Creating a Profile

Your Picture

Just as your profile is the first thing people will see when they find you on a dating site, your picture is the first aspect people will notice about your profile. A bad picture can in fact cause people to completely ignore your profile altogether. Whilst this article isn't a lesson in photography, some basic tips will help you get it right.

Whatever you do, if you can possibly avoid it, don't use a passport photo. As you're most likely aware, these pretty much always turn out looking terrible. Of course, if you do happen to strike it lucky and yours looks ok then there's no reason why you shouldn't use it.

Avoid the temptation to pull a stupid face to cover up any insecurities. Just be yourself, but of course pick your best side! Whilst we're on composition, try not to take a photo of your face that's straight on. Instead, turn almost side on to the camera and then turn your face towards the camera. This will stop your face from looking like a big moon!

Now -- a word on lighting. The best lighting for your picture is not too harsh but not too dull. What this basically means is that direct sunlight is not very flattering. Ever wondered why photographers use those reflective umbrellas? They're used to spread and soften the light. Similarly, make sure there's enough light in the first place. If you can avoid it try not to take the photo in a situation where you have to use a flash. Small flashes on compact cameras often spoil what would have been a good photo in daylight. The light from a window can result in a good photo.

So what do you actually do with yourself whilst the photograph is being taken? Well, obviously, smiling helps. No - not a cheesy grin, a smile! Get someone that makes you laugh to take the photo.

Don't go over the top with the flirting. By all means, show some flesh and look sexy but keep it to a level you're comfortable with. Though, this "X-factor" obviously depends on what you want from the experience and the type of person you want to attract! However, if you're male - you'll have more luck if you don't mention sex at all in your profile!

I would suggest buying a film and getting your friend to fill the whole thing with photos of you. One of the photos, if you follow the tips above, is bound to turn out pretty nice. Professional photographers will take loads of photos of the same thing in varying situations with the hope that one of them will turn out just right. If it works for them, it can work for you. Maybe not on the same level, but you may get close! Oh and if you have a digital camera, then put it to good use.

Then again, if you can afford a professional photographer to take a few photographs of you, then this is probably the most reliable method of getting a photo that you (and other people!) will like. However, make sure the photographer understands that you want it to look "natural." Otherwise you run the risk of looking like a professional model and people will think you've just cut a picture out of a magazine or something!

If you don't have a digital camera, scanner or webcam then you might find it hard getting your photo on your computer ready for uploading. Worry not! Some dating services will scan your photo in for you. Just send it to them in the post. Be careful though, because not all sites will offer this service. If you think you will need something like this then be sure to find out first.

Alternatively, some photo-processing shops will now put your photographs onto a CDROM for you, which you can then obviously use to upload your chosen snap to the dating service.

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