This page is for the folks that need extra help with their profiles—specifically their pictures! As mentioned in the main pages, there is no one-size-fits-all for a profile. But, there are a few rules that you should follow.
First, make sure that you have created a profile according to the research outlined on the 3. Your Profile page. If you haven't, here's a quick recap:
If you have all of these already added, good. Here are the additional things that you can add to your profile pictures to increase your match/like count:
Head-and-shoulders, or head-to-waist photo
Full-body photos take people's attention away from what matters most: Your face and upper torso. Furthermore, keeping your photos focused on what people care more about will make you appear more attractive [1, 2]. Don't use full-body photos.
Jawline with a shadow
This mostly for the men reading. Your jawline can look even sharper by using an overhead light to cast a shadow downwards from your jawline. A nice jawline is attractive, so keep yours looking clean [1, 2].
Squinch
A squinch is a slight squint of the eyes. For a visual example, click here. Squinching is associated with confidence—squinch away [1, 2].
Dark-colored suits, light-colored button-downs
Again this is mostly for the males, but it works for females too [1, 2].
The contrast between the dark suit and the light color button down is attractive to most people so keep in mind what you wear in your photos. Contrast what you wear.
Unobstructed eyes
Hats, glasses, and anything else that covers your face is associated with distrust [1, 2], so don't wear them. You want them to trust you from the get-go.
Asymmetrical composition
Symmetry is nice to look at to a point. But, some asymmetry goes a long way when it comes to how people evaluate photos [1].
Try looking away from the camera or have one sleeve rolled up. It works.
Much of the research above came from here. We summarized their findings but if you'd like a more in-depth look it's worth reading. If you came from the 3. Your Profile page, you can go back.
If you need more help with your photos, check out these links.
They're not listed in any particular order so if you really need help, read them all.