As much as we hate to think that people judge us on our first impressions, they do. Your picture is telling everyone who views it a story, so you want to make sure they are getting the right one. To help you make sure you are putting your best “face” forward, I wanted to share a couple of Do’s and Don’t s of profile pictures.
Don’t: Use a picture from your wedding day.
Do: Use a recent and updated picture from the current year.
Your picture should be within the last year and as recent as possible. While your wedding picture is beautiful and you love your hair, makeup, and dress, it is still out of date. If you are looking to adopt, chances are you’ve been married for more than a year. When I see a profile picture of a wedding, my first thought is, What is wrong with the couple that they don’t want to show me a recent picture?
To me, it’s obviously a statement that they don’t feel they’re current look is acceptable. Sure, you maybe 10 pounds lighter in your wedding picture, but think of what a surprise it will be when someone then sees the you of today! In a way, it can come off as deceptive.
At least invest in family pictures once a year. Even if you don’t have kids yet, you still should document you and your spouse together. If you do get pictures once a year, hurray! Use your most recent picture to be sure that when others see it, they see you as you would be if you met the next day.
Don’t: Use a picture taken with a point-and-shoot, personal camera.
Do: Use a high-quality image taken by a professional– and I’m not talking about your neighbor who has a nice camera but no experience. I’m talking about someone who’s consistently taking pictures.
I don’t know about you, but there is a distinct difference between a regular digital camera picture versus a high-quality, professional image. I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.
Exhibit A: Second date back in 2002 with a point-and-shoot personal camera:
Can you see how the image is kind of soft and old-looking? It almost has a grainy feel to it.
Now feast your eyes on this beauty
Exhibit B: December 2010
See the difference? (Please say yes!) Now this picture is two-fold:
1. It’s recent.
2. It’s very good quality.
This image is nice and crisp! It is bright and cheerful, it shows lots of beautiful details, and while my husband may not have as much hair as he did back in 2002 (just don’t make a comment about it to him ), he still looks handsome as ever, if I do say so myself. And while my face may seem a bit more round than it used to, this image sure beats the outdated snap shot.
Now don’t get me wrong– every person and situation is different. I’m not saying there is a wrong or right way for your profile picture, but I definitely think there is an advantageous way, and that is to make your first impression your best! The most important thing about the picture is that it should be a window into who you are; so make it your best.
Stay tuned for some more Do’s and Don’ts of profile pictures coming soon!
Thank you all for reading this post and I do hope it can inspire you in some way!
