Hi Ted78,


This is what our Photo Guidelines say, and unfortunately the direct link was too long to post, but you can find this on our Help page (http://help-singles.eharmony.com) if you search under the key word “photos”:


1. Make sure your photo is clear, not blurry or covered by shadows.


2. Make sure the first photo is a close-up or headshot, not a picture taken at a distance. Your matches want to see you, not the background you are standing in.


3. Stand alone in the first photo. Of course, you may want to upload some photos of you in a group, such as with family members, friends, or pets, but make sure to post at least one photo that is just you.


4. Do not stand with someone of the opposite sex unless it is completely obvious that the person is not a spouse or significant other, or unless you post a caption that explains who the person is. You may know the person is a relative or a platonic friend, but your matches won't know that.


5. Dress for success. Pictures of people in bathing suits, pajamas, or unflattering outfits rarely get responses from matches. We recommend you dress as you would for your first date.


6. Pose for success as well. If you are standing or sitting upright, and smiling, in front of a pleasant view or background, your matches will be more likely to respond than if you are slouching in a recliner.


7. Your photos should have been taken recently. Some people think they looked better when they were younger, so they post older photos — but your matches will want to see you as you would look on your first date with them.


8. We highly recommend having photos taken professionally. We do not recommend using your camera phone to take your reflection in a mirror or using webcams, as these types of pictures tend to look unflattering.


9. You must be present in all pictures. We understand that your matches will enjoy seeing your children, pets, artwork or anything else that expresses who you are – just make sure you’re present in the picture as well.


10. Nude, obscene, sexual, or otherwise offensive photos will not be posted.


You would be surprised the message the types of photos and the quality of your photos sends to your matches. Because they don’t have the benefit of meeting you in person, they are a helpful tool to offer a realistic and dynamic variety of photos so they have a better sense of who you are. If you feel that the photo you took of yourself represents you well, then by all means, use it!


You might be interested in some other related eHarmony Advice articles:


http://advice.eharmony.com/article/your-photo-gallery-tell-the-story-of-your-life.html


http://advice.eharmony.com/article/the-professional-guide-to-good-profile-pictures.html


http://advice.eharmony.com/article/5-photos-that-make-you-look-undateable.html


All the best,


Kate
eHarmony Advice Host