what your 2026 dating profile photos need to get swipes (men, I'm looking at you)

Y'all, it's 2026, and I still can't believe I'm hearing about the disappointing mirror selfies my friends are seeing when they swipe through men's profile photos on Hinge or Coffee Meets Bagel (yes, there are a few people still on Coffee Meets Bagel). Men, whether you're straight, gay, or fluid, this post is for you.

In NYC, where people swipe through hundreds of profiles a week, a generic gym selfie doesn’t make you stand out — it makes you invisible. As a New York City dating profile photographer, this isn't just my opinion, this is something I continually hear from people on Instagram and within my own friend circle. Let me give you a real life example:

Last year, I looked at one of my close straight male friends' Hinge profiles and immediately it became clear to me why he might not have many swipes-- his photos didn't feel like him. I know him to be a silly dog dad who loves to be outside, grocery shopping in Chinatown, or watching horror movies. And none of his profile photos really showed his personality or interests (other than one that was solely of his dog-- which, doesn't actually give me a full picture of what his relationship with his dog is like). In fact, his photos looked... like he hasn't ever wanted to put in effort. They looked boring. And he's not really a boring guy. So, already his photos are lying about who he really is.

On top of that, I didn't really see a ton of depth in his answers to the questions Hinge displays on his profile. One to two word answers or only responding with a joke? Yeah, that doesn't cut it these days. You can be humorous, but also honest. You can be silly, but also, give her real information that she might connect with-- isn't that what you're wanting to do after all? Connect?

After looking at his profile and asking him what he felt was working or not working-- I couldn't believe that he couldn't see that his lack of success on the apps might be due to photos that don't connect and answers that don't really show his personality. This is someone who really wants to connect. Someone who really wants to have a partner. I think there's just a disconnect for him when it comes to what's on his profile and who he is.

All this to say-- men, I think in 2026, it's not weird to invest a bit more time upgrading and elevating your dating profile. Whether it be photos or profile content. I want to help get you connected with women (or men) who have a really good understanding of who you are based on the content of your profile.

So how do you get more swipes on your dating profile?

Firstly,

Your prompts and your photos should answer one of three things:

• What excites you?

• What do you value?

• What does dating you feel like? (because I guarantee you, the person swiping on you is trying to imagine themselves right next to you)

Secondly,

Step up your photos.

This is coming from a professional photographer who knows that iphone photo of you with a tiger is literally turning women away. Photos are your first impression, men. And studies show that you only have a millisecond to make a first impression when it comes to swiping. To have vague photos in your Hinge profile isn't a great first impression. I'll say it again because I think we underestimate the apps: first impressions are literally all these apps are these days. Does this mean every iphone photo has to go? No! It really doesn't. But it does mean investing in professional photos and picking every photo you include in your profile very intentionally.

Before I get to my list of Do's, here's a very short list of

Dating Profile Photo Mistakes to Avoid in 2026:

• Mirror selfies

• Group photos where we can’t tell who you are

• Photos older than 2–3 years (I know this might be hard, especially if you've gained weight or started losing hair, but I think anything older than 3 years doesn't fully represent who you are now)

• Photos cropped with an ex (or just in general, please don't crop people out of your photos)

• Only wearing sunglasses

• Only serious facial expressions

Here's what your 2026 dating profile photos need to get swipes:

1. You need photos that show off your personality, hobbies, haunts, lifestyle, apartment, neighborhood, and maybe even your job. If you're a dog dad, you need a photo of you walking your dog or cuddling with your dog on. your couch. If you like going to the gym, you need a professional photo of you working out (or finishing a 10K or biking). I think a healthy balance of photos looks like: 1) You smiling at the camera in your you-i-est outfit 2) You doing your hobbie 3) You with the people you love (in a photo where it's easy to tell who you are) 4) You at your desk drinking tea, journaling, reading a comic, interacting with some sort of literature 5) You + another hobby.

   
   

   If you love to grab coffee around the corner from your apartment at the same shop every week, you need a photo of you sipping a cappuccino through the window or at a table outside. We need a real glimpse into your real life. Why? So she can imagine herself next to you.

   
   

2. A genuine smile goes a long way. I took photos for a match-maker in NYC for a few months and do you know what her biggest advice for successful matches was? Professional photos where we see you smiling at the camera.

   
   

   I know not everyone loves to smile or feels super awkward cheesing at the camera-- that's why you need a professional photographer like me to make you really laugh, or help prompt you toward a real smile-- not some fake smile/stare down at the camera like you were taught to do in all your elementary school photos.

   
   

   Don't believe a smile matters? Check out what the dating pros have to say about positive first impressions and dating profile photos.

   
   

3. What you're wearing matters. I have several single friends who have created powerpoints of men who are their "type". And usually, these slide shows include "style". These women just want a guy who has considered his own style and isn't still dressing like he did in his early college years.

   
   

   I think for certain swipers, style is immediately part of their first impression of you. Has it been 5-10 years since you've updated your wardrobe? I recommend updating your wardrobe with a few pieces that really make your eyes pop and compliment your skin color. I have a whole board on Pinterest dedicated to men's style (layering different items, color theory, etc.). I do recommend an elevated casual style for your dating profile photos. Nothing too overly dressed unless you dress up for work every day or are often dressed up for social things.

   
   

   And just as a reminder-- you're not alone in this. Grab some stylish people in your already existing community and ask them to help you find colors that look good on you. Ask them to give you feedback when you shop. You can even message your photographer before your photo session and ask them if the 2-3 outfits you've picked out for your photos will photograph well. We're all in your corner and we all want you to be successful on the apps-- so let us help you elevate your style a bit.

   
   

4. Plan your photo session with your photographer and really give them an idea of how your photos need to reflect your personality and life. When I'm photographing for dating profile photos, we're really keeping it close to home. You might think it's silly to have a photographer take photos of you getting drinks with your friends after work, but I guarantee that will only help a future partner connect with you and understand you on a first impression level-- maybe she hates drinks after work with friends. Or, maybe she lives to find a partner who will bar hop with her till 2AM. Your photos can communicate so much to your future partner if you let them. If you work from home, why wouldn't you want to take a photo of you drinking your morning tea at your desk? These photos are a window into your life and possibly even your soul. YES, YOUR SOUL.

   
   

   If I may, one other idea I absolutely LOVE is to take photos at a place you would genuinely take someone for your first date. Do you like going to the Pier 17 Jackson McNally so you can learn about a girl's reading interests and so you can take a walk afterward if it's going well? Why not take photos at a place you would actually enjoy spending time with a partner at?

   
   

5. Lighting matters: One of the best things about being a photographer is helping my clients understand how the correct lighting can accurately reflect their age or even make them look younger. When you take a photo with an iphone, you probably have overhead lighting that is creating shadows under your eyes that actually age you. A photographer sees the shadows and pays attention to where the light is (and even knows how to add extra lighting to really brighten you up). Professional photos don't just look great aesthetically, they know how to make you look your best.

   
   

6. Before posting your new photos, get feedback from your friends, family, or even your coworkers on which ones to post. In fact, if you really want to step up your dating profile game, I recommend receiving feedback on your entire Dating Profile from those you trust. Remember, we ask for feedback so we can improve. What is the worst thing that could happen if you tried new answers and new photos on your dating profile? Trying new answers and testing out different images every few weeks could really help you see what works and what doesn't work. This is your dating profile, but it's also a great place to test out how you market yourself.

I'm going to guess you've read through all these bullet points and you still find yourself sweating bullets about actually scheduling a photo session for your silly little dating profile?

I hear you, it's nerve-racking to put yourself in front of a camera-- but that's where people like me, the pro, come in. We know what looks good. We know what to tell you to do with your hands. We know you're not a model (unless of course, that is your literal vocation) and we come prepared to make you feel at ease and look great. If a pose doesn't feel like you-- we take it off the table. If it feels weird to be drinking a cappuccino at your neighborhood coffee shop while having photos taken of you-- have you asked yourself if it's worth it? Because this is what you are selling when you put yourself on dating websites and apps-- you're selling you. At this coffee shop. With her (or, once again, him, or they).

I think it's worth sweating through for results you'll be excited about (aka, more swipes and better connection!). And if you're so nervous about your photo session, I recommend bringing a friend who can hype you up, laugh at how silly this is, and also encourage you that you're a bad ass worth dating.

So what do you think? Is it time to not just update your profile photos, but your entire dating profile? I'd love to help you out!

If you're in NYC, you can book your dating profile photos with me, a girl whose been photographing successful hinge couples for over a decade.

For dating profile photos, feedback on your dating profile, and help picking out outfits for your photos, I offer a full Dating Profile Makeover Package for $1500. From top to bottom, we'll give your profile a makeover! When we elevate your dating profile, we focus on:

1. Attraction (visual pull)

2. Personality (context)

3. Trust (clarity, honesty)

4. Lifestyle alignment (she can imagine joining you)

Clients I've photographed in the past report getting more swipes when using my photos and feeling relaxed and cool in front of my camera. With me your photos will make you feel confident. Your profile will have more clarity. Your swipes will lead to more connection. And I genuinely believe you will have better romantic outcomes.

Dating Profile Package FAQ's:

• How many photos should I have? 4-6 is all you need for a stellar dating profile, but when you take photos with me, you'll receive closer to 30-50. Remember, you're testing out different photos every few weeks. I give you enough photos to help you switch things up to see what connects with people.

• What if I hate being photographed? I know. Photography isn't everyone's jam. I have plenty of educational resources I can send your way ahead of time to make you feel more at ease. And if you just need to stay in a studio away from the public's eye, we can rent a studio and keep it private.

• How long does a session take? Depending on locations, 60-90 minutes.

• Can you help with my prompts too? Of course, that's part of my package deal- I give you feedback on prompts you pick and answers you give.

You deserve to be seen clearly by the right person. Together, let's help swipers imagine a life with you and get that initial conversation started.