Photos and Dating
What Photos Should Women Use on Dating Apps?
What do men look for in a woman's dating photos? The answers are pretty consistent, and most of them are simple. Men mostly want to see clearly what you look like and get a feel for who you are.
The first photo
Start with a clear, recent photo of just you. Good choices:
- Your face is easy to see, with no sunglasses
- Natural light, like by a window or outside
- A real smile, which many men say they love
- Little or no filter
Many men say heavy filters make them unsure what you really look like. A photo that looks like you on a normal good day works best.
Show your whole self
Men often say they want at least one full body photo in a normal setting. This is not about body type. It is about being honest and avoiding surprises on the first date. A casual photo outside, at an event, or with friends works well.
Show your life
Photos of you doing things you enjoy give people something to talk about. Ideas:
- Hiking, running, or playing a sport
- Cooking or baking
- With your pet
- Traveling or exploring your city
- At a concert or with a hobby
One or two of these can do more for your profile than another selfie.
Common swipe left reasons men mention
- Every photo is a selfie
- Lots of group photos where it is hard to tell which one you are
- Heavy filters or face changing apps
- Only photos from far away
- Sunglasses in most photos
- Photos that look very old
Group photos
One group photo is fine and can show you have friends. Just make sure you are easy to spot, and do not make it your first photo.
Your bio and prompts matter too
Men often say a warm, specific bio makes them more likely to reach out. Share a few real things you like and maybe an easy question someone could answer. Something small and true is better than a long list.
Be you
The best profile attracts people who like the real you. You do not need to look like a model. You just need clear photos that show your face, your style, and your life.
Get an outside view
It can be hard to pick your own best photo. On The Face They See, you upload 3 photos and men rank them for free, so you can see which one they would pick first. That makes choosing your main photo much easier.
How many photos to use
Most apps let you add six photos. Using at least four is a good idea, since it gives people a full picture. Put your clearest face photo first, then your full body photo, then hobby and social photos. Swap in new photos every few months so your profile stays current.
The main idea
Lead with a clear, smiling solo photo. Add a full body shot, a couple of hobby photos, and one social photo. Keep filters light and your bio specific. Simple and honest works best.
Related guides
Sources
- https://www.reddit.com/r/AskMenAdvice/comments/1myiaf3/what_do_men_look_for_in_womens_dating_profile/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/hingeapp/comments/uj0v41/men_what_are_you_looking_for_in_a_womans_photos/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/dating_advice/comments/1bdry4s/straight_men_what_kind_of_pictures_do_you_want_to/