Swiping fatigue is real, but could your photo choices be to blame? For this guide, a professional photographer reveals what kinds of dating app pics attract the most right swipes. Spoiler: it’s not the shirtless mirror selfie.
Love it or hate it, online dating is now a core part of modern relationships, and your photo is the first impression. According to Bumble, 72% of users swipe based on visuals alone, while Hinge’s internal data shows profiles with high-quality solo shots receive up to 60% more likes. In short, it pays to look sharp.
But what makes a good photo for dating apps? And why are so many people still posting mirror selfies or group shots where you can’t even tell who’s who?
Shootday says that even subtle tweaks can drastically improve how people perceive you online. With the rise of personal branding and AI-enhanced dating platforms, standing out means taking photos that tell a clear, confident story.
Here’s how to get your personality across, avoid the biggest photo fails, and stack the deck in your favour.
The #1 Photo Type to Try: The ‘Candid in Motion’ Shot
Static poses feel staged and flat. Instead, try a candid, movement-based photo. Whether it’s you walking down the street, laughing mid-conversation, or pouring coffee, dynamic photos give off warmth and personality.
These kinds of shots show spontaneity, confidence, and hint at a lifestyle, which can make your profile feel more real and engaging. It’s a subtle trick that makes people stop scrolling.
8 Other Photo Tips That Will Get You More Matches
Feature a Pet (If You Have One)
Profiles that include pets, especially dogs, tend to get more likes, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z users. Not only are animals attention-grabbing, but they also suggest emotional warmth, responsibility, and an active lifestyle. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter.
Be Seasonally Appropriate
Wearing a thick parka in July or a beach outfit in November looks off. Update your photos every few months to reflect the current season. This not only shows effort but also signals that you’re actively using the app —a subtle credibility cue that matters.
Ditch the Mirror Selfies (And Filters)
Yes, they’re quick and easy, but they also feel low-effort and outdated. Mirror selfies often create distracting angles, poor lighting, and highlight cluttered backgrounds. A clean, well-composed portrait (even on a phone) reads as more intentional and confident.
Full Body, But Not in the Gym
Gym selfies scream “look at my body” and can be off-putting. A full-body shot in natural surroundings (like a park or a city walk) works better. It gives people a full sense of what you look like without the flexing or posturing.
Include One Photo With Friends (But Not Too Many)
A single group shot can show you’re social, but avoid making people guess who you are in every photo. Limit group pictures to one, max. Ideally, you should be in the centre or clearly the focus.
Showcase Your Interests Visually
Photos are a shortcut to storytelling. Whether you love surfing, playing guitar, or making the perfect Sunday roast, include an image that captures that. You don’t have to say you’re adventurous if there’s a photo of you hiking the Scottish Highlands.
Go for a Professional Portrait, Casual Style
Think clean, natural lighting, a relaxed expression, and a setting that doesn’t scream LinkedIn headshot. Professional photographers know how to capture your best side without making it look staged. It’s an investment in your dating success.
Dress How You’d Show Up for a First Date
No tuxedos, no tracksuits. Wear something that represents your style and confidence, as if you were about to meet someone IRL. Authenticity is magnetic.
What People Get Wrong – Quickfire Missteps
- Too Many Filters: Over-editing can make you seem insecure or fake.
- Old Photos: Avoid using photos more than 1–2 years old, as they can be misleading.
- Wearing Sunglasses in Every Shot: Hides your expression and eyes, which are key trust cues.
- Same Pose, Different Outfits: Shows a lack of effort or range.
- No Smiles: Looking cool is fine, but approachable trumps mysterious.
“Most people underestimate how much a photo communicates in the dating world. You have less than 2 seconds to make an impression, and you need to keep in mind to look intentional.
The key is authenticity with polish. Lifestyle shots that show a bit of personality, such as laughing at a party, hiking, or even walking your dog, tend to yield the best results because they suggest you’re comfortable in your own skin. People want to see what it would be like to date you.
What doesn’t work? Overposed portraits, badly lit selfies, and photos where your face is obscured or edited. Filters are a big no. So are group pics where you’re half cropped out.
Additionally, your first three photos should each serve a distinct purpose: one that’s sharp and flattering, one that showcases your personality, and one that provides context (such as a travel or hobby photo). If people can’t get a sense of you quickly, they’ll move on.
Think of your dating profile like a brand. Your photos are the packaging, so make sure they’re saying what you want them to say,” says Photography Expert, Serge Bejjani from Shootday.
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