Choosing which picture or pictures to use in an online profile for a site like ours isn't rocket science, but sometimes people can worry about how to pick out pics that will work well. Here are some tips that might help you make the most of this important visual element of your Forces Penpals profile.

Note that these tips are aimed that bit more at people seeking a romantic partner, rather than those who are simply after friendship.

More is more

You might have one picture that you think really shows you off better than any other, but people want to get an overview of how you look – not just be given a single example.  

It's always better to use several pictures, rather than just one, so that people can see you at a few different moments in life. This can also help reassure people looking at your profile that you really do look like that – it's not just a case that the camera has captured you at a one-off amazing angle!

Try to use photos that show you in different lights. For example, you might have one where you're smiling, another where you're doing something fun, and a holiday snap of you in the sun.

Use close-ups and wider shots

It can be a good idea to mix things up between shots that show you from some distance and close-ups – it's not all about selfies where your face fills the frame!

Smiling is great

A lot of us these days avoid smiles in photos when we want the results to look attractive. But in general it can be a good idea to show yourself smiling in online dating profiles, because this is so cheerful and inviting. Even if you don't think it shows you at your most attractive, if you smile in a photo you look friendly and approachable – great for attracting people to start a conversation with you.

Don't worry about retouching

People love to retouch photos, and although this can help make you look that bit more pristine, it's a good idea to keep pics looking natural, because this may help people see that this is the 'real you'.

Also, though black and white images can work well, they may leave people feeling that they're not getting to see everything about how you really look. If you do use one B&W shot, it's a good idea to make sure you also use colour pics to go with it.

Don't be inaccurate!

It goes without saying that pictures from ten years ago are a no-no. People will feel duped if it turns out you don't actually look like you're claiming to, and that never gets things off to a good start with someone you're chatting to online! Always ask yourself whether a picture does accurately reflect how you look now. We all want to look our best, but pictures that mislead should be avoided.

Show some personality

Letting personality shine through in a profile picture can be a good idea. If there's a snap of you with your dog, or taking part in a hobby like cooking, this can be a really good talking point. Quirky pictures can also be good to spark off a conversation with someone online, but remember that going too quirky can be off-putting.

Be sure there IS a photo

Where possible, it's definitely best to include at least one photo on your profile. People can find profiles that don't include one off-putting. You may have good reason not to include a snap, which you'll be able to explain. But you'll likely get more attention if you have one attached to your profile.

Focus on yourself

Profile viewers don't want to have to wonder which member of a group you are, so it's always best to place the focus firmly on yourself with shots which don't include other people where possible. If you do use a picture with other people in it, be sure to ask their permission before you upload.

Don't undersell yourself

Just as it's a good idea not to exaggerate good looks in a dating site picture, it's also wise to avoid underselling yourself. If you don't have any pictures where you look well-presented for whatever reason, don't be afraid to have one taken especially for your profile. It won't take long and you can help yourself make a much better impression.

Don't agonise over it

At the end of the day, you don't need to agonise over profile pictures. Even if yours aren't quite as you like them, it's not the end of the world, and there will be lots of other things people will be looking for in your profile, too, besides just the snaps! You want a profile that does everything it can to show people who you are – and snaps are just one part of this! 

{Image credit: Thinkstock/Ingram Publishing] ADNFCR-2867-ID-801725574-ADNFCR

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