When a potential date looks at an online dating profile the first thing they will notice is the photo, but they will also notice when one is missing.
By displaying a picture of yourself on your profile you have the opportunity to make a great first impression.
In reality many people will make a judgement based on your picture, therefore it is vital you upload one of great quality and complimentary to you.
The importance of uploading an image to a profile should never be underestimated.
You can do damage to your dating success by not showing a photo as many members on dating websites will only consider contacting those who have a picture, therefore you are already reducing the number of potential partners.
Also, others will assume you have something to hide, such as a partner, again putting others off contacting or responding to you.
When it comes to choosing which photo to use, always ensure you use a recent photo that is actually of you.
By uploading a picture of someone else, such as a model, you aren't doing yourself any favours as you'll come across as being a fake member or just foolish; plus others will assume you're unattractive or have something to hide.
Try to avoid displaying other people in your picture; it is easy to confuse those viewing your profile as they might wonder whom in the picture you are, plus they might assume the other people could be your partner.
Other major mistakes people make when uploading a photo are; using a bad quality picture, not smiling, looking drunk on a night out, wearing unflattering clothes, having their face covered up with sunglasses or hats, appearing too formal such as in a passport photo, fussy backgrounds which take the attention away from the person, making their children the centre of attention, reveal personal information such as an email address, using unrecognisable pictures of themselves such as a makeover photo and using an image where they are too far away to be seen properly.
Many people feel the need to upload a naked image, often just displaying particular body parts.
In reality this is a major turn-off and unnecessary, not to mention breaking the rules of many online dating websites.
The photograph you choose to use as your main profile image should have you in the centre preferably looking into the camera, show a friendly expression, be a head shot image that clearly shows your face, have a neutral background, is in focus and actually looks like you.
If you have a photo that shows you doing something different or unusual, such as a hobby, then it will stand out and attract attention.
It can also give others something to comment on making it easier for them to take the first step and contact you.