1 February 2010
Online dating: photo dos and don’ts
by eHarmony
Catch your matches’ attention with a show-stopping snap. Follow these tips to find out how to be picture perfect.
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One of the hottest topics on eHarmony is photos. Users continually ask us whether posting a photo will increase their chances of success on eHarmony and the simple answer is yes. People who post a photo are nine times more likely to receive communication from their matches.
So how do you upload a photo, what’s the secret to success and how do you get your matches to do the same? Read on.
Photo Upload Wizard
Not sure how to upload a photo or whether to use a digital or regular snap? This feature asks you a series of questions to find out the best option for you and helps smooth out the process for getting your best shots on eHarmony.
Primary photos
Your main picture should be the most engaging so make sure you’re smiling, with eyes wide open and looking at the camera. It will make your matches feel like you’re looking directly at them.
Secondary photos
These are viewed when a match clicks in to your primary photo to see more photos of you. The more pictures you upload, the more insight you give your matches into your life. Let people get to know you by posting up to 12 snaps onto your profile, showing your passions and past experiences. Get creative. Post that picture of you singing your lungs out at a Take That concert or the one of you climbing Kilimanjaro.
What to avoid at all costs
Web cams and mobile phones might seem convenient but the photos are often grainy. Make sure you get hold of a good digital camera or use a traditional film camera and scan the photos in high resolution.
Photo Nudge
Want to see a match’s photo? The Photo Nudge feature gives you the chance to tell them you’re interested and would like to see a picture. The match you nudge will receive a notice that you would like them to upload a photo. A note from you should give them the prompt they need to pick some great snaps and get them online.
How Photo Nudge works
Open a match’s About Me page and you will either see their photo in the top left hand corner or text which reads “Request My Photo.” To send them a Photo Nudge just click on this text. Your match will automatically receive a nudge and you can see the date stamp that shows when you sent it.
1
Mark Doggart
25 May 2010 17:51
Hello,
Ibelieve one of my matches would like a photo uploading, although I would like to do this, I am unable to because when I wanted to transfer a photo from my mobile, there appears to be a problem with the software provided. Can someone advise an alternative?
I do feel a little frustrated!
Thanks.
Mark Doggart
2
eharmony
25 May 2010 18:06
Hi Mark,
Thanks for your query. I assume when you say there’s an issue with the software provided, you mean with the software that came with your phone. You may be able to Bluetooth the image to your computer if your phone and computer have Bluetooth capabilites. Alternatively you could text the image to a friend whose phone can upload images to a computer, or even email the image to yourself if your mobile phone is internet enabled.
I hope this helps. If you’re still having problems please either email or call our Customer Care team who will be happy to help you:
Email: http://help-singles.eharmony.co.uk/app/ask
Phone: (freephone, 8am-8pm) 0800 028 0308
Thanks
eHarmony Advice
3
David
1 April 2011 06:45
Perhaps I am the exception that proves the rule, but my experience is the exact opposite – when I put a photo on a dating website, my chances seem to decrease. I’m almost certain it happened on this site earlier in the week. And I’m quite sure it happened when i used other sites. I realise there’s not a lot I can do about me, but what can I do about the photos?
4
Michael
21 July 2011 04:56
Both my photo’s were disapproved. I am unsure why. I am wearing a hat and sunglasses in both, is this the reason?
5
eHarmony
21 July 2011 09:51
Hi Michael,
That’s probably the reason yes. Yuu can see our photo posting guidelines here: http://help-singles.eharmony.co.uk/app/answers/detail/a_id/2206/~/what-are-your-photo-posting-guidelines%3F
If you need any clarification, please call our Customer Care team on 0800 028 0308.
Best wishes,
Emily
eHarmony Advice
6
Kay
19 September 2011 22:01
To get back to the subject…I don’t know how many people reading this are paying members. But why would you register at all, and not put a photo?
I automatically archive any matches/winks etc. without photos. I think there’s a feeling that that person must have something to hide (regardless of whether they actually do or not). Also, why would you pay what amounts to quite a lot of money to join, and post a passport mugshot, a handheld web camera shot or far-away photo – none of which are helpful or flattering. It makes it look you’re not taking the process seriously, and says something about the type of person you are (the half-assed approach with very little effort).