When you join an online dating service, you will have the opportunity to upload a photograph of yourself for your profile. Some allow more than one photo, which is excellent. So while you are scanning through all those great photos, here are a few pointers.

* Use recent photos. If you choose photos that are old, you are being less than truthful. Besides, old hairstyles and clothing will be likely to give your game away. (And they are sometimes less than attractive!)
* They say the camera does not lie, but some photos just don’t look good due to poor lighting or other problems. Use a photo that is as clear as possible.
* Choose several likely photos before you even go online. Don’t just grab any old snap at the last minute.
* Choose a snap that shows you at ease doing something you like. If you a surf babe, one of you on the beach would be appropriate. If you love the snow, try and get one where you are skiing or snowboarding.
* Your photo should communicate something about your personality and lifestyle. It can be something that a prospective date could look at and think that they would like to be part of. Make sure you are looking happy.
* If you choose a photo of yourself dressed up for some formal occasion, also include a ‘normal’ one, so that you are not giving a false impression of yourself.
* The first photo should be a portrait, e,g, one of your head and shoulders. Others can be more informal and more about your lifestyle, personality and ideas of fun.
* It goes without saying that your photo should not be anything indecent. Otherwise you risk being banned from the site.
* Your photo should not be a collage or composite of many.

Most online dating websites have an upload option especially for photographs. You will find their requirements onsite. Many prefer the photo to be a jpg of a certain size. Some may allow a photo to be scanned and sent as an attachment via email. This will take a bit longer to go live, due to the editors being so busy. An even longer option may allow you to send photos by snail mail. Expect this to take 48 hours or more from the time of receipt.

Don’t forget to include all your details with your photos if you do have to send them. You will need to send your membership number and username as well as your email address.