Picture Perfect

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:

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Photos: 1. Don't wear glasses 2. Smile often, smile wide 3. Have at least three good photos 4. Don't use selfies

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Biography: 1. Be clear about your intentions 2. Write less than a 100 words 3. Show, don't tell 4. Highlight your best attributes

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.

What Research Says About the Best Profile Picture | Buffer

One of the first things I do when I join a new social network is to upload a profile picture. But which profile picture should I choose? Is there a best one? Profile pictures have always been a bit of a gray area for me inasmuch as I post a picture I think looks good without knowing its actual effect on my audience.

buffer.com

Top 10 Profile Photo and Portrait Hacks Based on Science - Neuromarketing

Are you planning to shoot a new profile photo or publicity headshot? Or, are you trying to choose the best image from a group of possible shots? There's some surprising science to help you plan your shoot and pick a winner. The best thing about these tips is that their effect is almost always non-conscious.

www.neurosciencemarketing.com

9 Tips to Nail Your Social Media Profile Picture (with research and examples)

You've seen thousands of social media profile pictures. You see dozens every day. And every time you see someone's profile picture, you form an impression of that person. In a split second, you decide if they are likable, trustworthy, smart ...or not. You judge them. Everyone judges your profile picture in the same way.

www.orbitmedia.com

16 Tricks To A More Attractive Profile Pic [Backed By Science!]

Whether you're looking for your soulmate on Tinder, updating your company's website, or just want to make sure your is as attractive as they come, chances are you want to look your absolute best in any type of that you have.

www.vidaselect.com