When you’re getting ready to create an online dating profile, you need one important thing: a photograph of yourself. Whether you want to admit it or not, these are the things that drive you to certain profiles and that drive you away from others. If you want to stand out among the other singles on your preferred dating website, you need to make sure your profile picture does you justice.

Here are some tips you can use:

Take many pictures – Instead of just taking a few, take dozens of pictures of yourself. This will increase your chances of getting the best shot.

Have you friend take the pictures – While you might just want to take a few candid shots of yourself, sometimes that objective eye of a friend can take a more flattering shot.

Use natural lighting – Instead of taking your picture indoors, try to take it outside or at least by a window where the light is softer.

Wear a dark color, but not black – Try to choose a color that is striking, but not washed out so that you can show off your face in the picture.

Wear some makeup, but try not to overdo it – Women, while you might think that more is more, you can begin to look a little clown-like if you overdo it. This is where that friend will come in handy with their honest opinion.

Smile – If you smile in your profile, it’s like smiling at everyone that’s looking at your picture. Now that’s a good first impression.

Dating Essentials, Personal Profiles First Impressions, Photo, Picture, Profile, Truth

How many times do you read a glowing description, only to hit the photo album and see a person who doesn’t even come close to matching? For me, it has happened several times. Why would you put the effort into describing yourself as an Angelina Jolie look alike or Orlando Bloom twin when anyone who sees the pictures knows you are not? It may very well have the reverse effect.

Someone may be interested in you from a picture, but then read a description and know it doesn’t match. First impressions online last, so your reputation will be branded as questionable, or even lying! That’s not a way to start off a relationship.

Be truthful with your description. If you have a few extra pounds to carry around, admit it. Someone may prefer those extra pounds to having a rail thin person and vice versa. And certainly don’t lie about your hair or eye color or hair amount. If someone expects you to have a thick, luxurious mane, when you meet in person and have a shiny, bald head, they may not recognize you!

There is someone to love every body type. Take care of your ‘flaws’ since they may be an asset to someone else. Just because one person likes long hair best doesn’t mean there aren’t ten more out there who love short locks. Describe yourself accurately, and if you have a hard time doing it, ask a friend to help. They will be honest with you!

When describing yourself honestly, also describe your life in truth. State how many children you have. Say where you live (not the address, but house, mom’s house, apartment or mansion). Don’t hedge about having or not having a good job. The more open you are in describing your attributes, the better chances you have of finding a suitable and lasting match.

Finding a love match is what it’s all about, so start off on the right foot. You want someone to love you for who you are, not an imaginary you!

Next week, how to put your best foot forward!

Personal Profiles First Impressions, Photo, Picture, Profile, Truth