10 dating profile photos you shouldn't post

Why your photos matter

Before anyone reads a word you've written, they've already looked at your photos.

A good photo tells people you're genuine and gives them a reason to say hello. A poor one, or no photo at all, means many people will simply scroll past. The good news is that you don't need a professional camera, just a little thought about what to leave out.

The ones to leave out

1. The heavily filtered oneAirbrushing, beauty filters and heavy editing might look flattering, but it isn't the real you, and your date will notice the difference the moment you meet. Natural photos build trust from the start.
2. The professional portraitA studio shot can make you look great, but it can also come across as a little formal, and very polished photos are one of the things members look out for when spotting fake profiles. Save it for the mantelpiece.
3. The big night outA blurry party photo with a drink in hand doesn't show you at your best. If you can't quite remember when it was taken, leave it out.
4. The poutDuck face. Need we say more?
5. The bathroom mirror selfieYour reflection, the phone and a glimpse of the bathroom don't make the best first impression. Ask a friend to take a photo, or use your phone's front camera somewhere with good light.
6. The group shotOne photo with friends shows you're sociable, but if it's your main picture, people have to guess which one is you. Worse, they might prefer your friend.
7. The one in the darkPhotos taken late at night by the light of a screen tend to look a little sinister. Switch the lights on, or better still, step outside into daylight, and smile.
8. The tiny figure in a big viewA beautiful mountain with you as a dot in the middle tells people about the mountain, not you. Keep at least one photo where your face is clear.
9. The one without you in itYour dog, your car, your garden or your grandchildren might be lovely, but your main photo should be you. Save the others for further down your profile, where they make great conversation starters.
10. The too-revealing oneNot everyone wants to see quite so much on a first look. Keep your photos ones you'd be happy for anyone to see. Plenty More Fish automatically blurs explicit images, so members choose whether to see them at all.

What to post instead

A simple, smiling, well-lit photo of you, taken in the last couple of years.

• Make your main photo a clear headshot. Face the camera, smile, and use natural light if you can.
• Add a few that show your life. A walk, a hobby, a holiday or your pet give people something to ask you about.
• Keep them up to date. Someone meeting you should recognise you straight away.

Now your photos are sorted, make the words count too with our tips in My online dating profile: nailed it!