So you have posted some profile pictures on your dating website. You think they are cute, funky, wild, silly, you name it….just right for attracting a partner, right?
Now, pretend that you are a man or woman looking for a serious relationship and he or she comes across your profile. Looking at your pictures, do those pictures really reflect who you are? Your deep-down authentic self, who you are at your core, reflecting your values?
My guess is, maybe not. I have seen the silliest, goofiest, most suggestive, bizarre profile pictures. Scroll around. Look for yourself.
Let’s say you are not a particularly enthusiastic athlete, yet you post a picture of you at the finish line of a 5K race. You did the 1 mile walk/run, but you want them to think you are a serious athlete. Is that really representative of an activity you are serious about?
Let’s say you post a picture of you in a low-cut or short dress, thinking that sexy sells, so why not post a suggestive picture? But the truth is, at heart you are pretty modest or classic in your dress. Do you think that will attract the kind of man you want as a serious long-term partner?
Let’s say you have been called a little goofy, so you post crazy, juvenile pictures of yourself, thinking you will come off as a fun gal. But the truth is, all you look is silly and the man who is looking for a sincere partner skips right past you profile, even though you are a smart.
So if you have made mistakes like this in your profile pictures, I have 3 tips for posting great profile pictures. The kind that will attract the perfect partner for you.
- Before you do anything, think about what your core values are. What is most important to you in your life? Who are you, deep down? What kind of partner are you looking for? If you are a single mom devoted to her child and you want someone who will love your package deal, yet you have no pictures that represent that side of you, who do you think you are going to attract? Once you have done a deep dive into who you really are and what is important to you, move on to step 2.
- Staging matters! Have someone snap some pictures of you in the places you you like to go, doing the activities you love. If you love to cook, take some pics of you cooking in the kitchen or at the grill. If you like to hike, a picture of you enjoying the outdoors. If you are fun-loving, how about a picture of you with some balloons in a fun place or playing some kind of game? If you like football, how about a picture of you at a football game? The possibilities are endless. Just make sure they reflect what is meaningful to you and who you are.
- Finally, what you wear matters! If you are a classic style lady, don’t show pictures of you in a hoochy-mama outfit, thinking it will attract men. And men, don’t wear those baggy, pleated front pants or jeans you wear working in the yard or the ones that are “relaxed fit”, which is code word for sloppy. Come on! Think about how you look and how others will perceive you. It’s OK to look casual, especially if you mostly wear business casual for your job. I suggest a variety of pictures with a variety of styles you wear for various occasions. If you have a trusted friend who is stylish, have them critique what you have on for your profile pictures. And ladies, a touch of make-up doesn’t hurt. It can enhance your beautiful features without looking artificial. Just make sure you look at yourself in the mirror with a critical eye (not being critical of yourself), meaning what in your gut looks attractive and what doesn’t. Don’t be afraid of color! The right colors can really flatter your overall look.
So that’s it. Assessment, staging, wardrobe. Ingredients for fabulous profile pictures.
Need help with changing and updating your style and wardrobe, so you can look your very best for your pictures? I am glad to help. Contact me here and I will get right back to you.
Questions about doing your profile pictures? Leave me a comment below and I will be happy to respond.
Jane Springer is a certified Life, Wellness and Style Coach who assists women in taking care of themselves, in body, mind and spirit. She coaches women who want to lose weight, avoid diabetes, and feel great. She also helps them thrive after divorce. She also helps them to clear their closets of old clothes and outdated attitudes, so they can shine and feel confident.