Bad Dating Profile Pictures To Avoid For Men & Women, Worst Dating Photos To Use (Tinder, Bumble, Hinge). Photos Not To Post For Online Dating, Tips, Examples
There are plenty of bad dating photos out there floating around on the internet, reposted to Instagram and Twitter and perhaps in your match queue or own profile right now! Some are pretty obvious, while others not so much.
Bad photos are just one way guys make crucial mistakes in their online dating efforts. If you are experiencing a lack of likes or matches, keep reading to see if you are self-sabotaging your efforts with dating apps with bad Tinder pictures!
For worst Hinge & Bumble profile examples, scroll to the bottom.
Related read: Cliche Dating Profiles
Related read: Hinge Prompt Answers That Get The Most Responses
Worst Dating Profile Pictures: Online Dating Mistakes Guys & Girls Make, Worst Profile Pictures, Bad Profile Pics, Cringe Dating Profiles, Bad Online Dating Profiles, Tryhard Profile Pics
Crazy Girl With Big Eyes Meme
Many people fail to grasp the simple guidelines for what makes a halfway decent dating photo. A number of people post self-sabotaging photos that make the look awful (appearance, lifestyle, narcissism, attitude, approachability or douchbaggery).
Photos are not just about posing and lighting but more so about approachability, trustworthiness and lifestyle insinuations.
As a photographer specializing in natural, candid dating photos, I created this list to help those in need with analyzing their own profiles and identifying possible red flags in other profiles.
There are exceptions to the rules and I listed some below, but generally these photos are hard to pull off effectively unless you are a model or a celebrity.
Related read: How To Be Successful With Online Dating
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What Should You Not Put In Your Online Dating Profile? Worst Dating Profiles, Online Dating Photo Mistakes, Bad Profile Pictures, Cringe Profile Pictures, Worst Online Dating Profiles, Boring Dating Profiles
Here are the worst dating photos guys and girls use on their dating profiles and how to correct them.
1 – Do not post photos with exes (pictures with ex in dating profile)
You would be surprised how many people post photos with possible exes or unlabeled (no caption) photos of people who can be taken for a significant other.
Even cropped photos of their arm around you is a no-no. Hinge says 98% reduction in likes if you do so. People don’t want to think about your ex right off the bat. Additionally, a trashy ex can reflect badly on you.
2 – Stay away from selfies (using selfies in dating profiles)
Especially gym, car, bedroom and bathroom selfies. Unless you have an epic selfie on top of a mountain peak, ski lift, or with a celebrity, don’t use them. The worst kind is men lying across the bed trying to look seductive. That might work – on Grindr.
Hinge’s study revealed selfies yield 40% fewer likes while bathroom selfies yield 90% fewer likes. Ask a stranger while traveling, hiking to take a photo of you. If you don’t have anyone to ask around you, use a timer, get a tripod or better yet hire a photographer. More here.
Related read: Should You Use Selfies On Dating Profiles?
3 – Hold off on photos of your kids (using kids in dating profile photos)
It is great you love your children (in fact that is to be expected and listing otherwise suggests doubt if you have to state it to strangers) but simply listing you have children in your profile is enough for now. You need to focus on selling yourself first before introducing your kids/family to others.
Dating is about taking time to get to know each other not about dumping everything on a person all at once. Balance detail and brevity. Instead, list how many you have and age instead in your bio. However, if you have a pet, make sure you have a photo of your furry friend. No dogfishing though!
4 – Avoid profile photos with sunglasses and hats in dating profiles
People want to see your eyes and face. If you must, use one only. Use too many or one as your main profile photo and people might assume you have something to hide on your face or are hatfishing.
Hinge says 41% reduction in likes happen because of sunglasses photos. Hats can darken your face and make you look less attractive.
5 – Avoid too many group photos on dating profiles.
Unless you specifically mark who you are in the lineup or it’s obvious who you are in the photos, don’t use them. People don’t want surprises nor switch-a-roo. Definitely don’t use a group photo as your main profile photo. 11 to 69% increase in likes if you are by yourself in photos according to Hinge.
As a guy, avoid having photos with guys significantly taller than you. For women, avoid photos with super hot friends. Pay attention to your friends in the photos – immaturity or cringy behavior can offset how good you look in the photo.
People will evaluate not just you but the package deal if you have too many group shots or unflattering photos of your friends in the background.
bad linkedin profile picture
6 – No duck-faces nor Snapchat filters in dating app photos
No explanation needed but if you need figures, Hinge says Snapchat filters reduce likes by 90%. Don’t try to act cute or be playful. Trying too hard is rather unflattering.
bad linkedin profile picture
7 – Stay away from photos without you in the photo!
This is a dating website, not your portfolio gallery. Photos of a pet, painting, sunset or view offer nothing to suitors. Only use photos with you in your profile and make sure you have all of you in it (no photos of your back or photos of half your face).
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Bikini Photos On Dating Apps, Car Photos On Dating Profile, Gym Photos On Dating Bumble, Hinge, Selfies On Dating Profiles, Shirtless Photos On Dating Apps, Group Photos On Dating App Profiles, Sunglasses Photos
8 – Avoid staged portrait photos and corporate headshots.
These are often stiff, lifeless and are likely staged. People will look you up via Google reverse image search or LinkedIn to get a better look at you. Make sure to avoid bad Linkedin photos on this list to avoid bad first impressions. Stiff photo can make you seem boring, lifeless and a workaholic.
People want balance, ambition, and well-rounded people in their lives.
Also, people assume professional headshots are photoshopped and will add doubt about how you look in person right now as deviations from other photos suggest they are outdated, feature too much makeup or were materially altered.
bad linkedin profile picture
9 – Avoid tiny, distant, blurry and dark photos.
People want to see you and how you look like, not a silhouette. These photos suggest you are trying to hide something. It’s ok to have one photo like this but keep it to a minimum and make sure the background or environment is a great conversation stater i.e. travel, local point of interest, event or activity.
10 – Avoid using multiple photos in the same outfit and same environment.
Use only 1 photo per outfit, location. Dead giveaway that you hired a professional photographer which is not a bad thing but will suggest your photos are photoshopped since most photographers (unlike me) do this.
Also avoid using the same expressions and poses. Showing the same side of your face suggests you are hiding the other side of your face.
11 – Avoid ab, stomach photos and bikini photos. Bikini photos on dating profiles. Shirtless photos on dating apps.
Nothing screams narcissism than the shirt lift ab photos or neck-down bikini photos. Avoid these automatic left-swipe photos at all costs! Be tasteful, organic and classy. Similarly, photos of your body neck down or photos of just your stomach will just yield unwanted attention.
Instead, use form photo clothing like work-out bras and tank tops in more natural environments like hiking, rock-climbing, or other athletic activities rather than beached whale photos.
12 – Avoid cliche photos in your profile (fish photos dating apps, man holding fish photo on dating apps, car photos online dating, gym photos on dating profiles).
Photos include Iceland, Tulum, Museum of Ice Cream, fish photos (unless you are a girl), headshot only photos (no full-body shown in any photos), high-angled photos (intended to deceive weight), gym photos, gun photos and car selfies.
Review this cliche dating profile bingo card for more examples of cliche photos guys and girls use.
13 – Avoid photos that don’t look like you today.
Photos more than 2-3 years old and/or feature a different weight, haircut, hairstyle, piercings, tattoos or facial. Photos should feature a consistent look but not look like clones in #10.
People want stability and predictability. Using different appearances will lead to one being better than another and people judging you by your worst photo and look.
Natural, Organic Dating Photos
Don't settle for stiff, portrait-like images that feel forced, and obviously professional. Online dating is a unique style of photography that relies more on location scouting and taking photos that feel like a friend took them. I will also assist in wardrobe styling and grooming/hair recommendations.
I take photos on my camera or phone in a discreet manner. We will go to bars, cafes, hiking trails, rooftops, parks, restaurants, galas or your own home. Half the time, you won't even know I am taking photos. Occasional travel to LA, NYC, Chicago, Seattle, Portland & Philadelphia.
Worst Dating App Photos, Bad Dating App Photos, Cringy Dating App Photos, Bad Dating Profile Pictures, Bad Online Dating Photos
14 – Avoid looking too intense in photos.
Not smiling, focusing too hard, looking constipated, bloated looks, creepy angles can all signal an uncomfortable feeling to users.
Use bright, warm inviting photos as well as flattering outfits and interesting backgrounds and environments. Read this guide for more info on looking too intense.
15 – Do not use photoshopped, plastic looking ‘Instagram-face’ photos, face-filter photos.
These photos are horrendous. They look like cats at best, robots at worst. The same can be said for caked up makeup photos. These raise serious doubts as to actual appearance. Less is more. Too many people use skin-softening effects to cover up unsightly facial appearances. The only thing more unattractive than looks is lack of self-confidence.
16 – Avoid photos that look away from the camera.
Looking away is not a bad thing when it comes to photos but too often people force the turn. People or publications that say looking away helps with dating photos don’t mention the reason for it – it’s because the people are attractive to begin with.
Looking away for the most part looks staged at best or makes you look like you are shy, hiding something, unable to focus or disinterested. Backs to the camera are also not recommended.
17 – Avoid photos from high angles.
These misleading dating profile photos are aimed to make you look slimmer. Don’t do this. It is a clear sign of insecurity. If you don’t have enough or any photos, don’t resort to these. Best to delete your profile rather than deceive others online. If enough people report you, you can get banned.
18 – Lying in bed photos, sleeping profile pictures, bed selfie photos (bed photos dating apps, bed photos online dating)
Photos lying in bed, regardless if the photos are shirtless, are cringy. They are only to be used for Grindr. If you use these photos on Tinder or other apps, be ready to have these photos screenshot and used all over the internet and shared with friends, neighbors and colleagues.
What Photos Should You Use On Your Dating Profile? (Tinder, Hinge, Bumble)
Photos smiling, laughing, recent photos, photos with captions where possible, photos that show your sense of style, photos that are relaxed but have good body posture, photos that show a mix of close-up + full body + body definition and physique, and photos you would not be embarrassed to show your boss, co-workers, family members and friends because people will see them.
Good but varied environments, backgrounds, poses, outfits, expressions are key. Similar outfits, poses, lighting and activities can give pause. Read this intro guide to dating photos here.
Related reading: Should You Hire A Professional Photographer For Dating Photos
Additional reading: Worst Tinder, Hinge, Bumble Dating Profiles
Dating Profile Analyzer: Men’s Dating Profile Pictures, Women’s Dating Profile Photos, Bad Dating Photos Male, Bad Dating Pictures Female
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About Eddie Hernandez
Eddie is a dating coach for men & women and a professional photographer based in San Francisco (clients in NYC, LA, Chicago, Seattle, London, DC, Boston, Sydney), as seen in the NYT, WSJ, SFGate, ABC7News, Bumble). Analytics geek who possesses unique insight into dating app algorithms as well as a keen understanding of dating cultures across locations, demographics, ages, ethnicities, genders and orientations.
He provides guidance on apps, bios, prompts, wardrobe, messaging, image consulting, date planning, red flags, time wasters & creeps, lifestyle choices, hobbies, grooming/hygiene, communication, confidence & where to meet singles. Whether you are a POC, short guy, introvert, engineer, successful executive or woman over 40, he can help you be more efficient, knowledgeable and effective in your dating life.
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