How to Make Your Photo Stand Out

They say a picture's worth a thousand words. How about a thousand responses to your profile?

Profiles with photos attract up to 15 times more attention, and two or three images may generate even more activity! So keep these do's and don'ts in mind:

1. If you are not extra lean and muscular, keep your shirt on
2. Don't have an arm slung around someone else's waist
3. Don't stand in front of a picture of a yacht - unless it's yours
4. Your close up should actually be close up
5. Don't let 'em see the red of your eyes
6. Don't squint
7. A crooked photo creates a crooked neck and nothing more
8. Do not show all of your tattoos
9. A look that screams come-hither might make your profile wither
10. Smile ... if you have your front teeth
11. Don't wear an outfit two sizes too small - you want them to take a second look, not cover their eyes
12. Wearing shades doesn't show off the sparkle in your baby blues
13. Blowing a kiss at the camera could blow your chances instead
14. Nix the group shot; you're the star here
15. Don't make your funny face or scrunch up your nose - only okay for a child of four
16. Use a recent photo; an oldie, in this case, is not a goodie
17. Lose the cowboy hat; let her see your beautiful bald head
18. Muscle shirt, no - unless you actually have them
19. Avoid side views unless your side is actually viewable
20. Don't chop off your head or cut off your midsection; it's hard to picture the whole you if dissected in two
21. A mountain range background is nice, but seeing you as a dot is not
22. Letting it all hang out is out
23. Adjust the color and resolution, cut, rotate, size adjust - whatever it takes, then upload your photo and watch what happens
24. If the photo is not quite to your liking, snap a few more; it's worth a little
effort and time to change your life from one to two
25. Don't use your mug shot, not very arresting
26. A 'Thinker' pose in a bathrobe ... what were you thinking?
27. A cigarette in one hand and a drink in the other signals a deadend
28. There are a lot of don'ts when choosing the right photo, like don't take it too seriously; let your uniqueness translate into a slick pic
29. Does your photo percolate? Ask a friend or two what they think
30. Be in a good mood; the camera will capture your perkiness
31. Primp, be stylish, casual, off beat, be yourself, be perky - a presentation worthy of many admirers

You are in control of your destiny, so accentuate your best traits and soon you will be another one of our success stories.