Everyone knows that your dating app photo lineup is what gets matches in the door, but not everyone understands the secret sauce to fill those slots.
There’s a real difference between self-timer shots, photos your friend grabs at brunch, and photos a dating-specific photographer helps you create. The best dating photographers focus on the bigger picture, helping you come across as a real person worth swiping on. That means thinking about:
- What you actually look like in good light, good styling, and good energy
- Whether you seem approachable, warm, and safe to meet
- Whether spending time with you looks like it’d be fun
- Presenting your hobbies in a way that naturally starts convos
If you’re looking to book a session (or just shoot some of these pics solo), here are the eight types of photos you need to build a top-notch lineup.
1. The Clear, Smiling First Photo
A lot of people try to lead with a photo that makes them seem cool rather than likable and friendly.
While a photo of you whipping donuts in a Lamborghini might attract some attention, it’s not getting anyone in the passenger seat unless you feel safe, approachable, and human.
The key to acing this shot is realness.
This photo needs to feel unposed, and like you were caught in the moment, not like you were told to smile at gunpoint. A good dating photographer can usually get this by shooting through movement, conversation, or candid moments instead of trying to force an expression. If you’re shooting solo, use Live Photos (iPhone) or Motion Photos (Samsung) to freeze the frame on your most natural smile.
2. The Mischievous Shot
For this photo, think confidence, a little edge, and just enough mystery. This is the photo that makes someone pause and wonder what your deal is… in a good way.
To nail this shot, imagine you’re in a crowded bar and make eye contact with someone across the way. Are you going to stare directly at them the entire time? Probably not, unless you’re this guy:
Instead, you’re going to look seductively busy, yet interested. Highlight your jawline, play with angles, experiment with eye contact– this is your moment, but keep the aura of mystery though.
3. The Passion Shot
There’s something genuinely attractive about someone doing what they love. This photo gives your profile a backstory and gives people something to connect with beyond your job title.
One note: if you’re doing this solo, skip the gym mirror selfie because it reads more like showing off than a hobby. Here’s how to do that tastefully.
4. The Cafe Shot
This is your everyday, low-stakes, easy-to-imagine-meeting-you shot.
Matches can easily picture themselves sitting across from you, grabbing a cup, and sharing stories.
Plus, it makes you seem grounded (coffee pun intended) and connectable in a good way. It’s somewhere they’d spot you in the wild, wearing what you’d wear, drinking what you’d drink, and… you get the gist.
5. The “Social” Shot
Grab a drink, or if you’re sober, snag a mocktail and take a photo in your favorite local spot.
The more lighthearted the photo, the better! You want matches to pick up that you’re enjoyable to be around, present in the social scene, and know some hidden gem locations to take them for a cocktail.
Types of photos that work here include across-the-table pictures, well-lit, formal-esque bar-attire shots, or candid shots of you out on the town having a good time. Avoid drunken shots of you acting like a feral raccoon or being carried home by a pack of your friends; nobody wants to see that (Actually, email it to us, jk).
6. The Full Body Shot
Matches want a sense of the full picture… literally. Future matches want to know you take care of your body, so this one is a must for your online dating profile! Seated, standing, mid-walk, it doesn’t really matter, just make sure at least one full-body shot makes the lineup.
Although this shot can feel awkward at first, this is one of those times when “fake it till you make it” really, truly helps. So remember to work that body language: stand up tall, keep your shoulders back, and show off how cool and confident you are.
7. The Intellectual Shot
By this point, your profile shows you’re fun, interesting, and social. This one balances it out and hints at depth without making you look like you’re about to assign a dissertation or give a TED Talk (even though we’re kind of into that).
Some interests/hobbies that feel intellectual are:
- Tennis
- Golf
- Chess or any board game
- Reading
Also, glasses and photos taken in professional-looking environments tend to increase Smart scores.
8. The Pet Shot
People love dogs– it’s a fact. No matter if you’re a feline fan or a dog person, being trusted with pets is like getting a Michelin Star in the dating world.
It can be difficult to get this shot right, but if you’re able to show that you’re approachable with animals, you’ll start bringing in more matches.
What Dating Photographers Do Better Than Regular Photographers
A dating photographer should optimize for effectiveness and attractiveness.
That means thinking in terms of variables, such as your smile, angle, outfit, light, background, expression, posture, and context, and working them into a fluid process.
Here’s an example photoshoot framework from a well-known dating photographer:
- Free Consultation
- Grooming Guidance
- Wardrobe Styling
- Practice Shoot
- Actual Photoshoot
Styling and grooming matter way more often than people realize. A fresh haircut, nice-fitting clothes, a change in posture, or better light can completely change how a photo reads.
That’s part of the benefit of working with someone who specializes in dating photos. You come away with better pictures for your profile, but also a better understanding of what works for you, what makes you come across well, and what tends to miss the mark.
Final Thoughts
If you want to vastly improve your dating app experience, start engaging conversations more easily, and put your best face forward from day one– a dating photographer is a solid choice.
Here are a few we know who use Photofeeler to validate their work.
If you’re going to give these shots a try solo, we’re here when you need us to point you in the right direction and give you valuable feedback on what clicks (ok, we’re done with the puns, sorry!)