I’m wondering who gave you this advice. Was it someone who saw your current photos? Or was it a general tip?

My take is that professional photography is not required for a good dating profile. I do think you need quality photos that flatter your physical and emotional self. Those are often best captured by someone who actually knows you.

I’d rather see a person laughing at a cool restaurant than posed like a robot. To me, the best shots show how you embrace the world around you. That means a pic of you in a garden, taken by a savvy friend, might get you more dates than a portrait session.

Do you know anyone who’s good with a phone? Any friend whose Instagram you enjoy? That’s the person to ask. Even if it’s someone much younger in your family. Let these pics show that you have hobbies (assuming you do), that you like to relax (assuming that’s true), and that you look like you take care of yourself, even if you aren’t being followed around by a stylist. Start there, and if no friend or family member can pull this off, yes, you can see about even getting a local photography student to step in and help. But try to keep it casual.

Dating isn’t cheap. The looking part should be as low-cost as possible.

– Meredith

Readers, can you share what kinds of photos you used for your profiles? Candids? Pics out in the world? Filters? Group shots?