"You Were Hotter Online" - Top 3 Ways to Avoid This Situation

Some online dating photo tips for those just getting started (or those who really need to reconsider their online photo choices):

#1 - Keepin' it real.. and recent!
Recent is not a relative term in this case.  No matter what your age, ideally, you want photos from the past year or so (give or take).  If your looks have changed significantly (weight loss/gain, hair color/style/loss, facial hair...etc.) make sure you represent ONLY how you look now. Get a second opinion - run your photo picks by a friend (or dating coach!) to confirm that you are accurately representing yourself.  A dating profile with photos of someone who looks completely different in all their photos, is a red flag. Which brings me to #2...


#2 - People usually look like their ugliest photo. 
I know it sounds kind of harsh, but it's true almost every single time. That's why, when you decide whether or not someone meets your minimum requirements in the looks department, you should probably base that conclusion on their worst photo of the bunch, and know that they could very well look way better than that in real life.  That part will just have to be a  pleasant surprise.  Then, factor in a possible confident and charming personality,  and you've got yourself someone you want to make out with!  This goes the other way too - when picking your photos, have some really good ones, AND some "real" good ones.


#3 - Your hot friends don't make you hotter. 
Fellas - a photo of you sandwiched between two super-models does NOT make you seem more desirable. It makes the women checking you out think you're trying too hard. It could also make them skip right over you or not respond to an email because they don't think they're good enough (compared to the harem of beautiful women that you boast).
Ladies - same goes for you!  In addition to all of the above, you also have the additional stigma of possibly being seen as "easy."  I know, it's a harsh and shitty double standard, but it's just the way things are. So get over it.  Your future husband is out there, but he may: A) never find you or B) find you, but not date you like you're wife material, if he thinks you're "that girl" before he's even met you. 
Everyone - keep your photos simple and focused... on YOU!!  It's ok to have a group shot with some friends, but your best bet is to crop everyone else out and put your best photo-foot forward.  Even if you are cropping out an ex, no one has to know that!