Taking and choosing a good dating profile picture can be just as challenging as writing out a slick dating profile. This week, one Fetish.com member asks our Molly for tips on how to take the best profile picture and what to keep in mind. So, if you're looking to get noticed with a killer profile picture, discover Molly's tips.
Dear Molly,
I'm a bit new to the whole dating profile thing, and I feel like the images I've taken don't really do me justice. Can you possibly give me some advice on how to take the best profile picture? What types of photos do you think would help to get me noticed and should I change my profile picture regularly or decide on something and stick with it? I feel like the image I currently have looks a bit like a passport photo, and I don't know how to go about improving things. I'm not a selfie kind of person.
Not a photographer.
Dear Not a photographer,
Yours is an interesting question, and I'm glad you asked me because I think that having a great profile picture is a crucial part of creating a good dating profile. It's also something that many people struggle with, so let's look at some things that might help you.
Passport Photo Vs Selfie
You mention that you're not much of a selfie person and that your profile picture looks a bit like a passport photo, which I assume means you're staring straight into the camera with a straight face? Perfect for your passport, but for a dating profile you're right to be concerned as it's probably not doing you any favours. I always think that these types of images look like a wanted poster and while there's generally nothing about those, we have to ask ourselves, would it make someone want to go on a date with you?
What should the best profile picture be?
Try taking your picture from a different angle rather than flat on to your face, one of the most flattering angles can be from slightly above. Hold your phone in one hand up and away from your face and look up into the camera.
If you're struggling with making your smile or facial expression look natural, then put your camera on continuous shooting mode so that when you press the button, it takes a rapid sequence of images. Try to imagine you're listening to someone and they are making you laugh and smile. After a few moments review the photos and hopefully, you'll have captured one that you're happy with. You don't have to be smiling, but you do want it to look like you're relaxed and confident.
Think about what you are wearing too. You probably don't want to be wearing an old dirty t-shirt in your profile picture; likewise, a suit and tie might be too much. Something casual that makes you feel good about yourself is ideal. I would also avoid too much skin.
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Think about light and background
When it comes to taking and choosing the best profile picture, think about lighting and backgrounds. Taking your photo with a load of dirty laundry on the floor behind you might not be showing yourself in the best light. And when it comes to light, daylight tends to be the most flattering, but direct sunlight can be harsh and make parts of your image overly bright and other bits too dark. You can experiment with that though but maybe not for your main profile photo.
And finally, if you're still not happy then try asking a friend for help. At times, someone else taking your profile picture can be more comfortable as they know you and they don't have any of the concerns you have. Encourage them to play around a bit and try different things such as I have suggested above. The joy of digital photography is you can take as many profile pictures as you like until you get one that you're pleased with.
Follow the profile picture rules
Don't forget every dating site, including here on Fetish.com, has image rules about what you can and can't post. Always make sure you find out what those rules are before you submit anything, especially if you're considering publishing a profile picture of something that might be deemed a bit racy.
If all else fails...
For some people, taking a photo is just not their thing, or for privacy reasons, they're not comfortable posting a picture of their face. If that's you, don't despair, there are other options available to you that can work just as well.
Try taking images that say something about you. Maybe you're a big coffee fan, or you love books, or perhaps you collect vinyl records? Whatever is your thing, you could make the perfect subject for your profile picture.
It will work on many levels as it will tell people something about you and also be intriguing to people as to why you picked it. You might want to offer some explanation in your dating profile, so people have some idea but not too much, as that can be a subject for conversation with people who message you.
How often should you change your profile picture?
Finally, let's talk about this question. The simple answer is that it's up to you. If you find a profile picture that you're happy with, and that makes you feel good about your dating profile, then I really wouldn't worry too much about changing it up. However, the joy of these things is that you can change your profile picture if you feel it's not right, you get bored with it, or you take something else that you prefer. Do what feels right for you.
Good luck!
Molly x
Want more? Read all about improving your kinky dating results.
For tips and advice, contact Molly via her Fetish.com profile or visit her thread in the BDSM Forum. 
Cover Image: model released from Shutterstock.com
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