You’re scrolling through your favorite queer dating app, and it’s a sea of hotness. Every profile picture looks like it was taking by a professional and edited with the best software. Meanwhile, the photo you took of yourself looks like a mugshot, and not a cute one. That’s a problem, ’cause your profile picture is your first impression, and non-verbal way of saying hello. Let’s be honest, this is the factor that makes people stop to get to know you or go scrolling past. You need a cool profile picture, but how do you make that happen?
We’re here to help with that. Whether this is your first time choosing a profile photo or you want to replace yours with something that shows your personality a bit better. Let’s get started!
Do Profile Pictures Matter?
Of course they do! Visuals are important to most of us, and profile pictures are that key image to make others take notice. Yes, your character and values matter even more. It’s just that nobody will get to know those if they don’t stop to take a look at your profile.
What Makes a Cool Profile Picture?
That depends! The best queer dating profiles have several photos all working together to attract the right people. Let’s start with your main profile photo. That’s the image everybody will see first.
Start with the basics. Your main profile pictures should be of your face. In fact, most dating apps won’t let you use a pic that doesn’t show your face. It should also be clear, up to date, and be inviting.
Now, let’s get into your other profile pictures. These are the photos people will fip through to get to know you a bit better. Mix things up, but keep a balance. One group picture can show that you’re a fun, sociable person. A profile full of group pictures is just weird. Here are some profile pictures that should probably be included in your dating bio:
- A couple of thirst traps
- At least one action shot – taking part in a sport or having fun
- One or two pics with friends – showing your crowd and vibe
- Something dressed up – let them know what they might expect
- A goof – a funny or silly profile picture to show off your sense of humor
Profile Pictures From a Professional – Yay or Nay?
You can get a cool profile picture with a bit of practice, but there’s nothing wrong with including some professional images too. Just keep in mind that you aren’t having a picture taken for your LinkedIn bio or work ID badge. Find someone who is experienced in taking pictures for fun occasions.
There is one benefit to hiring a pro. They can help you with some creative ideas for cool profile pictures. Many photographers have a lot of artistic talent, and would love the opportunity to show something off.
DIY Cool Profile Pictures? Here Are Some Tips
There’s no need to buy a professional camera to take cool profile pictures. If you own a nice setup, you probably have the tools and skills to easily take great pictures. If not, here are some beginner friendly tips for taking cool profile pictures with the average smartphone.
- Clean your lens before you take your profile pictures
- Your rear camera takes better photos than your selfie camera
- Tap the screen to get your face in focus – then take your profile picture
- Go into camera settings to turn on grid lines so you can compose better photos
- Use portrait mode for that cool blurry background affect
- Experiment with lighting – Avoid using flash when you can
Again, no need to be a pro, but you should learn a bit about your camera before you start taking profile pictures. If you know how to use settings like depth of field, you are more likely to get good results from your profile pictures.
Dress to Impress But Be Authentic
You want great profile pictures? You need to achieve the ideal look for you! You’re taking a profile picture. Of course you want it to look sharp. Change out of your pajamas, and put on something you’d wear out of the house. The idea is to look nice though, not to be too formal. Wear something that makes you feel really attractive, but don’t change up your authentic style.
Practice That Smile
People are attracted to profile pictures that have a natural smile. Smiles that look awkward or forced could make your profile pictures appear a bit creepy. What can you do? Get happy! Watch funny videos. Think of someone you love spending time with. Listen to a hilarious podcast. Now, watch yourself in the mirror as you naturally laugh and smile. Look at old (not posed) photos of you laughing and smiling. That’s the energy you wnt to capture. A good picture will reflect that kind of happiness.
Keep in mind that your profile pictures don’t need to have a big wide grin. The idea is that a good profile photo will make you look open and happy. Sometimes, you can make that happen with a bit of a smirk. And never forget that what you do with your eyes makes a big difference in your profile pictures.
Finally, take a lot of profile pictures. Don’t worry. You don’t need to use every image you capture, but you’re more likely to end up with a cool profile picture after twenty attempts than three.
Other Places to Get Cool Profile Pictures
You’ve taken some profile pictures, but your dating bio is still pretty thin. What can you do? No worries! You can poach cool profile pictures from your Facebook, Instagram, and other social media pages? There’s just one rule, the profile pictures you upload should be no more than a year or two old.
Follow The Rules Before You Upload That Cool Profile Picture
You want everyone who scrolls to your bio to see those cool profile pictures. That’s wonderful, but be sure you follow some official and unofficial rules.
Dating App Rules About Profile Pictures
Don’t get your account shut down. No matter how cool profile pictures are, you have to follow the rules. Most dating sites don’t allow the following on your profile:
- Unblurred nude or risque photos – check the rules for specifics
- Illegal or violent behavior – even in jest
- Drugs
- Main profile pictures that don’t show your face
Unspoke Rules of Queer Dating Profile Pictures
Just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should. These are some unspoken rules about profile pictures on LGBTQ+ dating sites:
- Don’t crop your ex out of your profile pictures – just choose one without them
- If it’s more than two years old – ditch it
- Shirtless bathroom selfies? No rule against, but be aware you’ll pull a certain type if you do
Don’t unintentionally catfish folks with your profile pictures. Think of the overall impression someone might get from your profile pictures. For example, if you’re someone who likes to relax at home watching movies with your love, should your profile pictures all involve you at the club?
Is That Profile Picture as Good as You Think?
You may not be an objective judge of your profile pictures. If you can, ask someone for their opinion. Go over your profile pictures with them, and see things through their eyes. What you thought was a great profile picture may be cringeworthy. Likewise, that profile picture you wanted to ditch, might be a pal’s first choice.
It’s The Whole Profile That Matters
Some folks need to work on their profile pictures. Then again, some folks have focused too much on sharing attractive profile pictures, and not enough on anything else. A good profile balances style and substance.
Don’t forget to write a compelling bio in addition to publishing alluring profile pictures. You don’t want to seem physically attractive, but otherwise uninteresting – even vapid. Think of it this way, profile pictures are like the window display that draws people in. Once they get there, your bio ensures they are right for you, and that you are someone they will want to spend time with.
Bolster your profile pictures with good information about you. Share your hobbies, interests, and values. Make sure your profile showcases your authentic personality. That way you can always be yourself when you engage with your mutuals.
Don’t Let Your Profile Pictures Go Stagnant
Update your profile pictures! Your looks change. So do your interests, style, and relationship goals! If you haven’t added or swapped out new profile pictures in awhile, now is a great time to do that.
Profile Pictures – An Important Part of Online Dating
Yes, your profile pictures are important. They are the first thing that folks will notice about your online dating footprint. When a person’s profile pictures are attractive, they are more likely to get those coveted likes and messages.
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