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Date Talk

Some profiles contain photos, others do not. Not everyone is at ease with placing their image online. The combined image you choose to present can make a big difference in the results you can expect to receive. This article is an informative and sometimes amusing insight into the do’s and don’ts of selecting which photos to add to your profile.

All About Your Image

• Your Photo Counts.

 The subject of photos tops the list of important issues when building your personal profile. It’s a simple fact that without a photo present in your profile, your chances of hearing from anyone are nearly zero.  When it comes to attracting connections online, your photos are the first thing that will attract any attention. The combined image you choose to present can make a big difference in the results you can expect to receive.  This article is an informative and sometimes amusing insight into the do’s and don’ts of selecting which photos to add to your profile.

 
 

•  Defining Attractive.
  

 Aside from the dictionary’s version: “having or relating to the power to attract” There doesn’t appear to be any true definition for attraction.  There are numerous synonyms: ALLURING, APPEALING, FASCINATING, BEWITCHING, CAPTIVATING, CHARISMATIC, CHARMING,  ENCHANTING, ENGAGING, ENTRANCING, FETCHING, GLAMOROUS, LURING, MAGNETIC, SEDUCTIVE  - Stop!!! - Take a deep breath. But in the end, physical attraction is completely subjective from person to person.  What one individual perceives as attractive is a mystery and it’s anybody’s guess.  The definition of attractive? Well, with regard to human beings, there isn’t one. 

 

 

Tall people, short people, thin people, heavy people, blond hair, blue hair, no hair, it’s all subjective.  Even the so called super models of the world are attractive to some people and unattractive to others.  The only thing that counts is every person will be attracted to someone and most people would like to have the choice in advance.  A profile can say “Most people consider me very attractive.” But who’s to say the rest agree?  Maybe.

 

• Your Photos Tell a Story

 With that realization in mind, your choices of how to represent yourself becomes an open pallet. Your photos not only present the physical you but they can convey an image of the personality inside. Think of the gallery shots we’ve all seen, a man, a woman, or a child that speak to you with their expression. The message the photo conveys is not about the physical person in the photo.  It’s about an expression that conveys what they’re feeling and leaves you feeling familiar.  Of course these photos belong in a gallery but don’t sell yourself short. The message is still the same.  A relaxed expression is always attractive. Your photos represent not only your physical qualities but the right photo can present your lifestyle, interests, personality and many other important aspects of your life.  Good quality photos stand out.

 

 

That’s not to say that you should run out to your local professional photographer and pay for a photo shoot. Truthfully, the best images are the natural ones which represent you for who you are.  Recent photos from a vacation or a trip can be a good choice, as long as you’re not the micro dot skier half way up a mountain.  Take a risk and hand a camera to some friends that know you and ask them to take some shots that reflect the person they know.  Feed them a couple glasses of a decent merlot first and you might get a few of those gallery shots.  You never know.

 

Sharp, clear images make you seem more familiar, which makes people  more connected and comfortable. This opens the door for potential matches to respond. Poor quality, out of focus or fuzzy pictures leave a mental image of someone who doesn’t really care.

 

On a humorous note, watch out for the background and think about the image you present. As someone who approves photos all day long, on occasion a photo causes me to wonder.  Here are a few actual examples of what you might wish to avoid.  

Sitting in a room with dirty laundry scattered everywhere, might not be the best choice for attracting a quality match. 

Slouched on an old sofa with gigantic gaping holes in the fabric and a beer in your hand probably isn’t the best image either.  Ya know though, nothing is impossible.

Then again there are limits.  My all time favorite?  A guy in his 40s, standing in the kitchen with his hand on a greasy engine block and a sink piled high with dirty dishes! Yep, the V8 in the kitchen.  Well, I did mention the idea of personal interests or hobbies being important and I have to give credit for honesty.  I just have a tough time getting my head around that one. 

 

  

The more images you add to your profile, the more opportunities you have in attracting people that match your lifestyle and interests.  Don’t be hesitant to show yourself and make your online experience a good one.