📸 The 6 Best Photos to Use on Dating Apps

Catherine Llewellyn
Apr 29
2 min read

Updated: Apr 30

1. The Clear Headshot (Your Main Pic)

Well-lit, smiling, and facing the camera.
No sunglasses, hats, or heavy filters.
Bonus if you’re looking confident and approachable.

This should be the first photo — it’s your digital “hello!”

2. A Natural Candid

You laughing, walking, or doing something you enjoy.
Not looking directly at the camera = natural, not staged.

Candid = authentic. It makes you look relaxed and genuine.

3. A Full-Body Shot included in your Dating App Photos

Shows your style and presence.
Avoid bathroom selfies or mirror pics — go for outdoors or a casual setting.

People want to know what you actually look like.

4. Doing Something Interesting

Cooking, traveling, playing an instrument, hiking, painting, etc.
Shows personality and makes it easy for people to start conversations.
The 6 Best Photos to Use on Dating Apps include a variety of pics and poses. Ensure you have good lighting and above all, Smile!

“That’s a cool photo — where was it taken?”

5. A Social Photo (But Not Overcrowded)

You with one or two friends — ideally where you still stand out.
Avoid group shots as your first photo — don’t make people guess who you are.

Shows you’re sociable without being mysterious.

6. Dressed Up, But Still You In Your Dating App Photos

A nice outfit, well-groomed, maybe at a wedding or on a night out.
Shows effort and style without being over the top.

Looking your best gives your profile polish.

🚫 What to Avoid:

Blurry, dark, or over-edited photos
Gym selfies, shirtless mirror pics (unless that’s very your brand)
Snapshots with exes cropped out
Too many group shots
No photos at all (instant left swipe)

📷 Pro Tip:

Ask a friend to take a few shots of you on a good day, in natural lighting, doing something you love. You’ll look your most you — which is what people actually want to see.