I’m not an online dating expert by any means, but I know that pictures are essential in dating profiles, and the best online dating profile photos have a lot in common with great business branding photos. They need to communicate with the viewer and share who you are at your core. They need to be current and engender a “know, like, and trust” feeling in the person who’s looking at them. And, of course, you need to feel great about them so you’ll exude confidence.

It’s also essential that your profile photos reflect how you look today and how you would appear on a date right now. Please don’t think that the common trick some online daters employ of sharing out-of-date photos will yield you good results. If someone is attracted to an old photo of you and shows up to find you 10 years older and a few (or many) pounds heavier, I promise, there probably won’t be a second date (no matter how great your personality is). It’s not honest, and that’s a bad way to start any relationship. You’re fabulous exactly how you look today. Embrace that and share it in your photos.

Ideally, a dating profile will need at least four to six great photos. Here are some ideas for what to use to create the most compelling, interesting profile:

A Classic Headshot - This should be your main profile photo. Make sure you look approachable and are smiling. Ideally, use a professional photo, since you’ll look and feel your best in it and feel confident sharing it.

A Full Body Photo - Even though it’s your face that shows who you are, it’s important to share your “whole” self on your profile so that you’re giving an honest representation to potential mates. I often take full body photos for my branding clients against a wall or with them leaning on a tree.

A Few Lifestyle Photos - You want to communicate who you are and what you love to do in your profile photos, so be sure to include some photos that depict that. What do you love to do? Dance? Hike? Ski? Share photos that show you enjoying these activities. Action shots are a bonus here, even if they are not super clear photos of you.

A Few Candid Photos - Even if they aren’t the most flattering photos of you, photos showing you belly laughing or blowing bubble gum bubbles share your personality in a truly authentic way and should be included in your profile.

Here are some things to keep in mind as you choose your profile pictures:

Close Up And Clear - While a few far away action shots of you doing a hobby are fine, for the most part your photos should be close up so that viewers can easily see your face.

Smiling - While a few “serious” photos are fine, the majority of them should be of you smiling. Too many serious photos may suggest that you’re no fun or don’t have a “silly” side.

With Pets - People love animals, and your pets humanize you. Plus, if you’re a true cat or dog person, it’s important to show that so someone who hates cats or dogs keeps on moving past your profile.

Traveling - Connecting over cities and trips is a fun way to get the conversation started.

Dressed up - Even if you’re a more casual person most of the time, sharing a photo where you’re all dolled up to go out helps a potential mate envision themselves doing just that with you. Plus, your dressed up self often shows you at your best.

The bottom line is your dating profile photos (just like business branding photos) need to be the start of a conversation, and you want your viewer to know a bit more about who you are and what’s important to you based on them. If you’re truly looking for your forever mate in the online dating world, it may be worth investing in a branding photo shoot to help you get some great photos designed to attract the next great love of your life.

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