There's a reason some dating apps seem to come easier to you than others. The difference is often in what works on the app and your manner of presentation
As a dating photographer, I've worked with dozens of men and seen which photos perform better time and time again. In this article, you'll read exactly which images work, what's better to avoid and the subtle differences between the three most popular dating apps.
The three types of photos that always work
There are a few photos that score well almost for everyone regardless of age or app.
1. The frontal photo (your face clearly visible).
Most men do not have a single photo that shows their face clearly. Poor lighting, sunglasses or really bad filters mean that women literally do not know who they are talking to.
A good frontal photo with natural light and a relaxed look works wonders. Think: impressive background, open posture, and good visibility.
2. The activity photo
A natural, "candid" photo while doing something that suits you. boxing, playing tennis or surfing show that you have a life outside your phone and that you are moving.
The goal is not to show off your hobbies, but to show character and authenticity.
3. The social or date-setting photo
A relaxed shot in a restaurant, bar or outside on a terrace. As if someone secretly captured you on a date. You don't need friends in the photo, the setting and atmosphere do the job.
These photos create a "POV effect": a woman can imagine herself sitting at the table with you.
Bonus: if you have a low fat percentage or six-pack, a shirtless photo works great, even if it's a mirror selfie. But best, of course, is in a natural setting, such as at the beach or while exercising.
Differences between Tinder, Bumble and Hinge
While the basics remain the same, there are slight differences in what works well on each app:
|
App |
Focus |
What works well |
What to avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Visual, quick, first impression counts |
Clear, attractive photos with clear facial expression |
Too many group photos or dark images |
|
|
Bumble |
Confident appearance, balance between tough and social |
Lifestyle photos, smiling, slightly more playful |
Overly posed or serious photos |
|
Hinge |
Authentic, more personal, more context |
Candid shots with character and depth |
Photos that are too shallow or smooth |
Tinder has the lowest entry barrier where you can create a profile within a few minutes and thereby also the lowest attention span per profile because you can swipe right 50x with the free standard package
Bumble is already a bit more serious, where women used to make the first move this has since changed on the yellow basket app. If you're a tall YUP with a good set of photos that exude that you're doing something with your life, you'll soon be doing well 😉
Hinge, aka the dating app you download "to delete" has the best name in terms of branding and from customers I understand that it has the best quality women on it, a mix of ambitious and casual but purposeful.
Whatever country you travel to, with Hinge always good choice. The shame of Hinge, however, is that it is not great for use in remote areas or villages.
For all apps, the rules of the game still apply:
1. Be attractive
2. Don't be unattractive
Men's most common mistakes
Many men sabotage themselves without realizing it.
The biggest mistakes I see:
-
Poor exposure or overexposed selfies
-
No variation between pictures
-
Too many pictures with friends
-
Unkempt clothing or hair
-
Too many 'low-effort' pictures, as if you don't really believe in them yourself
Photos on dating apps are your personal brand. If you show little effort in how you present yourself, that translates to how attractive you come across.
Small details, big difference
A client of mine was once skeptical. He had done a shoot before, but noticed that his matches were dwindling. After our collaboration, he got more matches, more dates and most importantly, more beautiful women who were a better fit for him.
What changed? The energy in his photographs. They were no longer "made," but relaxed and confident.
Clients often say that it feels like they are having a fun day, while I shoot the perfect images in the meantime. You can see that natural atmosphere in the results.
My number one piece of advice
If you want more matches quickly, you don't necessarily need to rewrite your bio or replace prompts. Start with the most important thing: your first picture.
Put your best photo up front and turn off "best photos." The first photo is often the only one women view with much choice. Also a good way to A/B test, of course.
If you find that your current photos are not producing results, it's probably not because of the algorithm, but because of how you come across.
About Datefoto
At Date photo I help men get photos that not only look good, but also perform better on Tinder, Bumble and Hinge.
From location selection to styling, lighting to attitude, everything is tailored to your personality and target audience.
The goal is simple: photos that produce results.
Book a photo shoot via Date photo and discover how small adjustments can give big results.
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