If you're not getting the matches you want on dating apps, your photos might be the problem. Here are the top 10 mistakes men make with their dating profile photos—and how to fix them.
1. The Bathroom Mirror Selfie
Nothing screams "I don't try" like a bathroom selfie with a dirty mirror and toilet in the background. It's lazy, unflattering, and shows you don't care about making a good impression.
The Fix: Get photos in interesting locations with good lighting. If you must take a selfie, do it outdoors in natural light.
2. Bad Lighting
Harsh overhead lighting, dim rooms, and flash photos make you look tired, older, and less attractive than you are.
The Fix: Natural light is your best friend. Golden hour (the hour before sunset) creates the most flattering photos.
3. Group Photos Only
When every photo is with your friends, women have to play "Where's Waldo" to figure out which one you are.
The Fix: Your first photo should always be a clear solo shot of your face. Save group photos for later in your profile.
4. Sunglasses in Every Photo
Eyes are one of the first things people notice. Hiding them makes you seem untrustworthy or like you're hiding something.
The Fix: Show your eyes! At most, one photo with sunglasses if you're outdoors.
5. The Gym Mirror Selfie
Unless you're looking for a very specific type of connection, shirtless gym selfies come across as narcissistic.
The Fix: If you want to show you're fit, wear a fitted shirt that shows off your physique naturally, or show yourself doing an active hobby.
6. Car Selfies
That awkward angle from below in your car? It gives you a double chin and shows nothing interesting about you.
The Fix: Get out of the car. Photos of you doing activities are infinitely more interesting.
7. Old Photos
Using photos from 5+ years ago is catfishing. You might get matches, but you'll face awkward first dates.
The Fix: Use recent photos that accurately represent how you look now.
8. Dead Fish (or Hunting) Photos
Unless you're specifically looking for someone who shares these hobbies, these photos can be off-putting.
The Fix: Show your hobbies in a more approachable way. A photo of you cooking the fish is better than holding up a dead one.
9. Blurry or Low-Quality Photos
Grainy, pixelated photos suggest you don't have your life together enough to get a decent photo.
The Fix: Use high-quality photos. Modern smartphones take excellent photos with the right lighting.
10. Zero Smile
Looking serious or brooding in every photo might seem cool to you, but it makes you seem unapproachable.
The Fix: Smile naturally in at least half your photos. It makes you look friendly and confident.
The Solution: Let AI Help
Struggling to get good photos on your own? Glowup uses AI to generate professional-quality dating photos that look exactly like you. Upload a few reference photos, and get 12 amazing images optimized for dating apps—all without hiring a photographer.
