When you start online dating ^[1] it’s easy to spend a lot of time writing your profile, and then hope that any half-decent picture will do. But if your profile isn’t generating the communication you’d hoped for you may need to take a second look at your photo.

Now, this is by no means a comment on your appearance, it’s simply that there are some kinds of photos that just don’t work for online dating profiles. The fact that you’ve put yourself out there, looking for a relationship, is a big step.  So you can give yourself a pat on the back for that.

We’re not talking about Photoshopping your image to make you look younger or thinner. It’s the more subtle points about profile pictures that really matter. Here are our top five profile photo no-nos. You might be surprised.

1. Photos where you’ve removed an ex
There’s this great picture of you, but unfortunately you’ve got your arm round an old flame. In this situation it’s so tempting to simply cut out the other person, but unless you’re a graphic designer don’t even try. For one thing, the photo will just be a constant reminder of your ex, and for another it doesn’t give a great impression to potential admirers.

2. You and your celebrity ‘friend’
Less common than ‘you on a drunken night out’, but the celeb friend still a worrying trend. If you met David Beckham once then that’s great, but if you have that photo as your profile picture on an online dating site you’re just going to look like someone standing next to a celebrity. If you do happen to be friends with David Beckham, you still shouldn’t have him in your picture. It suggests insecurity that you don’t think you have enough to offer just as yourself – which of course you do!

3. The grainy webcam/camera phone photo
Your profile picture doesn’t have to look like it was taken by David Bailey, but thinking you can get away with a small, grainy webcam or camera phone picture isn’t good enough. For one thing, it looks like you can’t really be bothered to upload a good photo of yourself.  We’re not saying all camera phone pictures are a no-no; some are great quality, just be careful. And if in doubt, ask a friend whose opinion you admire.

4. You showing off
Whether you’re behind the wheel of your Mercedes or brandishing a Chanel handbag in your photo, it’s probably going to be clear you’re showing off. And that just gives off the impression that you’re superficial – even if you’re not. However, if your hobby involves expensive things, such as doing up classic cars then this is less of a problem. Just be sure the photo is demonstrating you doing something you love, and not just that you own an Aston Martin DB5.

5.  You on a drunken night out with friends
You think a photo of you in a bar with your friends makes you look fun and outgoing, others think you look like a soggy mess who refuses to stay in of an evening.  We’re not saying there’s anything wrong with a photo of you taken with friends, just don’t look like you’ve been awake for 30 hours and have just downed five shots of Sambuca.

» Log in to update your profile pictures ^[1] to impress