Black and white photos have that timeless, classic look that is hard not to love. But is adding one to your dating profile actually a good idea?
Here are 3 reasons the answer might be “yes”.
Quick disclaimer: if your dating profile is missing the essentials — a strong headshot, clear full-body photo, genuine smile, and a photo that shows what you’re actually into — no filter will save it. (If you're not familiar with the essentials — Start here)
According to a Hinge report, black and white photos are 106% more likely to receive a like — yet they make up only 3% of photos on dating apps.
On swipe-heavy apps, visual contrast matters. When most profiles are full color, a black and white image stands out instantly.
Important: One BW photo is the sweet spot. More ≠ better.
If there’s something distracting in the background of an otherwise good dating photo (a bright recycle bin, bold signage, etc.), converting it to black and white can reduce that visual competition.
You don’t want background elements stealing attention from you. Bright colors draw the eye first. Removing color simplifies the image and helps keep focus where it belongs.
Sometimes a photo that feels borderline usable in color becomes clean and strong in black and white.
Hey — while you're fine-tuning your dating photos, make sure to remove these 5 photos from your dating profile.
Ideally, you’re wearing different outfits in each of your dating profile photos. Along with varied settings, changing your clothes shows range and makes it easy for your ideal matches to imagine spending time with you in different contexts.
But sometimes, as luck would have it, you end up with multiple great photos in the same outfit — maybe from the same event or photoshoot. If this happens, converting one to black and white can make the images feel distinct enough to include both.
Even if one is black and white, don’t place photos in the same outfit back-to-back on your dating profile.
One final reason to include black and white dating photos on your profile (which isn’t really a reason so much as it is permission) — just because you like it.
If you want expert, human feedback on your actual photos, the Gut Check is a short, honest video review.
($75 · 3-day turnaround)