Based on online dating photos alone, it would be easy to assume that 90% of the world’s singles are living south of the Equator. Go on any online dating site and you’ll immediately be inundated with a plethora of photos of girls in bikinis and daisy dukes, and shot after shot of shirtless men….in the dead of winter. Yes, I’m sure most of us are looking for some relief from the polar vortex that’s overtaken most areas of the country; however, should you really be posting out of season photos on your online dating profile?
If you’re not sure whether to post that selfie of you in a bikini or that photo where you’re wearing a snowsuit, here’s a few things to keep in mind –
- Variety is the spice of life…and online dating –
Although I think it’s a bit overzealous to create a completely different set of online dating photos for each specific season (ain’t nobody got time for that!), there’s nothing wrong with showing a variety of different photos, in different seasonal settings. In fact, variety is precisely what you should be aiming for. So, if you’d like to include that photo of you, wading in turquoise waters during your recent vacation to Thailand – do it! However, also consider including some other seasonal photos to mix it up. For example, maybe you want to include photos of you hanging out at the dog park last Spring, skiing in Aspen or clinking glasses with friends around the Christmas tree. It’s all about variety, people.
Keep in mind: you’re not a “one note” kind of girl or guy. So, while I’m sure you look awesome shirtless or in a bikini at the beach, including just those kinds of photos sends the message, “this person would be really fun to hang out with on a hot, sunny day.” Whereas, if you post a variety of photos in different seasonal settings, the message reads, “this is the kind of person I could hang out with all year round. Oh, and they actually own clothes. I can take them out in public…sweet!”
(Pro Tip: When you have a variety of different seasonal photos you can always rotate them based on season, making the most appropriate one your user photo.)
- You don’t want to be “that guy” or “that girl.”
Yes, you know the one: the guy or girl with the online dating profile that’s composed 100% of shirtless selfies or cleavage showing bikini photos. Although I can’t speak for guys and what they look for in a woman, if I’m online looking to meet someone that could potentially lead to a serious relationship, I tend to ignore these kinds of profiles. Why? Because, if someone is half naked in the majority of their photos, I just don’t take them seriously – no matter how good they look. Although it’s OK to post one or two of these photos, make sure you’re balancing them out with a variety of other shots.
(Pro Tip: I don’t care how great your abs look. If you want to be taken seriously, avoid the shirtless, bathroom mirror selfie at all costs.)
- Posting seasonal photos is a great way to communicate your hobbies and interests –
Love going to the beach? Post a photo of you at the Santa Monica Pier. Enjoy winter sports? This is a great opportunity to post a photo of you from that one time you went snowshoeing in Vermont. Totally dig wining and dining? This the perfect chance to share that photo from that Bourbon tasting event you went to over Christmas. See where I’m going with this? Posting a variety of different seasonal photos is not only shows what you look like in different contexts, it’s a great way to communicate the things that you’re passionate about.
- Don’t be afraid to show your eyes or a little skin –
And by “skin” I mean your face, arms, neck etc. If all of your photos feature you in turtlenecks, bulky parkas, full-body Michelin Man style winter attire, face obscuring scuba gear or identity hiding sports equipment (I’m sure you’re proud of that football helmet, but we can’t see you under there!) – you might want to switch up your photos. Yes, these photos are “seasonal” but if we can’t see your face, they’re no good. Same applies to sunglasses. Although it’s totally OK to have a few photos of you in your favorite pair of shades, make sure you also include a few that show your eyes.
- If 85% of your online dating photos are of you in Halloween costumes, you’re doing it wrong.
One of the most surprising things I discovered when I started online dating was how many men posted multiple photos of themselves in a variety of Halloween costumes. These costumes often ranged from “questionable” (the man who was dressed as a lingerie-clad French Maid) to “completely racist” (the guy who thought it was appropriate to dress in blackface for Halloween) with a lot of superheroes thrown in. Maybe Halloween is the only time you take photos of yourself, however it’s time to change that. We want to see what you look like in real life: regardless of the season.
