Dating advice
Dating photos: what works and what to avoid
Your photos do most of the work on any dating app. Get them right and everything else follows. Here's what works, what to avoid, and why.
Do — use recent, real photos of just you
- Lead with a clear, smiling face — no sunglasses, hats or filters hiding you.
- Add a full-length shot — it's honest and reassuring.
- Include one doing something you love — an instant conversation starter.
- Use natural light — daylight beats a dark bedroom selfie.
Don't — the things that cost you matches
- No other people — group photos make matches guess which one is you (so they swipe left), and it's not fair to put someone else on a dating app without asking. Solo shots win — if someone's unavoidable, crop or blur them.
- Never include children — for their safety and privacy, photos with a child are removed — no exceptions.
- No heavy filters, blurry, tiny or years-old photos — they read as "something to hide."
- No car-only, meme or celebrity photos — people match with you.
Why it matters
Every photo on Hull Dating is checked by our team, and anything with other people or minors is taken down and you'll be asked to replace it. Clear solo photos also help you earn the Verified badge, which gets you more trust and more matches.
Put it into practice
Join Hull & East Yorkshire's own dating app — real, verified locals. Free to match & chat.
Create your free profileFAQs
What are the best photos for a dating profile?
Recent, clear, well-lit solo photos — a smiling face shot to lead, a full-length photo, and one of you doing something you enjoy.
Can I have other people in my photos?
No — use photos of just you. Group shots confuse matches, and photos with other people (and especially children) are removed.
How many photos should I add?
Aim for three to six, with a bit of variety.