Photo, Photo, Photo!
I know we've covered this topic many a time before, but I feel the need to hit home just how important your photo is. If you are wondering: 'Why aren't I being noticed?', 'Why hasn't that person replied?' or 'Why has no one sent me mail?' then the first thing I want you to do is to take a long, hard look at your photo...
Do you have a good photo? Now I don't just mean 'Do you look good?', I mean: what is in the photo? We want to see you, close up and smiley, not your bathroom, ironing board, computer, lampshade or your beloved car.
How is the lighting? Bright photos get clicked on the most; make sure that your shot isn't dark or gloomy.
Is the photo interesting, is it eye-catching? An outdoor, leafy setting is ideal - just ensure your photo doesn't feature a concrete wall, an office or a bed.
Good photos:
Bright & outdoors, great! A talking point is ideal Colour is eye-catching
Bad photos:
Billy no mates Dull wall, dull face, dull date? Awful background
Out of these 6 photos, only 1 of them will be rejected (that's the 'no mates' shot for being too dark/unclear). This is because the photo team do not refuse pictures on the basis of bad composition alone.
Have a think about how your photo portrays you. 'Awful background', for example, gives the impression that I hang out in pub car parks, and not nice pub car parks either! Both of the drab, beige photos above will not do an MSF profile justice.
Add a few fun secondary photos too. Show us what you get up to, what you're in to, what you're made of! Here are mine (yes, I like to bust ghosts).
I've put a few Dos and Don'ts together for you below, in the hope of seeing fewer photo crimes:
- Do smile!
- Do think about the entire photo, not just your face.
- Do practice - keep changing your photo until you find one that works.
- Don't use a dark, grey or brown photo. Add colour and light to your profile.
- Don't forget to add some fun secondaries; holiday snaps, picnics in the park or nights out are ideal.
- Don't take the photo yourself (we can tell!). Ask a mate to take some shots for you; the second opinion will be helpful too.
First impressions are crucial. I want you all to have the best experience possible, so please take a look at your photo today and change it if needs be. Keep that photo team busy!
If you have any questions about photos, or would like some advice, drop me a line.
