Online dating may be new as compared to traditional dating, but people who utilize online dating sites still want to be able to ?see? who they are talking to or will be talking to. It has been shown that both men and women are more likely to initiate contact with someone who has a picture on their profile. When using a photo there are some key things to do so that your photo will work the best. Put some time into choosing or taking photos that will show the real you.



In order to put the best photo forward, you want to use one that is clear and shows you smiling. That may be a clich?, but a smiling face is a lot more inviting than one that is un-smiling. Your photo should also be from the shoulders up, rather than just a head-shot. Also using a photo that you like and is recent are definite musts because if you like your photo you are more likely to accept compliments graciously rather than down-playing your photo when someone compliments it. If you want to share action shots or creative shots, put them in your ?more photos? area. These photos can provide great communication initiators, but generally they don't do well for a profile picture. You should also make sure that your photo is well lit and clear so that it is clearly visible by others who are trying to view your profile.

Just like there are a lot of things to do when getting the best profile picture, there are several things that you should avoid. You may think going out and getting your picture professionally taken is a good idea, and it could be a good investment. However, when doing so, avoid getting a glamour shot taken where you are ?made-up? to look your best. Another thing to avoid is adding pictures that have other people in them. Not only can it be rude to the other people in the photo, but it can generate confusion as to which person is you in the photo. Avoid showing too much skin because it can just generate unwanted attention, not much of which will be serious. If you want serious responses, use good judgment in choosing the right profile picture. Other things that you should avoid are wearing hats, sunglasses, having hair in your face and wearing too much make-up, this just begs the question that you have something to hide.

When it comes to choosing a good profile picture there are several things that you need to consider as well as several things that you should avoid. You want to use a picture that is easy to view (not gloomy or dark) and is recent. Using a picture that is recent (no more than 18 months old) will give people viewing your profile a better idea of what you look like now because people change. Using these tips to can greatly enhance your profile picture and will give you some ideas on what kind of picture generates the most communication, since having a picture will greatly increase the number of people who will take the time to view your profile.