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As the founder of SingleShots, a photo studio specializing in online dating portraits, I have seen hundreds of bad photos that don’t do justice to the people who come to me for help. If you’re going to put time and energy into meeting someone online, take the same time to get a great photo. There are elements of a high quality photo that catch your eye and make you look twice, which goes beyond what you look like in the photo. The way the light hits your hair, or the half smile on your face that makes someone want to know more about you. A good photo makes you ask questions — who is this person, what is he or she like?
Going to a professional is the best way to get a great shot, but not everyone has the time or the money. Fortunately, there are a few simple techniques that anyone with a camera can use to capture a shot that gets you the attention you deserve.
Do have the person taking your photo get closer to you. One of the biggest problems is that photos are often taken much too far away from the subject. It’s hard to see someone’s face and really get an idea of what he or she looks like.
Do shoot a lot of photos from many different angles. Many people take one or two shots and then wonder why they’re not that great. Get above the subject, angle the camera to give the shot energy, put the subject off center—in other words, play and have fun during the shoot. With a digital camera, there’s no reason not to take 50 shots. You only need one amazing one, and that’s the way to get it.
Don’t wear a patterned shirt for your photo—patterns distract and pull focus away from your eyes. Do wear solid bright colors that flatter you for your photo—it will help get you noticed on a search page.
Do take a photo by yourself. People want to see you, not your ex, not your best friend, and not your nephew, no matter how cute. If you were meeting someone in person for the first time, would you bring these other people with you?
Don’t wear sunglasses or a hat that hides your face (i.e. a baseball hat). People want to see you clearly, without distracting accessories.
Do take a photo in flattering light. People don’t realize it, but beautiful light can actually make a difference between thinking someone is attractive or not. Same person, different light, different results. Good light is soft and flattering. Avoid bright, midday sun or the on-camera flash, which creates unflattering shadows. The best light is “magic hour” (the hour right after sunrise and before sunset), overcast days, or in open shade, such as under a tree. What you’re looking for is even lighting, which smoothes skin and makes you glow!
Do consider using a photo that’s black and white in addition to a color shot. Monochrome photos are much more flattering to most people, especially for skin. There’s something a little more mysterious about them too—they let the viewer fill in the blanks.
Do consider getting some light retouching if you have a great photo of yourself but with a large blemish on your nose. If you had noticed before you took the shot, you could have put on make-up? Photoshop can be miracle worker.
Do post more than one photo. Your main photo should be a headshot (or at least head and shoulders), because the previews are really small on many sites. For your remaining photos it’s nice to have one that shows more of your body, and one that shows you doing something you enjoy.
All people who are dating online know that when they’re looking at potential matches, the photo is the most important element. A good photo can be the hint of the chemistry that’s to come.
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www.singleshots.com
Mindy Stricke is the founder of SingleShots, the first photography studio specializing in portraits and retouching for online personals.
For a complete bio, click here.
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