Greetings, friends. Welcome to CNET's online dating advice column by me -- Erin Carson, staff reporter, online dating pictures, resident young-enough-person, refrigerdating correspondent, curator of odd stuff on the internet, most likely to leave you on "read."

You might be wondering why you should pay any attention to what I have to say about online dating.

First off, online dating pictures, Online dating pictures been happily married for 10 years, online dating pictures. Kidding! I'm out there just like everyone else, a machete in one hand, pocket knife between my teeth, hacking through the dating online dating pictures, wondering how this all happened, and why I didn't pack bug spray.

Read more:Best dating sites of 2019

I've also been covering dating apps for about three years, which means that if I've written about it, I've probably downloaded it. In that time I've talked to many of the folks behind the apps you use, and with experts who work with hopeful lovebirds every day.

Most of all, believe me when I tell you: I get that online dating is a little weird, online dating pictures. However, I subscribe to the philosophy that tech is a tool, and if folks can have tacos delivered to their apartment, online dating pictures, hitch a ride, and shout their desire to know the weather into the ether and get a response, they should be able to find someone to drag along to that random free arts event in the park.

So, if you've got questions about how to pick an app, craft a bio or how not to sink into an existential mire whilst on the apps, hit me up.

Q: What are the best types of profile pictures?

You. In the bathroom, flexing hard, about to take a selfie. Put your phone down.

If I've just destroyed your entire dating profile photo strategy, pull up a chair and we can chat.

Now, I will couch what I'm about to say with the fact that more than a few dating platforms out there have put out data in the past about what seems to work on profiles. You might be able to dig up platform-specific info on the ideal number of pictures you should have, or even the most successful facial expressions for men and women. One study found that guys come off as more attractive and trustworthy if they have a dog in their profile, which is great news if you're like me and like looking at pictures online dating pictures dogs (and dreaming of stealing said dogs).

Dognapping aside, think of your photos as a whole. You've got maybe 4 or 5 pics to tell some kind of story about who you are and what your life is like.

Here's something that sounds obvious: Make sure people can see your face clearly in at least your main profile picture, online dating pictures. THAT MEANS YOU IN THE SKI MASK. Are you robbing a bank?? What is happening??

Anyway. Throw in some lifestyle photos. Like to travel? Play soccer? Hike with friends? Great. (Side note: Make sure you're not projecting some type of unrealistic, showboat persona. Odds are you don't spend every weekend in a tux or evening gown. Give folks an idea of how you spend your time when you're not scaling a boulder shirtless.) Not only are you illustrating who you are, but you might be making it easier for someone to message you about how they, too, play Tibetan singing bowls in their free time.

When constructing a profile, it doesn't hurt to imagine how some random person out there will perceive it, online dating pictures. If all they have to go on is one grainy picture of you, taken at 3 a.m. while lying down on your couch, using your laptop's built-in camera, well… the odds are not in your favor, pal.

You might not have perfect travel pictures of exotic destinations or delightful snapshots from Gatsby-esque soirees. That's OK, online dating pictures. At the very least, online dating pictures, put on a clean shirt, go outside and get a friend to take a decent picture of you.

And never forget: Car selfies are trash. 

Q: What are the best pickup lines for starting a conversation?

Let's get one thing out of the way: The best way to start a conversation is not "hey," or "hi" or any derivation thereof, unless you're actively trying to get ignored. In which case, by all means go for it. I online dating pictures almost online dating pictures you'll end up online dating pictures the hey stack of rejected matches.

In truth, "hey" might be a perfectly acceptable way to teenage lesbian dating apps a conversation with a friend or colleague. You start at "hey" and end up debriefing on Game of Thrones. But here's the thing -- you're not approaching someone you have a preexisting relationship with. You're talking to a stranger on the internet who, in all likelihood, is trying to place a bet online dating pictures which strangers from the internet they should talk to while fighting off the creeping numbness that comes along with flipping through 3 bazillion dating profiles. At best, "hey" is uninteresting; at worst, it's rage-inducing.

"Hey" just isn't going to cut it, partly because, as is the case with your photos, your bio, and other profile elements, you're making a pitch about yourself to the person you're trying to talk to.

In sum, "hey" is the worst thing since stepping on a wet spot on your kitchen floor while wearing socks. Don't do online dating pictures. Just. Don't Do. It.

So, what do you say?

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3:01

There's no science here, folks. But the opposite friends with benefits dating site a soul-suckingly generic greeting is actually taking the time to look at a person's profile. Try asking them a question about something they've mentioned. Do they like to cook? Ask them what they'd make based on what's in their kitchen right now. Into live music? Ask what bands are on their bucket list. Big Westworld fan? Ask them what the hell happened last season because I have no damn clue and would love to know. (Maybe not that last one, online dating pictures, but you get the idea.)

You're just trying to break the ice and veer into a more natural chat about whatever is actually interesting to you both. The first contact is a small hurdle to clear to get you toward either figuring out if the other person has the personality of a wet mop or maybe you'd like to meet up in person.

Granted, online dating pictures, you can scour the internet for cheeky opening questions like whether pineapple belongs on pizza (it does and I will fight you) or send along a GIF of a waving panda. Yes, online dating pictures, you can do that. It might work. I would argue, though, that's a bit of an assembly line approach to trying to start a conversation.

Keep in mind that when it comes to online dating, it's easy to feel like you're on some kind of nightmarish, overcrowded merry-go-round. Just think— wouldn't it be nice to get a message from someone who seemed like they were specifically online dating pictures in you?

This is a vittubuddie dating site advice column focusing on online dating, online dating pictures. If you've got a question online dating pictures finding love via app, send it to erin.carson@cbsinteractive.com for consideration. 

In general, online dating pictures, how men and women ‘read’ dating photos is different. Women tend to look more for clues about the other person and how they live their life. Men tend to look more at the person to see whether they are attracted to them, online dating pictures.

All genders tend to look for whether a person looks friendly, approachable… and normal!

It’s important to most people to check out whether the person looks like someone you could spend time with and if there is consistency throughout the photos.

Knowing this, online dating pictures, you can really up your dating game by using online dating photos which appeal to the people you are hoping to attract on your dating app.

5 tips on how to take dating profile pictures for men

1. Do choose photography locations and backdrops that are visually interesting and reflect who you are, the places you online dating pictures to go or what you like to do. Do not do selfies in bathrooms!

2. Do make the effort to wear outfits that you might wear on a date. Think of a dating photo as doing a similar job to your Linked In profile photo. Do not wear your TV lounging clothes, even if they represent what you most like to do.

3. Do smile. Moody shots and David Beckham style brooding shots work for some people but what works best is an attractive smile. Including a few non-smiling photos can work but make sure you are smiling with your teeth somewhere in your set of photos.

4. Do include at least one full length shot

5. Do include a group shot with friends. Make sure you stand out in this group photo and that you’re not hidden at the back. You should use a photo where you are all smiling and look like you’re having a great time. Do not use a photo where you’ve photoshopped out your ex!

5 tips on how to take dating profile pictures for women

1. Do include both mid length and full length shots to show your body shape. It really doesn’t matter what shape you are as we’re all attracted to different things, but men will likely subconsciously notice the curve of your waist and hips, your outline, online dating pictures, a hint of cleavage etc, online dating pictures.

2. Do be brave and show online dating pictures your body shape, online dating pictures. Your outfits needn’t be clingy but they should show some shape. Avoid very shapeless jumpers and huge cosy knits. A little cleavage is good but don’t go crazy, statistics show that less is more when it comes to attractive dating photos.

3. Do make sure your photos are taken in softer, more flattering light. Statistics show that gently-lit images with fewer harsh shadows are more visually appealing to men.

4. Do or don’t wear make up. What’s most important in your photos is that you feel at your best and that you look like yourself when you go on your dates, online dating pictures.

5. Do smile and look relaxed in your photos. Ultimately, everyone is attracted to someone who looks open and welcoming.

10 tips on how to take a great dating photo. Gender-neutral.

Though this post is gender specific many of the tips can be useful cross-gender and you may want to experiment with what works best for you on your own dating profile. Here are ten non gender specific dating photo tips…

1. Use photos that have been taken within the last year, or if more recent, better still.

2. Make sure the photos on your dating profile are consistent and that you look like the same person in each shot

3. Use guy im dating calls me boo best quality photos you can and if possible, invest in professional photos. Quality photos stand out - they are bright and visually appealing.

4. Include close up or mid length shots where you can see your face. Don’t wear sunglasses or a hat that covers too much of your face. A far away shot is fine (not too far away!) if you’re doing an activity but just include one as a ‘conversation-starter’ picture and put it towards the end of your set of photos.

5. This goes for group shots too. One photo showing you with your friends or family is great. Do make sure you’re easy to spot in the photo and that everyone looks like they’re having fun.

6. And it also goes for children/ pets/ your car/ meals you’ve cooked! Remember that someone is dating you, so if it’s important to you to include your children/ pets etc aim to have one lovely one online dating pictures with you in it too) and put it towards the end of your set of photos.

7. Try to avoid crazy/ silly/ drunken photos, especially if you are looking for online dating pictures long term relationship. People do want to see that you are fun but these types of photos may not always show you in the best light on dating websites, however fun you think you look.

8. Make sure your photos represent more or less how you’ll look when you go on your first date.

9. If there’s something you physically don’t like about yourself be brave and don’t hide it away in your dating photos. It sounds counter intuitive but when you meet up with your date they will likely see whatever it is that you may be conscious of. Chances are that in reality whatever seems a big noticeable thing to you is really not that noticeable to someone else, and if it does bother them then you won’t want to be dating them anyway. I have taken dating photos for a handful of lovely clients who haven’t liked their smile but it’s so important to include a friendly smiling shot. Enlist a photographer you can trust (whether a friend or a professional dating photographer) to get a great smiling shot that you’re happy to use, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to keep your smile hidden forever!

10. Smile. I really can’t say this enough!

Lucy Williams is a professional online dating portrait photographer shooting natural, eye-catching dating photos to transform your dating experience and attract the people you’d really like to meet.

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Dating on Tinder can be a soul crushing experience, particularly when you’re a guy with the odds stacked against you.

A recent study by Scandinavian app developers Swipestats, which allows users to compare data, found that men swipe right on 53% of profiles they’re online dating pictures while women do the same for only 5% of their options.

But, New York photographer Charlie Grosso says, you can’t underestimate the power of a great Tinder profile pic in helping you land “the one.” Since 2015, Grosso has specialized in taking portraits for clients to use exclusively on Tinder. She cherry-picks the most flattering examples of her work before the client uploads a maximum of nine images to the app.

Grosso told The Post about her impressive success rates and the marriages she’s helped spawn. “The majority of my clients are genuine in wanting meaningful connections,” she said. “But [before booking online dating pictures session] they are totally lost as to how.”

Now Grosso, who charges $1500 a session, is sharing her top posing tips with users of Twitter and other dating sites. Follow her practical advice and you’ll quickly produce a portfolio of professional grade pics. Here, online dating pictures, she reveals her dos and don’ts for securing dates with the right photos on Tinder.

You don’t have a beak

Don’t!: It’s a resounding no to the ubiquitous “duck face” expression. “The pouty, come-hither look usually suggests one thing,” said Grosso. Same with too much flesh on show. The photographer added: “Just like fishing, online dating pictures, you bait the hook with whatever you’re trying to catch. Ultra sexy, minimally-clad images of daters will attract a particular type of person. And it’s fine if that’s who you want.”

Do!: You’re better off trading that pout for a happy, more approachable look that is built around a dazzling smile. “I tell online dating pictures clients: ‘Just be you,’” said Grosso, online dating pictures, stressing that a relaxed, relatable vibe beats fakey fakey every time.

Mirror madness

Don’t!: Tempted to snap a mirror selfie with or without a crop top? Think again, online dating pictures, warned Grosso. “It’s lazy, shallow and vain,” she said. “People make terrible mistakes like blocking out their face with their phone when it takes seconds to set your device on a timer.”

Do!: Sophisticated, figure-skimming clothes like our model’s stylish dress “elevate” the overall impression. Meanwhile the framing of the image is key. “Photos taken from the waist up can be the most flattering,” Grosso said, noting that some headshots on Tinder are just that. Too many people cut themselves off at the chin and produce a scary floating face with no neck.

Influencer idiocy

Don’t!: Focusing on the middle distance equates our depressed-looking model with a wannabe influencer in need of some sponsors. “She’s channeling a lot of the unnatural, unsmiling poses you see on Instagram,” Grosso noted. “I can’t imagine anyone wanting to talk to her with that resting bitch face.”

Do!: Leaning over the top of a chair or couch adds form and structure to a photo. A pose of a person just standing there can look awkward, but using furniture as a prop comes across as genuine and authentic. “It’s online dating pictures great to get them to laugh,” said Grosso, who suggests telling the subject a corny joke. “In this picture, the model presents herself as really good fun.”

Why so serious?

Don’t!: This image channels the laughable “try hard” look derided by anyone with a modicum of taste. “It appears as if she [the model] is lying in bed,” said Grasso. “The reclining pose isn’t flattering and the poor bedroom lighting doesn’t help at all.”

Do!: Grosso maintains that sitting poses online dating pictures sensible options for dilettantes because they’re “easier” to pull off and “less complex.” She said: “Some people stand awkwardly and don’t know what to do with their hands.” Meanwhile the tactic of casting your eyes slightly away from the camera creates an “interesting dynamic.” It looks much better than the deer-caught-in-headlights shot when you face the lens head on.

Save it for the bar, bro

Don’t! Even the most desperate dater would swipe left on a guy in a baggy football shirt giving a cheesy thumbs up. “It’s so casual,” said Grosso. “Men think it’s both dumb and funny, online dating pictures. But I’m thinking: ‘Why are you making this choice for your on-line profile picture?’” She said the cringe-worthy pose was likely recommended by a clueless drinking buddy.

Without direction from an experienced photographer, such daters often resort to a clichéd shot like Ben Stiller’s hilarious “Blue Steel” catwalk expression. “Their confusion is deepened by all the pick-up artist types of advice [featured] online written by men for men,” added Grosso. The choice of background is equally perplexing. “The messaging is unclear,” she added. “The flower wall looks staged — like he’s trying too hard.”

Do!: According to Grosso, the model’s spruced-up collared shirt paired with fitted jeans suggests a readiness “for a casual date or Sunday brunch.” “He looks less like a college kid,” the photographer said. Not only that, he has a welcoming smile. “What makes a man attractive is the impression he’s a nice guy and a person you’re able to trust,” Grosso said. “There are no red flags here.”

You’re not one of the Blues Brothers

Don’t! Posing indoors — even outdoors — online dating pictures sunglasses covering your eyes is a rookie Tinder mistake. The sinister shades are associated with seedy characters who have something to hide. She concluded: “The model is not smiling and way too cool for school.” She noted the way his arms crossed his upper body — an unappealing sign of a defensive attitude which “closes him off” from flirty interactions.

dating site that accepted paypal to pose for online dating photos. ">

Do!: Grosso said the model’s megawatt smile “makes all the difference in the world” to this headshot. His wide grin exudes warmth and kindness. According to the expert, the tilt to his head suggests an engaged personality. “It says to your date: ‘I’m listening to you,'” she said. Grosso decided the trendy brick wall proved the perfect backdrop since it resembled the inside of an industrial warehouse.

Light blight

Don’t! Another crime that daters commit is to moodily pose with direct sunshine behind them. Experts with the right equipment can adjust the exposure, online dating pictures, but most of us find it a challenge, online dating pictures. “This window image fails because the model’s face is almost completely in shadow,” said Grosso. Instead of channeling the album cover of a gloomy indie band, she said the look is just weird. Grosso also criticized her subject’s hunched shoulders: “They can mean a lack of self-confidence and worth.”

Do! Perched on the edge of his seat, our model comes across as interested, involved and keen to begin an intelligent conversation. “It’s like he’s leaning in to hear every word of the person opposite,” said Grosso, adding, “There’s active body communication going on — a truly engaging trait.” As a bonus, the pose subtly shows off a pair of firm biceps, online dating pictures. No matter how ripped you are, other parts of your body — think of a six pack triumphantly displayed on a bare midriff — should never be shoved in a person’s face. “We are going for a lighter touch,” the photographer said. “It’s much sexier to leave certain things to the imagination.”

Photos: Charlie Grosso; Stylist: Nicole Zane; Hair: Luca Blandi; Makeup: Markphong using Westmore Beauty/MP-IMC; Hair Assistant: Nikoletta Kola. Models: Omar and Courtney from Wilhelmina.

On female model: “Yoo” mini slip dress, online dating pictures, $295 at SVNR shop; “Birdie” sandals, $335 at Nomasei; “Magic Within” necklace, $55 at Bryan Anthonys; Medium wave hoop earrings, $127 at Missoma.

On male model: “Avery” shirt, $195 at Rag & Bone; A.P.C “Petit New Standard” stretch jeans, $220 at East Dane; Ermenegildo Zegna XXX “Triple Stitch” sneakers, $750 at  Zegna; De Ville Trésor white gold watch with a leather strap, price upon request at Omega Watches; Gold chain necklace, models own. 

Josh Rose/Unsplash

The INSIDER Summary: 

• A well-lit, classic headshot is the best option for your dating profile's main photo.
• A full body shot in one of your favorite outifts is also important.
• Photos giving a glimpse of your everyday life will help reveal a bit of your personality.
• Your fourth "bonus photo" should be another headshot or full-body shot that shows you in a different light.

First photo: classic headshot

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Most online dating sites dating pass site give you a small one-inch square for your main profile picture to lure people onto your page, which is why the perfect headshot is your best option for racking up clicks, likes, and messages.

Nowadays, online dating pictures, most people think of selfies when they hear the word "headshots," but the weird angles often distort your face, online dating pictures. (Here are some other mind-blowing facts about selfies you should know.) For the best headshot results, swap out the selfie stick for a best friend or professional photographer to snap the picture for you. The formula for the most online dating pictures headshot is quite simple: look straight into the camera with a nice smile, stand under natural light, style your hair nicely, a groomed face for men and a minimal, natural make-up look for women (that is if you wear make-up), and a simple background like a brick wall.

“Everyone wants someone who is approachable and smiling is the cheapest way to do that,” says Maria Avgitidis, CEO and head matchmaker at Agave Match in New York City. “Looking into the camera shows you're ready to go and the eyes are the window into your soul.” Your picture should look like your best friend took it because you don’t want a photo that looks like you're posing at a cheesy mall portrait studio.

As for picture faux pas, online dating pictures, sunglasses, baseball hats, and a stone cold face don't make you look mysterious. If anything, online dating pictures, they make you look hard and unapproachable with a hidden agenda. (Check out these 17 signs that you're actually the toxic one in the relationship.)  “These profiles are one-dimensional,” says Michelle Frankel, founder of NYCity Matchmaking in New York, online dating pictures. “No one is finding a reason to go out with someone when they look at other people. But they are finding a reason not to go out with someone.”

Don’t be afraid to use the headshot as an opportunity to embrace who you are. If you have curly hair, let those ringlets run wild or if you wear glasses, throw them on for your picture. A little bit of acceptance and self-love can go a long way in finding true love. (These are the 8 things you should never post about your relationship on Facebook.)

Second photo: the full body shot

mimagephotography/Shutterstock

In an era where catfish (people online dating pictures create fake profiles and steal pictures from other people's profiles) wreak havoc all over online dating, the full body shot comes in handy.

“Women tend to lie about their age and weight while men tend to lie about their age and height,” says Janis Spindel. founder and matchmaker at Janis Spindel & Carly Spindell Serious Matchmaking in New York City. “If you’re posting body shots, it’s online dating pictures little harder to lie.”

The full body shot is your chance to flaunt your best attributes like your online dating pictures legs, toned arms, or the gentle curves of your hips. Your photos should be current and a year old at most. You should be dressed in an outfit that makes you feel like a hundred bucks whether it’s online dating pictures dashing suit you wore to your best friend’s wedding, the little black dress you wore out for a girls’ night, or your favorite pair of jeans.

“It’s about your attitude,” says Carly Spindel, matchmaker at Janis Spindel & Carly Spindel Serious Matchmaking in New York City. “If you feel great and you have on a great outfit that flatters your body, it exudes confidence and comes through in the photos.” Also, bear in mind that your dating profile was created to showcase you and no one or nothing else. Save the photos of your hot sports car, pets, expensive dinner, and group shots with friends for your social media accounts. Stop posting these 7 kinds of photos on social media!

Third photo: the lifestyle shot

Heather Goodman/ Shutterstock

The third photo is your opportunity to give a glimpse into your everyday life. The lifestyle photo should show you in action participating in your favorite activity, online dating pictures, hobby, or passion like cheering at a football game and donning your favorite team’s jersey or hiking up a mountain. “It should be a conversation starter,” says Frankel. “You want to give someone a reason to engage with you and ask you a question.” Just make sure the activity doesn’t detract from your looks or hide your face. But a heads up for beach bums, try to steer clear of the bathing suit photos. Sometimes they appear overtly sexual, which may attract the wrong type of online dating pictures or relationship you’re seeking. “Bikini tops and shirtless pictures attract the wrong kind of men and women,” says Carly Spindel. “I think you can show off your physique with a fitted dress or a nice button-down.” Your dating profile isn't the only page that says a lot about you as a person, your social media does too.

Fourth photo: the bonus shot

WAYHOME studio/Shutterstock

Four is the magic number for images you want to post on your dating profile. The fourth picture is like a freebie that gives you the freedom to post another full body shot or headshot, but show you in a different light. It could be you wearing a casual outfit, online dating pictures, a dolled up head shot, or a fun photo of your laughing. All four photos should be crisp with no pixelation to maintain that honest and true consistency of who you are throughout your profile photos.  “It’s about marketing yourself,” says Avgitidis, “Make sure you don’t take online dating too seriously, online dating pictures. Dating takes courage and everything will fall in place eventually.” These online dating pick-up lines are guaranteed to either get you the date or get ghosted.

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Our photographer has studied the success of body language and facial expressions, online dating pictures. He knows how to create eye-catching photos that won’t be quickly glanced over. Your new photos will catch more eyes and highlight your personality through naturally looking photos of your hobbies and interests.

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