How to Take Good Selfies for Dating Apps: The Complete Guide
Master the art of the dating profile selfie. Angles, lighting, expressions, and phone settings that make selfies look professional. Plus common selfie mistakes.
Last updated: January 15, 2026
Quick Answer
To take good dating app selfies: 1) Use natural lightâface a window or go outside during golden hour. 2) Hold phone at eye level or slightly aboveânever below. 3) Angle your face slightlyâstraight-on is less flattering. 4) Focus on your eyesâthey should be sharp and well-lit. 5) Use portrait mode for professional-looking depth of field. 6) Keep the background clean and uncluttered. 7) Show a genuine expressionâslight smile with relaxed eyes. 8) Take many shots and select the best. Avoid: bathroom mirrors, low angles, harsh flash, heavy filters.
Source: Magnt Research, 2026
What Angle is Best for Selfies?
The most flattering selfie angle is slightly above eye level, with your face turned 15-30 degrees to one side. This creates definition in your jawline and makes your eyes appear larger. Never shoot from belowâit creates unflattering shadows and emphasizes chin/neck. Straight-on can work for symmetrical faces but is often less dynamic. Experiment with tilting your head slightly, and always keep the camera at arm's length or further (use a timer and prop for better results).
What is the Best Lighting for Selfies?
Natural light is king for selfies. Best options: facing a window (indoor), golden hour outdoors (1 hour before sunset), overcast days (soft, even light). Position the light source in front of you, not behind (backlight) or above (harsh shadows). For indoor photos, sit near a large window with the light falling on your face. Avoid: direct sunlight (harsh shadows), fluorescent lights (unflattering color), overhead lighting (dark eye sockets), flash (flat and washed out).
What Expression Should You Have in Selfies?
The best expression is a genuine, relaxed smile that reaches your eyes (called a Duchenne smile). Characteristics: slight crow's feet at eyes, raised cheeks, relaxed mouth. How to achieve it: think of something genuinely amusing, imagine you're seeing a friend, or take many photos and catch natural moments between posed shots. Avoid: forced smile (looks stiff), serious/brooding (seems unfriendly), duck lips or exaggerated poses (universally mocked). Authenticity reads as attractive; performing reads as try-hard.
Should You Use Portrait Mode for Selfies?
Yes, portrait mode is highly recommended. It creates depth of field (blurry background, sharp subject) that mimics professional photography. This draws attention to your face and minimizes distracting backgrounds. Most modern smartphones have this feature. Tips: ensure your face is in the focus area, works best with some distance between you and background, and check the edges of your hair/face aren't weirdly blurred. Portrait mode transforms amateur selfies into professional-looking shots.
What Background Should You Have in Selfies?
Keep backgrounds simple and uncluttered. Good backgrounds: neutral walls, outdoor greenery, interesting but not busy urban settings, cozy home environment (clean). Bad backgrounds: bathrooms (toilet visible), messy rooms, cluttered spaces, harsh institutional settings. The background should complement you, not distract. If your background is messy, use portrait mode to blur it, or simply move to a better location. A few extra steps for a good backdrop is always worth it.
What Are Common Selfie Mistakes to Avoid?
Top selfie mistakes: 1) Bathroom mirror selfies (signals low effort), 2) Low angle shots (unflattering, shows up nostrils), 3) Arm visibly extended (looks amateurish), 4) Flash in mirror (glare, washed out), 5) Heavy filters that change appearance (creates distrust), 6) Multiple similar selfies in a row (shows limited social life), 7) Selfie in car with seatbelt visible (cliché), 8) Cutting off top of head (poor framing), 9) Messy background visible (signals messiness), 10) Looking away from camera (loses connection).
How Many Selfies Should Be in Your Dating Profile?
Maximum 1-2 selfies in your dating profile, and they shouldn't be your first photo. A profile full of selfies signals you don't have friends willing to take photos of youâwhether true or not, it hurts your perceived social value. Ideal mix: 1 selfie that's exceptionally well-done, combined with 4-5 photos taken by others showing activities, social situations, and variety. If you only have selfies, it's worth asking a friend to take some candid shots of you.
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