstorming dating profile picture ideas that highlight your lifestyle, your smile, and the things you genuinely enjoy. Be inspired by my ideas or come up with your own, the main thing is to show who you are.

Tips for Dating Profile Pictures

1. In the right lighting, on a great day, when you can give it a decent effort. 
2. It’s lovely when it’s imperfect. Fancy photos with make-up and filters? Careful, as they might get you the first date, but … you likel won’t get the second date. 
3. On your dating profile, include some casual-but-flattering photos of you doing things you love to do. 
4. A gust of wind, one photo with your dog (only if it’s YOUR dog), maybe one photo with a family member.
5. OK to use: The Car Shot. I don’t know how this trend started, but it’s not a bad one. What you look like on a normal day, but …  a flattering shot. Hair looks good, a nice/flattering outfit. 

Photos for Dating Profiles to Avoid

Please don’t ….. post these photos.

1. Shirtless, in front of the nasty shower curtain. 
2. The gym shot – this one can be OK to post if you are fit and body-conscious and you hope to attract someone who’s also a gym rat. Otherwise, skip it. Eyes roll often with the gym shot. 
3. The FISH shot – sometimes perceived as cute, but often it’s a turnoff. WHY do guys post the fish shot? It shows he can bring home some kind of bacon, and it shows CONQUEST. He has no other photos (get some, dudes!)  Lots of women are instantly turned off by the fish shot. If you live in the sticks, and you fish a lot, OK, but otherwise, I’d say No. 
4. Group photos – you likely don’t have their permission to post them on a dating site. Sometimes your friend looks better than you are (uh oh!) and oftentimes, we can’t tell who is YOU in the photo.
5. Risque photos – bikini or boudoir photos – if you’re looking for sex, fun and games, I guess it’s OK, but seriously, if you’re looking for a monogamous, committed relationship, I want to see you with clothes on. And so does his mother. 
6. Sunglasses and hats – ONE photo with sunglasses is OK, but we need to see your eyes and your teeth. And we need a really good, flattering bod shot. I know, it’s daunting. But if you don’t include a bod shot, you will be passed over again and again. I know you’re thinking, “I look awful in photos, if he’d just MEET me, he’ll be more attracted to me. Darlin’ – he won’t GET to meet you if your face AND body shots don’t lure him in. 

These are universal dating profile photo tips: avoid clichés and anything that hides who you really are.

How to Choose the Best Dating Profile Pictures

Ask a friend, a coworker, your sister or brother to help you pick the photos that actually look like you – on a good day, in the right outfit, in decent lighting. 

NOTE: Your dearest friends will always tell you that you look great, that you look like that old photo, that that filtered shot is awesome, and that you look 10 years younger than you actually are. Don’t believe them; they love you too much. Ask someone who’s really honest and maybe who doesn’t like you so much, and you might get a straight opinion. OUCH, I know !!

When in doubt, send your favorite five images to me, and I’ll shoot you straight scoop, but nicely, with compassion and recommendations if your photos are really not cutting it. 

Stand Out with Strong Online Dating Pictures

In today’s world, online dating pictures really do matter — they can open doors or quietly close them before you’ve even had the chance to connect. When you put thought into choosing good online dating photos, you’re sending a message: “I’m here, I’m real, and I’m ready for love.” That’s powerful. The right photos help you stand out, invite curiosity, and give people a reason to lean in and want to know more.

And here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure it out all on your own. This is exactly what I love to do: helping singles present themselves authentically, with heart and confidence. Do you need feedback on your photos? Maybe dating advice? Or a trusted guide to bring the right introductions into your life? I’m here for you.

Common Questions About Dating Profile Pictures

What makes the best dating profile pictures?

The best dating profile pictures are clear, well-lit, and show your personality.

How to take good dating profile pictures at home?

Use natural light (like by a window), avoid cluttered backgrounds, and wear clothes that make you feel confident. Try different angles and take many shots — you’ll only keep a few.

Should I use selfies for dating apps?

One selfie is fine if it’s flattering and natural. But fill most of your gallery with candid shots or photos taken by others.

How many dating profile photos should I use?

Aim for 5–6 good dating profile photos that show variety: a smiling headshot, a casual outdoor shot, one full-body, one doing something you love, and one social photo.

What to wear for a dating profile picture?

Wear outfits that reflect your everyday style but look flattering. Avoid busy patterns; solid colors and layers often photograph better. For men, a fitted button-down or casual jacket works well. For women, bright colors or soft neutrals are great.

How to pose for a dating profile picture?

Relax your shoulders, smile naturally, and avoid stiff or forced poses. Try candid actions — walking, laughing, leaning casually — instead of standing still like a passport photo.

What makes a profile picture stand out?

Photos stand out when they feel authentic. Eye contact, genuine smiles, and showing an activity you enjoy make your dating profile pics more memorable than staged or filtered shots.

Where to take photos for a dating profile?

The best backgrounds are:

• Outdoors (parks, beaches, cityscapes).
• Cozy indoor spaces with natural light.
• Cafés, rooftops, or scenic spots that reflect your lifestyle.