5 Online Dating Photo Tips for Men
5 Online Dating Photo Tips for Men
Did you know that nearly 40% of heterosexual couples in the U.S. have met online? The way people date has shifted dramatically, and if you’re looking for a relationship, mastering your online dating profile is non-negotiable.
50% of the likes women send on Hinge go to just 15% of the men on the platform. Why? Because 71% of users admit they struggle to present themselves well on dating apps.
But here’s the good news: You don’t need to be a male model to stand out. Yes, looks help, but attraction is about much more than just your face—your photos signal a story. And I’m here to help you craft a profile that puts you in the top 15%.
How Women Swipe on Dating Apps
The first thing to realize is that women aren’t swiping for quantity; they’re swiping for quality. While men tend to swipe right liberally, women are more selective. After deciding if they find you attractive, they immediately start analyzing everything else: your posture, facial expressions, backgrounds, clothing, and even the quality of your photos.
Studies show that women take just 1/10th of a second to form an impression from a photograph. That means your least attractive picture dictates how attractive you are perceived overall.
The Power of Signaling
Your photos do more than just show what you look like; they signal who you are. They allow women to imagine themselves in your life the your pictures portray. This is why unique travel photos work so well. They don’t just show that you’ve been somewhere cool, they signal that you’re adventurous, interesting, and financially capable of taking her on amazing experiences.
I’ve swiped through thousands of men’s dating profiles, and the most common challenge I see is that most guys have no idea how to choose photos that truly showcase how attractive they actually are. They either rely on outdated pictures, or unknowingly select images that work against them rather than for them.
How to Choose the Best Dating Profile Pictures to Get More Matches
Your first photo should be your best dating profile photo. If you don’t have a picture that you feel confident about, ask a friend to choose which picture they think you look best in.
Your second photo should be of you doing some sort of activity. Show your passions and what you do. It could be anything - speaking, reading, golfing, sailing, etc.
The third can be a group photo. This is what I call a “social proof” photo. We want to know that you have a life, with friends and family. I recommend NOT using any pictures with other women in them unless it’s abundantly clear that the other woman or women are family members. This is your dating profile, keep other women off of it.
The fourth photo should be something athletic or active. If you have a good physique now would be a good time to show it off. This is specially important for men seeking a fit/ active partner.
The remaining photos can be a mix of all the above and anything else you deem appropriate. If you have a pet, this is a great place to put them, if they haven’t made it into earlier photos.
Your dating profile should showcase the most attractive, confident, and engaging version of you. If you’re unsure whether your photos are doing you justice, your bio feels “meh”, or your prompts aren't sparking conversations, click here to work with me directly and select the level of support that works best for you.
A client’s transformation in their own words:
I’ve helped guys go from ghost-town inboxes to waking up with new matches overnight. A personal review and consultation will make sure your dating profile actually works for you; not against you. I'll personally select your photos, bio, and prompts to position yourself attractively, so you stand out from the mundane majority. If you’re tired of swiping with no results, let’s fix that.
