Dating

You better remove these selfies from your dating profile

By Maartje Beks | #!31Fri, 26 Dec 2025 02:00:16 +0100+01:001631#31Fri, 26 Dec 2025 02:00:16 +0100+01:00-2Europe\/Amsterdam3131Europe\/Amsterdam202531 26am31am-31Fri, 26 Dec 2025 02:00:16 +0100+01:002Europe\/Amsterdam3131Europe\/Amsterdam2025312025Fri, 26 Dec 2025 02:00:16 +01000020012amFriday=9#!31Fri, 26 Dec 2025 02:00:16 +0100+01:00Europe\/Amsterdam12#12-26-2025#!31Fri, 26 Dec 2025 02:00:16 +0100+01:001631#\/31Fri, 26 Dec 2025 02:00:16 +0100+01:00-2Europe\/Amsterdam3131Europe\/Amsterdam202531#!31Fri, 26 Dec 2025 02:00:16 +0100+01:00Europe\/Amsterdam12#

While swiping, you sometimes come across the strangest things on dating apps. Do men really think we get hot from a photo with a fish? But according to relationship experts Logan Ury and Shan Boodram, that's not even the biggest turn-off. They share the do's and don'ts of the photos on your dating profile. Hopefully, this way your ideal match will swipe right.

The absolute don'ts

Of course, you can't put your entire gallery on your profile. That might be for the best, but it doesn't make the selection of which ones to use any easier. A first impression is often made within two seconds, so potential matches need to get a good sense of who you are right away. But just because you think a photo is good, doesn't mean it works on your profile. According to Ury and Boodram, there are a few things you definitely shouldn't do.

1. Hiding or distorting your face
You might have been very happy with that vacation photo with your new sunglasses, but it's better not to use it on your profile. The glasses hide your whole face, and that's what people want to see. Also, using too many filters isn't helpful. You can fine-tune the picture a bit; we all do that, but heavy filters that hide your ‘real’ face are a no-go. As Ury says: “Avoid photos that make it hard to see what you look like.”

2. Too many group photos
Of course, you want to show that you're social and have a nice group of family and friends around you. But too many group photos turn your page into a kind of ‘Where's Wally’. Your potential date has to keep searching for where you are in the photo and will likely lose interest quickly. You want a date for yourself, not for your friends, so come on with those selfies.

3. Don't post too many gym selfies
Your profile is all about you, so selfies are a must. But the type of self-portraits you choose can be quite decisive for your success. According to Ury, there's one clear turn-off, and it's not the photo with the fish. The real red flag is the gym selfie. Going to the gym is good, but maybe you can just mention that during a date.

4. Too random photos
In your search for love, you don't want to waste time. It can be very tempting to just throw together your most recent photos and start swiping. However, according to Ury and Boodram, it's better not to just choose random pictures, but to take the time to select them. Taking a moment to go through your gallery to give a complete picture of yourself will make your profile much more successful and actually save you time.

So what are the do's?

We now know which photos you definitely shouldn't use, but which ones can go on your profile? Fortunately, Ury and Boodram also have a few absolute do's that will help you find your match.

1. Choose a good headshot
The first photo on your page will largely determine which way people swipe. You only have a few seconds to make a good first impression. Therefore, it's important that your face is clearly visible. Also, make sure the photo isn't too dark. Anything that makes it harder to see clearly is a step closer to a swipe left.

2. Don't choose too old photos
Using a very old photo of yourself isn't really catfishing, but it can mislead your ‘match’. In ten years, you have really changed, and even a different hairstyle can make a big difference. It's awkward if your date doesn't recognize you when you finally meet up in person.

3. Make sure you're fully visible
While your face will attract the most attention, according to Ury and Boodram, it's also good to have at least one photo where your whole body is visible. That can tell your potential matches a lot about whether you fit together. Full tattoo sleeves, for example, can be quite defining. It's better to know that in advance, right?

4. Stick to 1 or 2 ‘social photos’
Too many group photos are a don't, but having no friends or family on your profile doesn't work either. By using one or two of these kinds of pictures, you show according to Ury that you have a healthy social life, but it doesn't become too much of a group page.

5. Show your hobbies
‘What are your hobbies?’ is perhaps one of the most cliché questions during a date. Still, it can say a lot about someone and also about whether you are a match. If you share the same interests, that's already a step in the right direction and a nice conversation starter. Maybe you've even found an activity for your first date right away.

6. Show your pets
Animals have that little ‘aww-factor’. A picture of a cute dog immediately grabs attention and gives you a big advantage. “Sharing a photo of you with your pet can show your soft side and make your profile stand out.” According to Boodram, it works especially well for Gen Z and Millennials, even being exciting. Time for a photoshoot.

Source: PureWow