7 Of The Best OkCupid Photos For Men
The best OkCupid photos men should use that guarantee a lasting impression include the perfect headshot, traveling photos, and showing your active side. Pictures like these will guarantee more likes and matches with women using the app.
This post shares seven photos men should use in their portfolios on OkCupid. From showcasing your personality to capturing your adventurous side, the photos below will open the door to more connections on the app.
1. The template for a winning primary photo.
Your primary photo on OkCupid is the first image women will see, so make it count. Choose a high-quality headshot that features a warm smile and clear eyes.
The first thing women look at in men's photos is his smile. A natural smile is inviting and shows you're friendly, which is attractive to women
Look directly at the camera and never away from it. Making eye contact with the camera creates a connection with the women looking at your photo.
Avoid sunglasses or hats that cover your face, as they can create barriers to forming a connection. Never hide your face in your primary photo because it's catastrophic to your results - Zoosk found sunglasses get you 63% fewer messages and also receive fewer likes.
On the flip side, don't use long-distance shots where it's hard to see your appearance. Often, I see men using pictures where it's hard to see their features - this is a huge blunder.
If a woman can't see your features in your primary photo, she will swipe left instantly. Make sure your primary photo is, at least, from the waste up.
You must nail the first picture; otherwise, your results on OkCupid will suffer. The app's algorithm will punish you for a poor primary photo choice, so choose carefully.
When women swipe left on your profile, the app adapts and shows your profile to fewer potential matches. For this reason alone, using a great primary photo is critical.
Smiling at the camera is the best choice for your primary photo. A genuine smile radiates positivity and approachability, which are attractive qualities for women.
2. Showcase your hobbies and interests.
Including pictures of yourself doing activities you love is one of the best photos for men on OkCupid. You want to show women that you live a balanced, interesting life.
Sharing pictures of yourself participating in sports, cooking, or any other hobby showcases a well-rounded personality and can attract like-minded women who share similar interests. These images provide conversation starters and insight into your lifestyle and what makes you unique.
OkCupid found people whose photos portrayed them doing something interesting were more likely to receive messages that led to a real conversation. The app's research on successful profile pictures shows that men are twice as likely to meet women in person when "doing something interesting" instead of "drinking" (a standard stand-by photo).
It's important to add a photo or two engaging in your hobbies. These photos allow you to stand out from the crowd, presenting yourself as a multi-dimensional man with passions beyond just your appearance.
3. Group photos: choose wisely.
Done right, a group photo can be an excellent addition to your profile, as it shows your social side. A well-chosen group photo can significantly enhance your attractiveness to potential matches and offer insights into your personality.
A group photo can also alleviate women's concerns that you're a loner or have difficulties forming connections. You'll appear more trustworthy surrounded by friends in a picture.
However, be selective about the group photos you use. Make sure it's clear who you are in the picture, so there's no confusion about which person is you in the photo.
A group picture can help get you matches on OkCupid. Here are a few tips for this type of photo:
- Position yourself in the center - Women don't have time to figure out who you are, so the best way to keep the focus on you is by placing yourself smack dab in the center of the photo.
- Avoid distractions in the picture - Avoid busy streets, messy backgrounds, or tons of other people behind you.
- No women or kids - Protect children by keeping them off your profile. Standing next to a girl in a picture is a turnoff to women viewing your photos - so keep them out.
- Dress appropriately - Women will judge your friends, so be presentable in the photos.
- Clear pictures only - Avoid dimly lit photos where it's hard to see your appearance.
- Don't blot out other people's faces - It's a huge distraction and takes the focus off you.
- Look happy in the pictures - women will read your energy, so your results will suffer if you appear unhappy or angry.
- Pay attention to your height - Be as tall or taller as everyone else in the picture. Even if you're 6'0", you'll appear short next to a guy who is 6'2".
- One group photo is enough - Women don't need to see multiple pictures of you and your friends. One picture is all you need, to show your social side.
When women see a man surrounded by friends, it signals that he is well-liked and shows he's not a loner. It creates a sense of social proof that others enjoy being around you, making you more appealing in the eyes of potential matches.
4. Show you're adventurous side with a travel photo.
If you enjoy traveling and exploring new places, consider adding a few travel photos to your profile. These images can spark curiosity, open a conversation with like-minded women, and add visual appeal to your portfolio.
Traveling photos convey a sense of adventure and exploration, showing you're open to new experiences and willing to step outside your comfort zone. This adventurous spirit can be highly attractive to women seeking someone with a zest for life and a willingness to try new things.
Another benefit is that a traveling picture indicates a willingness to explore and share experiences with a partner. It signals to women that you're open to traveling together and creating new memories as a couple.
Be sure you're physically in the photo - a common mistake is using photos of landmarks or a beautiful ocean alone, for example. If you're not in the picture, don't use it.
5. Add a pet photo to show you're nurturing side.
An excellent strategy is including a picture alongside a pet, especially a dog, for several reasons. A pet photo enhances your attractiveness because it shows you're responsible and caring.
Many women love animals, particularly dogs, and having a furry friend in the photo can spark instant interest and curiosity. Here are a few tips for pet photos:
- It's best to take pictures with the dog outdoors - At a park, beach, hike, etc.
- Don't use someone else's dog - Women may feel deceived finding out that the dog in your picture isn't yours.
- Avoid using photos inside your house or in a car.
- Make sure the dog looks happy and not nervous or afraid.
- You must be physically in the picture - No pictures of just your dog.
- Use only one pet photo - This photo is meant to compliment your portfolio, not be the focus of it.
A photo with a pet serves as a natural conversation starter for women. Potential matches might initiate conversations by asking about the dog's name, breed, or saying it's cutre.
Owning a dog requires commitment and the ability to care for another living being - highly desirable qualities to women. A dog shows you're nurturing, reliable, and taking care of something besides yourself.
6. Outdoor photos doing something active.
In a sea of indoor and car selfies, outdoor photos help you stand out and make a memorable impression, making them one of the best photos on OkCupid for men. They add variety to your profile and demonstrate that you lead an engaging life beyond the confines of four walls and are well worth using.
Outdoor activities, such as hiking, surfing, mountain biking, etc., are often associated with a healthy and active lifestyle. Displaying photos of yourself outdoors can convey that you prioritize your well-being, which can appeal to women who also value health and fitness.
Be sure you're clearly visible in the picture - the focus should be on you. The background or environment is meant to compliment the picture.
When you share outdoor photos, you invite women to imagine participating in similar activities. This photo creates a sense of connection and excitement about the possibility of sharing experiences.
Be sure the photos are clear, so no pictures in darkness. Natural lighting and scenic backdrops make a photo more aesthetically pleasing and likely to get likes or matches.
7. Show your sense of style.
Your wardrobe choices can influence how other women perceive you on OkCupid. Dress in a way that reflects your personality and style, whether casual, sporty, or sophisticated.
Keep your outfit clean, well-fitting, and appropriate for the setting. Remember, confidence is attractive, so wear something that makes you feel good about yourself.
Casual attire tends to be less intimidating and more approachable than formal wear. It creates a laid-back vibe, making you appear friendly and easy to approach and helping you stand out on the app.
A good sense of style appeals to women, while a bad sense of style is a total turnoff. Here are the photos you should avoid in your portfolio:
- No gym clothing - There are better options for showing your physique.
- Using identical outfits - Never use the same clothes in your photo portfolio because it can make your profile seem repetitive and less interesting.
- Outdated fashion - Avoid clothing that looks outdated or out of style. Choose modern pieces that present you in a contemporary light.
- Ill-fitting outfits - Clothes that are too loose or tight are unflattering. Opt for well-fitting clothing that compliments your body shape.
- Offensive or inappropriate graphics - No offensive language, symbols, or graphics. What may be humorous or appealing to you can be off-putting or disrespectful to others.
- Formal wear in every picture - Avoid using formal wear in all your profile pictures. It may give the impression that you're always serious or not comfortable in casual settings.
- Worn-out clothing - Wearing stained, torn, or worn-out clothes can give the impression of being careless or not putting effort into your appearance.
A good sense of style shows that you care for yourself, pay attention to detail, and have a unique personality, making you more physically attractive to women. You don't need to go full on GQ, but definitely should invest in good clothing.
Final Thoughts
A balanced selection of photos can significantly enhance your chances of connecting with women. The best OkCupid photos for men are the ones that grab women's attention, pique their curiosity, and help you stand out from the crowd.
Choose photos that accurately represent your personality, interests, and lifestyle, and don't be afraid to show your genuine self. Good luck in finding your ideal match!
If you want more tips for OkCupid, visit my dedicated resource page for the app: OkCupid Tips.