Happen Magazine - Match.com's advice center

DO have fun with your secondary photo.
Break out a dramatic black and white photo or an unusual angle.

DO show yourself in
your element.
The shore or the slopes-show them what makes you tick.

DO let us see your
favorite people.
Devoted to your kids or pals?
Include a shot of all of you.

DO feel free to post a photo of your favorite things.
Show us your garden, your sailboat, and so forth.

DO have a full body shot.
Most people like to get an idea of a potential match's body type. You've got nothing to hide.

DO show your fashion sense.
Include a photo in which you're dressed as you would be on a first date-nice and flattering.

What's a primary photo, you ask? This is the photo that appears on every page of your profile, and a smaller version shows up when other members search for matches.

In other words, this photo is how other members of the Match.com community get to know you. So make a great impression with these tips:

Match.com lets you post up to a total of 26 photos, so you have ample opportunity to showcase different facets of yourself and your life. Here, some pointers:


	DON'T wear sunglasses or a hat.
		They obscure the real you. Ditto for other distracting head gear, accessories, or, say, a really loud scarf.

	DON'T use a dark or blurry photo.
		It won't reflect what you really look like... and signals that you don't care about your photo.

	DON'T submit that red-eyes shot.
		Even if it's one of your favorites. The sci-fi red-eye effect is a deal-breaker, trust us.

	DON'T let the background grab all the attention.
		Keep the backdrop of your primary photo simple.


	DON'T show too much skin. Photos that are too racy won't be posted. DON'T wear a big pattern. In a small photo, a busy pattern can be distracting and unflattering. DON'T cut people out of photos. Chances are, it just won't look right. Find another image you like instead. DON'T use images of celebrities or copyrighted material, like an image of your favorite cartoon character. DON'T submit photos of your kids without you. Photos of you with them are just fine, though. DON'T send us secondary shots that need to be rotated.

Interested in more dating tips? Check out these great articles from happen, our advice center:

Which Photo Should You Post Online?
How Many Photos Should You Post?

* Privacy policy updated as of November 5th 2008