Blog

Bad Dating App Photos – The Definitive List

So many bad dating app photos. So little time. Head to any dating app right now and you’ll see a lot of dating photos out there that are actively preventing single people from receiving the quality of matches they deserve. Could you be someone who is missing out?

Here’s my ultimate checklist of all the bad dating app photos to lose from your dating app profile in order to massively uplift the number and quality of your matches. Don’t forget, your 5-6 dating app photos should be treated like premium advertising space. Each photo needs to be actively working hard for you otherwise, you’re wasting one of your few opportunities to showcase who you are and what you’re about.

Blurry, Poor Quality Dating App Pictures

I feel this needs no explanation coming from a pro online dating photographer, lol, but I’m going to say this…

It’s worth remembering this rule of thumb; poor quality profile pictures attract poor quality dates while good quality profile pictures attract great quality dates. Wait, what? Why is this? So, confident people with high self-esteem will be attracted to good quality photos because it’s sending them a message that whoever has invested in good quality photos is obviously the kind of person who values themselves, invests in themselves and is taking online dating seriously. Good quality photos say, I’m a high value person and I’m serious about finding a longterm relationship (LTR).

Low quality photos send the message… I have low self-esteem, I don’t think I’m worth investing in and I’m a bit half-hearted about this online dating thing anyway – I’m just in it for the hook-ups (or to boost my ego because my relationship isn’t going so well right now).

Eek. Hopefully enough said.

Invest in yourself and the online dating journey and create some gorgeous, colourful, personality-filled, quality profile pictures and show people you’re serious about online dating and that you value yourself.

Group shots

OK, I’m not going to lie but group shots are right up there – near the top of my list. I particularly dislike them because I have face blindness (and actually many people do). But the bigger reason, I’m no fan of group shots is that including other people in your photos is creating barriers to successfully attracting matches. People are glancing at photos, really quickly and they don’t usually have time to figure out which one is you in the shot. Or, they decide they don’t like the look of your mates. Or… they fancy your mate more than you. The result, in all these scenarios, is the same. They move quickly on to the next profile.

Shots with Ex’s

When I was online dating, one guy actually included one of his photos with his bride cut out. On his wedding day. Now I’m not saying you’d do anything that extreme, but generally speaking cutting anyone out of a shot, suggests you don’t value the online dating profile enough to invest in some quality photos. Having a member of the opposite sex (this one’s for straight people) in one of your shots can make people consider your profile negatively as they wonder who this person is to you and whether they are going to be in your life. We want people to feel good, inspired or happy when they look at your photos not wondering if they’re going to have a rival for their love interest. Keep the mood light and happy on profiles.

Shots with Kids

There is a time and a place to introduce your kids to potential partners and on a dating app isn’t it. I’d wait until you really like someone and are connecting with them before you show off photos of your children.  In your bio, it’s a great idea to let people know you have kids yes, but they don’t need to see what they actually look like. You don’t know what kind of people are hanging out on dating apps.

And, of course, don’t include photos of you with someone else’s children – they probably wouldn’t be very happy if they knew.

Shots with Other People’s Dogs

While having photos of you with your own dog goes down a treat, especially for men looking for LTRs, recent research suggests that including photos of you with someone else’s dog isn’t cool.. because it’s misleading. It’s been called ‘dogfishing‘.

Take note – misleading people with your dating photos is the biggest reason that people don’t secure second dates according to Match.com.

Out Of Date Shots

Your photos should reflect how you currently look. The best set of photos will include at least one where you look very similar to how you’d look on a first date e.g. a first date outfit vibe. Ideally photos shouldn’t be more than two or three years out of date. But in general all your photos should be recent. Your face, hair and body shape should all look more or less the same in the photos as they will on the date. If not, people will feel they’ve been deceived by you and you’ll be unlikely to swing a second date.

Selfies

Research suggests that only women in their 20s (hello ageism and sexism) can get away with including one or two selfies in their set. Men are said to like it as it creates a sense of intimacy. I wouldn’t recommend more than one though. Everyone else should give selfies a swerve, as they actively turn people off.

Shots with Filters / Photoshop

Avoid using photos with filters or that have been overly retouched/photoshopped. People can tell what you’re doing and will think that you’re doing it to hide something about yourself. That doubt will be enough to have them moving on to the next profile.

Shots Where You Can’t Be Seen

Some people still like to include some shots without them actually in it. Instead including a shot of something they like. Argh, what a waste of your premium advertising space. Instead make sure you’re in the shot interacting with that ‘something you like’. It makes it a much more powerful shot.

Also avoid those shots where you can’t be seen very well e.g. you’re halfway up a mountain. People know what a mountain looks like. They want to know what you’re about, yes, but they want to see your face too.

And, finally avoid, including shots with sunglasses or hats – people will think you have something to hide. People want lots of clear shots of your face. That said, you can afford to include one photo with sunglasses or hat. Everyone looks cool in sunnies 🙂

Studio, Business or Staged Shots

The best dating profile pictures are relaxed, happy, smiling shots where someone is happy in their environment. Ideally they look like they’ve been taken by a good friend while you’re out and about living your best life. Nobody normally spends time in a photo studio, so having photos taken in one already feels fake.

Dating photos should be giving people an insight into the fun, authentic you. The person they’d meet if they started dating you.

Bikini or Ab Shots

Last on the list, but probably worth a mention, are bikini and ab shots. Generally speaking, including bikini or ab shots amongst your set of photos could end up attracting hook ups rather than long term relationships. All good, if hook ups are what you’re after! If you’re after a LTR though, I’d only include these if they’re in context! For example, a few of our Los Angeles clients are actually surfers, so it totally makes sense that they might include bikini/ab shots when they’re down on Venice or Manhattan Beach with their surf board – it’s an integral part of the story telling.

Head here if you’re ready to know which photos make the best dating profile pictures.

 

Photos by Kimi for Hey Saturday London, Alison for Hey Saturday New York City and Anna for Hey Saturday Los Angeles.  

Words by Saskia Nelson, Dating Photo Expert.

You’ve matched with a beautiful woman – but is everything as it seems? Research has found that the majority of people tell at least one white lie on their dating profile, and while these lies are normally harmless, sometimes the lie can be more of a big deal.

Here are three things she may be hiding on her dating profile.

Her Age

Research has found that one of the main things women lie about when online dating is their age. Thankfully this is a rare occurrence, but sometimes a woman may knock a few years off her age to seem more appealing and dateable. This can result in more matches, but it is a hard lie to keep up with, especially if they end up in a serious relationship.

Her Appearance

We live in a society that praises youth and beauty, so you may not be too surprised to discover some women try to appear more attractive when online dating. Research found that over 20% of women post photos of themselves when they were younger, while other women use editing apps to improve their appearance. So if you match with someone and you’re worried that their pictures are edited or outdated, consider setting up a video call so you can see each other’s faces.

Her Interests

Both men and women are guilty of lying about their hobbies so that they sound more interesting. Some people exaggerate about how often they travel, while others may lie about their exercise routine. If you match with a woman and you’re not sure if she is being honest about her interests, ask her a few questions to find out more. Normally if she is lying she will be quite vague, but if she is telling the truth she will have lots of specific stories to tell you (and she may even have pictures of her adventures to show you).

Both genders are guilty of lying when it comes to online dating, but thankfully the lies are normally small and harmless. But if you really want to find love, the best thing you can do is be honest about who you are. This won’t alienate your matches, and it means you are more likely to find genuine love.

 

It is Saturday night in Tunbridge Wells.

You told yourself you would go out, maybe meet someone new in a wine bar or at a friend’s BBQ. Instead, you are in comfy clothes, half watching Netflix, half scrolling through dating apps that feel more like a chore than a chance at love.

You are not alone. Singles across Canterbury, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, and Whitstable are quietly feeling exactly the same. Fed up with ghosting, tired of time wasters, and wondering if there is a better way.

That growing frustration is exactly why matchmaking in Kent is becoming more popular. Instead of relying on luck or algorithms, more people are choosing a human who actually listens, understands their lifestyle, and introduces them to serious, compatible partners.

In this guide, we will look at what really happens when you work with a Kent matchmaker, who it suits, what it costs, and how to decide whether it is right for you. You will also find simple micro actions along the way so you can move from passive scrolling to purposeful dating.

---

1. Kent is full of people – but not always full of possibilities

On paper, Kent is a dream place to date. There are busy town centres, coastal gems like Whitstable and Broadstairs, country pubs scattered across the Weald, and fast trains into London.

In reality, life gets in the way.

You might commute from Ashford into London, juggle a demanding job and family commitments, then retreat home to quiet streets where everyone seems to already be paired up. Even when you go out, you tend to see the same faces in the same bars having the same conversations.

Dating apps promise endless choice, yet that choice quickly turns into overwhelm. Matches vanish. Chats fizzle. People “keep their options open” but never commit to an actual date. After a while, it stops feeling exciting and starts feeling disheartening.

This is where matchmaking in Kent offers something different. Rather than “meet as many people as possible”, the focus shifts to “meet fewer, better suited people with real potential”.

Take 30 seconds and ask yourself, “Where did I meet my last three dates?” If the answer is “apps” every time, it might be worth adding a new approach.

---

2. What really happens when you work with a Kent matchmaker

Forget the cliché of someone shuffling index cards in a back room. Modern Kent matchmakers act more like personal consultants, combining coaching, local knowledge, and a strong network.

A typical journey might look like this:

A relaxed, honest consultation
You talk through your life, work, family setup, hobbies, and relationship history. You share what has and has not worked in the past, and what you genuinely want now. The matchmaker will often gently challenge unrealistic lists and help you focus on what truly matters.

A lifestyle and location deep dive
Dating from Canterbury with a flexible job is very different to co parenting from Sevenoaks or working shifts in Medway. A good matchmaker looks at school runs, commuting, pets, and weekend routines so introductions are practical as well as romantic.

Curated introductions, not chaos
Instead of talking to ten half serious people on apps, you might meet one or two carefully chosen matches at a time. Each introduction has been thought through for values, life stage, and long term potential.

Support before and after dates
Many matchmakers suggest easy first date spots – a coffee in Maidstone, drinks in Tunbridge Wells, or a relaxed seaside walk in Whitstable. After each date, they check in, gather feedback, and refine the search.

Behind every introduction, matchmaking in Kent is about structure, support, and saving you emotional energy.

Suggestion:  If you could give a matchmaker just one sentence to describe what you want now, what would it be? Write it down to get clear.

---

3. Is matchmaking just for the wealthy or “desperate”?

This is one of the biggest myths. Yes, there are high end agencies that cater for very wealthy clients. But there are also:

• Boutique matchmakers who focus on Kent and the South East

• Coaches who combine dating coaching with selective introductions

• Different levels of support, from one off consultations to full programs

It is not about desperation. In fact, most clients can get dates. The issue is that those dates rarely lead to anything serious. They are tired of starting again with someone who is not truly aligned.

People in Kent are willing to invest in gym memberships, home renovations, cars, and holidays. Choosing to invest in your love life is simply another way of caring for your future happiness.

A better question than “Is it expensive?” is “If this helped me meet the right person in the next year or two, would it be worth it?”

---

4. Who actually uses Kent matchmaking services?

The image of people who use matchmakers is often wildly inaccurate. They are not all ultra glamorous or socially awkward. They are usually very normal, successful people who value privacy and quality.

Common client types include:

• Professionals in towns like Canterbury, Maidstone, and Sevenoaks who work hard and do not want their love lives plastered all over apps

• Divorced men and women who want discretion and a more guided, supportive way to date again

• Parents who share custody and need dates to fit with family schedules

• Singles in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond who are serious about long term relationships

The real pattern is not age or job title. It is mindset. They are ready to move away from “seeing what happens” and towards “I am ready to be intentional now.”

Ask yourself, “Am I still dabbling, or am I actually ready to prioritise a relationship?” There is no right or wrong answer, but honesty here will guide your next step.

---

5. What results can you realistically expect?

No ethical matchmaker will promise you marriage by a certain month. Love does not run on a timetable. But they can significantly improve your dating experience.

You can realistically expect:

• Fewer dates overall, but with much higher quality matches

• People who are already aligned on wanting a relationship, not “seeing how it goes” forever

• Honest feedback on patterns that might be holding you back

• Support with communication, boundaries, and pacing new connections

In many cases, clients say that even before they meet “their person”, they feel calmer, more confident, and more hopeful. They are no longer trying to figure everything out alone.

That is one of the quiet promises of a Kent Dating Agency: less chaos, more clarity.

---

6. How Kent matchmaking compares to London services

If you live in Kent or are on the Kent/London border, you might be wondering whether to choose a London based agency or stay with someone who knows the county well. Both can work, but the feel is different.

A Kent focused service will usually:

• Understand commuter realities from places like Ashford, Ebbsfleet, and Bromley

• Know local venues and social scenes, from countryside pubs to coastal cafes

• Attract people who appreciate a slightly slower, more grounded lifestyle

Some agencies work across both regions, which is ideal if you work in London and live in Kent. Others are very rooted in the county. The key is to ask where most of their clients actually live and how far they usually match across areas.

Again, this is about practicality as well as romance. A great connection is much easier to nurture when you are not battling a 90 minute journey each way just to grab a drink.

---

7. How to choose the right Kent matchmaker for you

Before you sign up with anyone, take a breath and check a few essentials:

Specialism and client base

Do they regularly work with people like you and with the type of partner you want to meet? Ask who they help most often.

Process and communication style

Find out how they source matches, how often they will contact you, and how many introductions you can expect. You want clear, simple answers.

Honesty and realism

A good matchmaker will give you a balanced view of your situation, highlight your strengths, and gently flag any challenges. If everything sounds too perfect, be cautious.

Your gut feeling

Most importantly, notice how you feel. Do you feel understood, respected, and at ease talking to them? This relationship matters. You are trusting them with your personal life.

When those pieces click, matchmaking in Kent stops feeling like a mysterious luxury and starts feeling like a smart, proactive choice.

Suggestion: Imagine you have a free discovery call booked tomorrow. What is the one thing you would want the matchmaker to understand about you? Make a note of it now.

---

Conclusion

Kent is full of beautiful walks, cosy pubs, and stunning coastline. It is also full of people who would secretly love someone to share those moments with. If you are tired of gambling on apps or waiting for your friends to introduce you to someone, you do not have to keep doing dating the hard way.

You can choose a different route, where someone experienced listens to your story, understands your life, and introduces you to people who genuinely fit your world.

If you are ready to move from drifting to deciding, exploring matchmaking in Kent could be one of the most important steps you take this year towards the relationship you really want.

**********************************************************************************

Get The Most From A London Dating Agency With My Free Advice Call

 

If you are thinking of joining a dating agency or are already a member and want to make sure you get the most from it, you can book a completely free 15 minute call with me here:

BOOK NOW

We can talk through your current approach, your patterns and your goals, and make sure you are using your agency in a way that truly serves you.

.