As someone who views hundreds or maybe even thousands of dating profiles per week, let’s just say that I’ve seen a lot of dating profile photos. Too many dating profile photos. So, I know a thing or two about a good photo. I know even more about a bad picture ... and how one seemingly deceptive photo can turn into a left swipe faster than you can say, “Why doesn’t this person have any photos without sunglasses or a hat on?”

When people are on the dating apps, they are first doing a cursory scan through your profile to figure out one thing and one thing only: What does this person look like? They want to know who is actually going to show up on the date. And something that gets in the way of that time and time again is obscuring your face in any way, no matter how dramatic the background or how cute your hair looked that day. Even something as simple as a cap, looking behind you, or a shadow covering everything from your nose to your forehead could make someone think you’re trying to hide something about your appearance. And, again, since people are making such quick decisions, it doesn’t take much for a person to move onto the next potential match.

Sunglasses are the biggest culprit (though, during COVID, masks were). I love sunglasses as much as the next person, but they completely change the way a person looks in a photo. In some cases, it’s hard to believe a shot with sunglasses and a shot without sunglasses is even the same person. One fun way to incorporate your shades is to put them on top of your head when a photo is being taken. It keeps your hair out of your face and creates an instantly casual look that’s perfect for dating apps. (I recommend clients take pics with sunglasses on their head all the time!)

Like it or not, the photos are the biggest—and first—component of how someone is looking at your profile. I always recommend five photos (or six on some apps, like Hinge, that have a requirement), starting with a clear portrait of your face as the first one. The next photo should be a full-body picture, preferably standing and ideally wearing something like you might wear on a date. The third photo should be something I call “message bait,” or you doing an interesting activity that will catch someone’s attention and prompt them to ask a question. (Think hiking in a beautiful spot, doing comedy on stage, enjoying wine at a winery, or seeing a lion on safari.) For the rest of the photos, they should represent you doing something in your element, whatever that means to you.

While some apps allow you to connect to your Instagram account, I wouldn’t recommend it. When it comes to your photos, less is more. Unfortunately (and unfairly), people will find one photo they don’t like and dismiss you for it. And with Instagram, it simply provides too much access to your life that a stranger should not yet be privy to. Meet someone in person before they’re allowed to see your whole family’s Thanksgiving album.

When it comes to clothing, I suggest your photos show you wearing something you would pick for a date. Maybe jeans and a nice top with boots for meeting at the bar or a more dressy look for dinner at a new restaurant that opened up in town.

At the end of the day, people want to see who is going to show up for the date—nothing more, nothing less. Sharing current, realistic and clear, unobscured photos will ensure you start the relationship off on the right foot.

©2025 Tribune Content Agency, LLC