Your dating profile is all about showcasing the best parts of who you are. It can take some time to accumulate the right photos, but it is worth the effort. Choosing the best pictures for your dating profile may sound overwhelming. Still, there are only a few simple requirements that most people look for.

If you haven't read the article on How to Write Your Dating Bio, start there. You need to choose the correct info to share in your bio that aligns with your pictures.

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Why are you on a dating app?

Goal setting is the heart of all dating coaching.

You likely have some specific motivation if you're on a dating app. Perhaps it's finding someone to go to the movies with or a hook-up for the evening.

Whatever your goal is, consider that as your primary informational factor while creating your profile. 

If you want to attract a lifelong partner - think about who you want them to be. What their hobbies might be, things like that. That way, you can display the best parts of yourself that align with the qualities you're seeking. 

For example, if you want someone to go to the movies with, take a selfie with your DVD collection. That way, people see you're a movie buff, and they're more likely to swipe right if they are too!

You'll only know where to start if you know where you want to go.

So, spend some time thinking about what you really want from the dating app experience and then hit the ground running! 

The unspoken rules of dating app pictures

Choosing suitable pictures for your dating profile is just as important (if not more) than your bio. If potential mates don't get a sense of who you are from your pictures, they're more likely to swipe left. 

The most important rules for your pictures on your dating profile are: 

Match your pictures to the vibe of your bio 

If you say you love yoga and walk on the beach, use pictures of you doing yoga or on the beach. It shows that you've been honest and aren't just filling space. 

Use recent photos of yourself

If you're using old pictures and meet up with someone, they might be upset or even keep walking past you. Keep your photographs honest because you want to attract an honest person, right? You also should be desired for the way you are, not who you were. So keep the pictures updated to within the last year or so.

Continually update your pictures

Keeping fresh pictures on your profile means that if someone skipped you in the past, they might now notice that you're active. That is a huge green flag. So ask your friends to snap pics while you're out, go on a Tinder photoshoot, or take a selfie with a pet. Whatever matches your aesthetic. 

Keep the filters to a minimum or eliminate them entirely

"False advertising" or "catfishing" is a big deal with online dating. Snapchat filters and Airbrush effects are often considered "cheating" when it comes to your appearance. You deserve to be loved and appreciated just the way you are, so keep it honest and leave the filters out of it. 

Minimize group pictures

It's great that you have friends. People want to see that you get out and socialize and have connections. But if all of your pictures are you in a group of people, how will someone else know which one you are? You're the one looking for someone to be with, not your friends, so keep it focused on you.

Choose conversation starters

Make the conversation flow by providing easy fodder for chatting. Choose pictures that invite someone to ask you questions or desire further information. If you're only doing bathroom selfies… you're probably going to get bathroom selfie questions. If you put pictures at that new restaurant downtown or playing darts - bingo, you've got an easy conversation topic.

Keep them varied

Posting the same type of picture repeatedly comes across as lazy and dishonest. Use a variety of shots to showcase your vibrant good looks and personality.

Stay away from clichés 

We've all seen a guy in a tux at a wedding. We've all seen a girl doing a duck face in a mirror. Don't waste your precious profile space to show you're another brick in the wall. Shake things up and be yourself!

Add as many useful pictures as possible

Variety is the spice of life, and your dating profile is an excellent example of this. You want to show as many pictures of you as possible in various positions and situations. Repeats of similar images are unnecessary. If you have the pictures, then use as many as you can! A complete profile shows that you're actually on the app with a goal and that you're more likely to be a real person.

While this may seem like a lot of rules, it's about quieting the noise and making yourself appear attractive. Also, about making conversations flow easily. 

If you're looking to find a keeper, be a keeper and showcase it. 

The 5 types of pictures you need on your dating profile

When swiping through dating profiles, you're trying to gather information about a potential partner. You want to know who you're going out with and make it, so you're able to be spotted in a busy bar. 

Complete your perfect dating profile by including at least one of each of the following pictures:

A clear, forward-facing headshot

The eyes are the windows to the soul, as they say.

Your partner wants to know what you look like up close and personal.

Studies show that people who include a smiling picture of themselves with their head slightly tilted get the most "like" swipes. 

But, ideally, this shouldn't be a bathroom mirror pic.

A study showed that 72% of Hinge users found bathroom selfies undesirable. Also, skip the trendy Snapchat filters. 

A full body picture

We all know that selfies can be deceptive, especially with the power of angles on our side.

Show that you're confident in how you look by posting a full body picture.

Bathing suits or partial nudity is not necessary.

Just use something that shows you from head to toe!

But, don't be that person holding a fish.

This stereotypical picture of a person holding the catch of the day may make someone throw you back in the pond. 

Doing what you love

A picture of yourself doing something you love is important. It makes it easier to see you're being honest about your hobbies.

If you love rock climbing, take a pic in your gear.

If you're all about going to the opera, have someone take a picture of you and a playbill of your favorite show. 

While showing hobbies is important, gym selfies are usually a big turn-off. 

With loved ones

Whether you're in a picture with your friends or your family, showing that you have social connections is essential.

But, avoid partying pics.

Popping bottles in a club might be interpreted as unsteady or only looking for one-off fun.

The next time you and your friends grab lunch, ask the waiter to take a picture of your group. 

Just make sure that you're one of the best-looking people in that picture.

Or, respect your friend's privacy and blur their faces out. 

Pets are included in this one!

35% of Hinge users said they are more likely to comment if a person is holding a dog than not. 

A candid shot

Candid shots have a certain magnetic quality to them.

It feels like you've been caught in your natural state, and your date will likely feel the same.

Ideally, something with natural light while you're going about your daily business. 

49% of "successful" Hinge users' profiles included at least one solo candid shot of them. 

It seems to make potential partners feel like they've gotten a glimpse into your real life. 

Of course, your "candid" shot is likely going to be anything but candid. What is important is that it feels that way.

It creates an effortless feeling of intimacy between you and the person thinking about swiping right on you. 

The top 5 pictures people want to see

A few types of pictures you can add to your dating profile make you appear more attractive and fun. 

Of course, not all of these will apply across the board. 

They're meant for a general higher right swipe ratio as they appeal to many types of people. 

Pictures with pets

People love animals. Generally, dogs are the most popular.

Don't have a dog? Take a picture with a friend's dog and posting it on your profile shows that you love animals. Loving animals makes you appear more empathetic, compassionate, and fun!

Of course, other animals are great options, but very few are as highly acclaimed as the adorable dog pic. 

Pictures with horses, llamas, or any other type of farm animal tend to be quite popular. 

What to not post

Pictures with tigers or other sedated large animals are a big no-no. You may think it was cool that you got to pet a tiger. Someone else will likely judge that the animal was mistreated and medicated for you to have that picture.

So best to leave those off your profile.

Pictures of you traveling

Seeing a photo of someone on the Great Wall of China opens the doors to tons of easy chat topics.

Travel is a wonderful way to get to know yourself and explore other cultures. 

It also makes getting the right swipes easier.

People are fascinated by exotic places and people. 

You can make yourself seem more exotic by posting pictures of yourself on your travels.

Doing this can also make your conversations flow easily. They provide whomever you've matched with something to ask you about.

Best to skip

Posting only travel photos.

Odds are you're not traveling constantly.

It's okay to throw up an old travel picture in your profile but make sure it's only one or two.

Putting five pictures from a trip you took five years ago could be an issue for many potential matches.

They may think you're catfishing or being dishonest in some way about what you look like.

It's best to keep it to one or two pictures of you traveling that are likely to start a conversation.

Doing something active or interesting

Not everyone is a gym rat, but you do get out of the house and do some things that are interesting, right?

People want to have interesting conversations with people with hobbies.

Hobbies mean that you prioritize yourself and that you pursue your passions.

They're also a great way to demonstrate that you are a well-rounded individual.

If your hobby is active, such as kayaking, archery, or even jogging, post pictures of these. 

Many people would call these "lifestyle" pictures. They give your potential partner some insight into how you spend your time and what is important to you.

If you're not an athletic person, don't be discouraged!

Post pictures of you doing pottery or reading at a coffee shop - whatever you do in your spare time. 

It's all about showing your versatility, your passions in life, and who you are as a person.

But don't post

If you're an extremely active person who likes to go to the gym, include one maybe two of those in your photos.

But, if you're posting a lot of selfies at the gym, people may judge you to be self-involved or self-absorbed. 

It's all about balance. One or two pictures should suffice to show your active habits. But draw the line there.

Online dating may feel daunting at first. But with clear intentions and a little help, you might find the right person at the right time.

Set yourself up for success by seeing your profile and an opportunity rather than a hurtle. 

You're there to showcase the best aspects of yourself, much like you likely will try to do on a first date.

Take this opportunity to connect with someone new and show them the best version of yourself. Maybe you'll find someone who can make you feel like that best version of yourself too!

It's about balance

Your dating profile is a lot like a highlights reel of a sports game rather than watching the entire match.

You want to highlight things about yourself that would be relevant to a potential friend or partner. 

Try and keep things varied. Include one or two of each type of picture for the best results.

As an example, we suggest posting pictures of pets and animals. That's great, but don't post only photos with animals. People want to see many things that make you, not just one thing. 

Be who you are, and don't try to hide.

The goal is to meet up with someone from the app. So, you'll want them to be excited when they see you and be able to spot you in a crowd.

***Pro-Tip***One tactic some people use is to under-sell themselves. Post only pictures that show them in decent light, not idealized. That way, whoever you meet up with will be excited and surprised that you look even better than you did online.

Why you need a dating coach

Dating and finding relationships can feel overwhelming. Whether you're new to dating or if you spend tons of time out there "hunting" for someone, it can be a bit much.

If you're looking for a long-term relationship on a dating app, you likely need some support and guidance. Suppose you have a relationship coach there to help you. In that case, it may be the difference between meeting the right person and missing out on someone amazing.

Get to know yourself and your desires first with dating coaching with me.

Setting yourself up for relationship success can be easy if you know where to start. 

Get in contact with me today if you're ready to commit to your future and find someone to love. 

“Don’t look for a partner who is eye candy. Look for a partner who is soul food.”

-Karen Salmansohn

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