How To Make Clickbait Out of Your Profile Pics

Click Magnet: Post the Kind of Profile Pics That Attract More Gay Guys

Note: this is part of our series on Gay App Dating

Smile.

Seriously, you’re not creating a portfolio for Tom Ford. Nobody wants to see a bitchy, moody shot. If you’re not smiling most people are going to think one of two things: You’ve got bad teeth or you just got swindled out of your life’s savings. And really, that’s a bad look if you’re going after gold diggers.

Try to look warm, approachable and fun. Photo studies show that when people look at other people who are smiling on a dating site they secretly hope they’ll might make them happy!

The truth is, people are attracted to people who are happy. And the biggest indicator of happiness? The smile. Real world scenario: You’re at a bar. The guy you’re hawking on is hot but he’s not smiling. Is that a signal for you to come over or go away?

‘nuff said.

One last thing: Postpone the picture-taking if you partied too much the night before. You want to look relaxed and optimistic, not drunk with no change for the cab.

STELLAR TIP: When you look at the camera, pretend you’re looking at somebody you find attractive. You’ll feel—and look—much more flirtatious in your photo.

More Tips

Look directly at the camera. Forget the artsy photo of you staring off into space –if you don’t look directly at the camera it makes you look like you have problems relating to people. Either that or your hemorrhoids are driving you nuts. Remember, the eyes are windows to the soul. Don’t put curtains over them!

Ditch the sunglasses or baseball cap. Sunglasses don’t make you look like a celebrity or an international man of mystery. They make you look like a pretentious snob who’s putting an intentional barrier between you and everybody you’re trying to attract (this is not true in social sites like Facebook, btw). At best, people will think you’re trying (and failing) to look cool. At worse, they’ll think you’re cross-eyed or hiding a lazy eye. There is no good interpretation for wearing sunglasses on a dating site. Also, ditch the baseball cap. Even if you think it’s sending the message that you’re a sports-loving he-man, it actually raises more questions than it answers. And the first question is usually, “Is he bald?”

Keep it casual. For the most part, you should try to look like you’re at Sunday brunch with friends. You want people to see you as a “real” person who’d be cool to hang out with — and not just a face on a computer screen.

Include action shots (And no, ‘cum shots’ are not action shots). Again, the idea is to give your future ex-boyfriend a sense of who you are and what your interests include. So, if you like roller-blading in the park, then show yourself grinnin’ while rolllin’. If you’re a reader, surround yourself with your favorite books or take a picture in a bookstore. If you love antiquing (really?) then show that. Pictures that show what you love make you more lovable.

Don’t crop people out of your shots. It’s tacky and it takes the attention away from you and onto the people you edited out (“Hmm, I wonder where he is…and is that a guy or a girl he edited out?”).

You'll Get More Clicks If You...

1. Use Natural Lighting.

Warm light makes for great pictures. Again, you want to show the real you, but also the BEST real you. Look for indirect lighting and soft golden hues. Natural lighting is usually best. Get out into nature, even if you’re not an outdoorsy-kind-of-guy. A park, a beach, a lake—even your backyard—can give you the kind of lighting and open-air vibe that produces beautiful photos.

2. Work the angles.

Even some of the most gorgeous models in the world are rarely photographed head-on. Why? Because photographers know that head-on, eye-level shots distort your features. Consider having the person taking your picture stand a little higher than you. Having yourself be “shot down to” can be more flattering than the straight-on, eye-level shot. While your photographer is slightly above you, turn your head slightly to one side to avoid the dreaded double chin. To avoid the “I am controlled by aliens” red-eye effect, look at a specific spot behind the camera. It’s a proven way of preventing your irises from dilating which creates the “red eye” effect.

3. Avoid the long-shots.

Don’t stand so far away! If you make guys squint they’re going to think you’re hiding something.

4. Avoid The Middle Of The Day.

Strong rays can create harsh shadows and make you look older. Best bet? Wait until the evening when the sun is lower in the sky, or wait for an overcast day. Another best bet: Early morning.

5. Dress Right.

Avoid big or busy patterns. Stick to solid colors that flatter your eye color or complexion. Even if you normally don’t like bright colors, take at least one picture in a vivid shirt. This way, your photo will “pop” out of the background and will draw more attention on your profile page.

6. Relax.

To get in a more relaxed state of mind, try putting on your fave music or having a glass of wine. You don’t want to look like you’re trying too hard. Just remember to take as many photos as it takes to get one that represents you at your best.

Do what you love best.

A picture of you with your pet (you’re not into snakes are you?), your tennis racquet or playing your favorite musical instrument can easily give others a better sense of who you are and convince them to contact you. Plus, visuals work instantaneously, stopping people even before they’ve read a word of your profile. So go ahead and ask a friend to snap a shot of you doing what you do best—Three-ways! I kid. I meant snowboarding or whipping up a gourmet meal.

Next Week: Should You Post Pictures Of Your Penis?