Success Stories > Picture perfect

By Dorianne Sager
First impressions sell and people are more inclined to but something if they can see what is being advertised, which explains why profiles with photos receive ten times the number of responses then those without.

But not every picture is post-worthy. A photo should be flattering and compliment the information in your profile. It should say, "This is the kind of person I could commit to" not "This is the kind of person that should be committed."

To make sure your first impression is picture perfect follow these easy tips
  
Have your photo taken in flattering light, either a half hour before sunrise or sunset, or in the shade, avoid direct sunlight and photos taken at night with a flash.
Make sure the photo is a head and shoulders shot so people can get a good idea of what you look like. Have several shots taken so you can choose the best and update them regularly.
Consider having a professional photographer take your picture, it's an investment that will certainly pay off. Look for the photographers who specialize in the reportage type photography for a flattering un-posed shot. Have a selection taken in both black and white and colour.
Smile - and brush your hair!
  
Pose with animals, sure you will always appear better looking than the animal, but do you really want people to say, "I guess he doesn't look so bad - compared to the dog."
Be lazy - find a photo that is in focus and doesn't have red eye
Cut other people out of a photograph. Potential dates will be wondering who the person you cut out was; a former spouse, your current spouse, your parole officer?
Wear sunglasses or baseball caps in the photo - they make you look like you're hiding something. But don't reveal everything and pose like Arnold Schwarzenegger in your Speedo or a Playboy model getting ready for a centrefold spread. There are some pretty strange people out there who may get the wrong idea about what it is you are trying to advertise. You don't want to attract them - or appear to be one of them
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