How to Take Memorable Dating Profile Photos That Will Actually Get You Swipes

The other day I was at a friend’s house and he showed me his dating profile. And, well… the photos were not amazing.

There were no real smiles. No photos that felt like him. Just a handful of old iPhone pics from five years ago and one lone shot of his dog (not him with his dog—just the dog). Which is wild, because I know him as this silly, hilarious, deeply hospitable human who can make anyone feel at home. His photos? They didn’t reflect any of that.

When I first started photography in Manhattan, I took dating profile photos for a professional NYC matchmaker. She had strict rules: only photos of clients smiling at the camera. She told me no other photo sells a client. So that’s what we did. A bunch of stiff, “I’m pretending I like this” smiles. After a few sessions, I realized I felt dead inside looking at those photos. Her whole strategy was to fool the camera. And that’s just not my thing.

I don’t want to create photos that lie about who you are. And frankly, I don't think people truly want to swipe on photos of fake smiles. So I stopped working for her and started offering dating profile photos that breathed feelings and you-i-ness.

My dating profile photo sessions make you look both approachable, fun, and sexy AF—photos that feel editorial, of you doing things you actually enjoy doing, laughing real laughs, and looking like the best version of yourself, not a LinkedIn profile in disguise.

Want to know something verrrrrry interesting about the dating profile photos I take for my clients? I get messages like this:

“I get more swipes with your photos than I’ve ever gotten.”“People actually comment on my profile photos now.”

So here’s what I’ve learned—how to take memorable dating profile photos that will actually get you swipes (the good kind):

1. Relax: This Isn’t a Job Interview

These photos aren’t here to make or break your entire dating life. They’re just meant to introduce you. Show up to your photo session like you're hanging out with an old friend (that’s your photographer’s job—to feel easy and disarming to be around) and have a good time. Your photographer knows what to do. I always tell my clients to let me know if I give them direction they don't like, doesn't feel like "them", or feels off. My feelings aren't hurt- these are your photos and we want you to feel so so bad ass.

2. Bring a Friend

A hype person, an outfit wrangler, a “hey-you-have-lipstick-on-your-tooth” safety net. Bonus: they’ll make you laugh naturally if you need a break from posing.

3. Do Things You Actually Enjoy

Go to your favorite café. Take a walk through a park or museum. Sit on the stoop of your favorite bookstore. Let your photos feel like real moments, not staged cheap smiles. And most definitely not a LinkedIn photo. This is not a business transaction, this is dating.

4. Prepare for Some Stares

If you’re doing your shoot in public, yes—people will look. But New Yorkers are used to photo shoots. We glance and move on. I always remind my clients: you will never see those people again, and they’ll forget this happened in under five seconds. And it's true. The worst that could happen is that someone compliments you for looking Sexy AF.

5. Don’t Start by Looking at the Camera

Looking into the lens right away can feel intense. So in my sessions, we ease in—look off, move around, get used to it. You’re not performing. You’re just existing.

6. Let Your Photographer Prompt You

We’ll guide you. If something feels off or uncomfortable, say something. But be open—sometimes the coolest, most editorial poses feel weird but look amazing. The right photographer will help you find that balance. I love to let my clients see back of camera every now and then so you can get an idea of how cool you look.

7. Loosen Up If You Want That Editorial Vibe

Do a few stretches before your session. Shake out your limbs. Walk in weird little circles. The more relaxed your body is, the more effortless your photos will feel.

8. Elevate Yourself—But Be Yourself

Wear something that feels like you, but a little elevated. Do your makeup the way you usually would or a bit more elevated. Bring a second outfit that’s a different vibe (casual vs. polished) to show all the layers of your personality.

9. I'm saying it again- make it feel like you. Bring In Something You Love

Seriously—this is the secret sauce. If you love making pottery, take your photos in a ceramics studio. Walk your dog. Bake cookies. Eat doughnuts at your neighborhood shop. Let people see the you you actually are.

Here’s the truth: great dating profile photos don’t look like corporate headshots. And they definitely don’t need to look like everyone else’s curated grid. They should make someone pause. Smile. Maybe even message you first.

You don’t need to fool the camera. You just need to be in front of one that sees you clearly.

And if you want that editorial-meets-authentic, candid-but-cinematic kind of portrait experience…you know where to find me.