How to take the right photo for your avatar: 8 tips from a professor of psychology

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

You won't get a second chance to make a first impression. Use these tips and act with confidence.

More and more often people meet on the Internet, so an opinion about a person is formed by the photo in the profile. But different shots of the same person produce completely different first impressions.

Alexander Todorov, PhD in Psychology at Princeton University, has confirmed this in a number of studies (like this and this). During one of the experiments, he photographed a volunteer in different poses and asked other people to rate the pictures for various characteristics: intelligence, reliability, attractiveness. The assessments were completely different.

After the experiment, many wondered how to take pictures correctly in order to present themselves in the most favorable light. Another study was conducted to answer this question: photos with the highest and lowest user ratings were taken from the dating site. Then, patterns were identified between the highest rated and lowest rated photos. On the basis of these observations, there appeared how to take the right photo.

1. Don't hide your face

Glasses are, of course, a stylish accessory, but do not display photos in them if you are looking for a new relationship. Eye contact is important when meeting, even when it comes to photography. When you look directly into the eyes, the hormone of confidence, oxytocin, is produced. He makes you feel connected with another person, makes you want to communicate with him better and get to know him better. But when the eyes are hidden behind glasses, the brain does not receive any impulses. There are fewer people who want to get to know each other.

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2. Look directly into the camera

People look more attractive when photographed from the front. On a subconscious level, an open posture and extended shoulders are perceived as signs of respect. We consider this person to be considerate to us. Think back to real life communication. It's nice when, during a conversation, the interlocutor is completely turned towards you. If the pose is closed, then one gets the impression that it is unpleasant for him to communicate.

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3. Pay attention to the background

People appreciate not only your posture and natural data, but also the background. One pretty face is not enough to interest. The photograph must have some kind of history. In addition, a photo on the beach, in the mountains, in a restaurant or club will tell you about your hobbies. It will be immediately clear whether you have something in common and whether it is worth starting an acquaintance at all.

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4. Smile

Photos of smiling people get more attention. We consider them open, cheerful. There is a desire to get to know each other and be charged with their love of life. But you need to be able to smile. For women, natural or wide smiles "at all 32" are good. Men are better off doing it with restraint.

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For men

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5. Show your hands

Hands are indicators of trust. If a person shows them in a photograph, we subconsciously consider him reliable. Also, the hands in the photo tell us that a person is not dangerous: he is open and will not cause harm.

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6. For women only: take the example of Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe is considered the standard of femininity. A flirtatious look excites the male imagination. If you want to fall in love with yourself at first sight in the photo, take the same picture.

Tilt your head slightly, close your eyes. You need to look a little downward through your eyelashes. Parse your lips and expose your neck. An open neck is very popular with men. Remember Jessica from Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

7. For men only: show yourself

"Don't I do this when I'm taking pictures?" - you ask, and we understand your bewilderment. But you need to show not only a brutal look or a gorgeous beard, but all of yourself. Full-length shots of men attract women. Photos in T-shirts and T-shirts, where hands are clearly visible, are also highly appreciated.

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8. Exude Confidence

Self-confidence is immediately visible in the photo. It is she who attracts people, because everyone subconsciously wants to get acquainted with a self-sufficient person. Nobody wants to rake complexes and solve other people's problems.

Confident people always keep their backs straight. Their gaze is open, their hands are often held behind their heads. Looking at such a photo, you will not see even the slightest tension in a person.