PicsArt is a mobile photo editor that provides people with canvases and tools for creating, collaborating, and exploring, so that anyone can be creative. Here, Megan Ann Harmon, PicsArt's head of content and community, gives tips on how to up your online dating game.
Modern-day romance is all about online dating — or perhaps, app dating would be the more appropriate term. In an era where “selfie” is a word in the dictionary, pictures of you are definitely the most important part of your dating app profile.
But what works best on Facebook or Instagram isn't always the best option for Tinder or OkCupid.
So, we thought we’d help you out. Here are six surefire tips to guarentee that you have swipe-right-worthy photos for your dating apps.
Conversation Starters
Choose a photo that helps tell a story about you. If you love surfing, for example, have your friend take a striking photo of you with your board, post-surf, on the beach.
If mountains are your thing — like the snowy mountains in this gorgeous travel photo — then make that your backdrop.
Photo: Courtesy @amburritobandito/PicsArt.
Having a conversation-starter photo offers the other person an easy way to make the first move. “You’ve been to Cairo? I have always wanted to go! What was it like?” It’s almost too easy.
Photo: Courtesy @meganannharmon_pa/PicsArt.
Show Your Kind Of Happy
Don’t fake it. Just do it. Choose photos from your happiest moments, or ask friends to help you capture them while you’re out. A smile always wins. Make it natural, and make it your own happy.
Photo: Courtesy @blindwitness/Instagram.
As Audrey Hepburn would say, “Happiest girls are the prettiest girls.” And smiling is contagious! Just look at this photo and tell me it doesn't make you want to smile, even just a little.
Photo: Courtesy @doppelgangerr/PicsArt.
Killer Gaze
Eyes say a lot about you, so don’t cover them up with shades (but animals are always okay). Give us your best smize!
Photo: @danielle_hubbard/PicsArt.
We also call this “flirting with the camera.” And this photo is perfectly that. Those eyes. That stance. She’s got it down.
Photo: Courtesy @hermune/PicsArt.
Be Natural
Pass on the flash and go all natural! Try shooting during the two golden hours each day (more about that here). Also, while it’s okay to play with the brightness and contrast, stay away from the filters. They work in your social media feeds, but on dating apps, they're noticeable and out of place.
Photo: Courtesy @Natalie_Dressed/PicsArt.
And honestly, natural is the new filter, anyway. Just use the light to your advantage, which this picture shows to perfection.
Photo: Courtesy @julielis/PicsArt.
Style Yourself
Wear color. Be yourself. Don’t get too dressed up. You’re trying to find someone you want to be with every day, so show them the true you. If you can add multiple photos, try to mix up your style in different pictures to show your versatility and amazing fashion sense.
Photo: Courtesy @blindwitness/PicsArt.
Our style speaks a lot to who we are. So show it off. Or even let it speak for you, like in this photo. (Also notice that great golden-hour lighting going on, too.)
Photo: Courtesy @Natalie_Dressed/PicsArt.
Make It About You
You’re the focus. So no group shots. No awkward crops (please). Just naturally beautiful you.
Photo: Courtesy @maxxncheese/PicsArt.
As they say, a photo is worth a thousand words. And when a photo is all you’re able to give, make sure it says exactly what you want it to!
Whenever you’re ready to up your online dating game, PicsArt is here to help you bring out the best you with all of our free tools. Happy creating…and dating!
(Written by someone who met their life partner through online dating three years ago.)
Photo: Courtesy @arevdaniellan/Instagram.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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