How to Shoot Photos for Dating Sites

Many photos found on dating sites don't serve the purpose for which they were intended. Rather, they do a disservice to their subjects. If men and women really care about putting their best faces forward, then they should follow these do's and don'ts on how to shoot photos for dating sites.

• Avoid long shots where your face is too far away to see clearly. The ideal digital photo for a dating site should be a head and shoulder shot, as seen in this photo.

• Don't pose with family or friends. The focus should be on you. Anyone else is a distraction and takes away from your purpose, which is to present yourself in a positive way and make a good impression.

  
  

  
  

• Don't try to appear to have a sense of humor by making faces or trying to copy a certain look that is not you. It's a turnoff. Be yourself, smile and look natural.

• Your digital photos should be well exposed and not dark or obscure. This should be fairly easy to determine with a digital camera which allows you to see your photo in playback. When outdoors, always have the sun in front of you and not behind. Avoid shadows. The best outdoor light is on an overcast day, which tends to soften images and bring out more detail. You might want to print your digital photos if you intend to erase them.

• Men should be well groomed and, if you don't sport a beard, clean shaven. Women should look natural and use a hairstyle that best enhances their features. Don't overdo the makeup.

• Use a tripod whenever possible in order to avoid blurred shots. Avoid using a flash indoors which creates shadows and tends to make the subject look harsh. The obvious exception is if you're in a studio and photographed by a professional photographer. Available indoor light is best, but always make sure of the exposure and use a tripod for a steady shot.

• Posing with pets should be avoided. They detract from the main subject of the photo - you. Remember, you're selling yourself, not your pets. Posing with your cat or dog doesn't make you any more attractive.

• Don't try to appear sexy or macho. Women should dress fashionably but modestly. Men should not appear shirt-less and should always wear a shirt with a collar - no tee shirts or sweat shirts. Men and women should not wear any clothing with logos or sayings.

• Use only a current photo taken with a digital camera. Don't use an old photo that makes you look different and misrepresents how you look now.

• Don't be afraid or intimidated by the camera. It's only an inanimate object that doesn't pass judgment or criticize. It only records what it sees. Relax, smile and be yourself. Remember there are a lot of men and women out there who are looking for you just the way you are.