You’ve probably heard that you should have at least one smiling photo on your online dating profile: “Just smile!”, they say. But here’s the catch—if that smile isn’t real, it might be doing more harm than good.
As an online dating photographer, I’ve seen this issue over and over again: people showing up with good lighting, flattering outfits, and...a fake smile. And it kills the vibe.
Whether you're DIY-ing your Hinge profile pics or working with a dating photographer (hi, that’s me 👋), understanding the power of genuine expression is a game-changer for your online dating success.
A fake smile is like a mouth-only performance. Your lips pull into a grin, but the rest of your face stays uninvolved. The eyes? Blank. The energy? Flat. It’s the “smile for the camera” default most of us slip into automatically.
The first photo shows a classic "I've been told I should smile" fake smile. Not terrible, just...meh.
The second photo? That’s a real, full-face, lit-up smile—and you can feel the difference.
Let’s look at another example.
See the different? Left photo = fake smile. Right photo = REAL.
Most people aren’t consciously analyzing your photos like a body language expert. But we’re wired to pick up on subtle emotional cues—and fake smiles set off alarm bells.
Here’s how a fake smile can land:
On the flip side, a genuine smile triggers people’s built-in empathy and attraction systems. A real smile makes you look relaxed, confident, and totally un-self-conscious. That’s hot 🔥.
Speaking of hot...
Let’s make this really clear: a genuine smile doesn’t just make you look friendly—it literally makes you more attractive.
It’s been shown to light up people’s mirror neurons, which means your viewers actually feel your emotion in their own bodies. That emotional connection is gold when you're trying to stand out in a sea of dating profiles.
Here’s the twist: you can be stunning, stylish, and well-lit—and still come off as awkward or unappealing if your smile is fake.
Case in point:
This was a giant ad in the window of a chic boutique in Tampa FL.
Objectively speaking, this girl is a babe! But her expression is giving “hostage situation.” Her eyes aren’t engaged, her energy is frozen, and, instead of a smile, her mouth feels like a grimace; what should be captivating just ends up feeling cringey.
Meanwhile, someone with an average face and a deeply genuine smile? Magnetic 🧲.
In online dating photos, authenticity > perfection every single time.
Ready to upgrade your dating profile photos and ditch the fake smiles for good? Here's how.
Don’t leap into a grin the moment a camera appears. Give yourself a beat. Take a breath. Move. Feel something real before you smile. (pssst-- if I'm the one behind the camera the smiles will come easy 😘)
Instead of trying to “look happy,” focus on feeling connected or amused. Think about your favorite person. Imagine telling a silly story. The emotion will show up on your face naturally.
A relaxed, open expression with warm eye contact can be just as compelling—especially if you’re someone who doesn’t usually beam. The key is emotional presence, not showing teeth.
Dating photos aren’t just about showing what you look like—they’re telling people how it feels to be around you.
When your expressions are real, your profile radiates confidence, connection, and presence. When they’re fake, even your best features can fall flat.
So whether you're working with a dating photographer or snapping your own pics, remember: your face doesn’t have to be perfect—just honest.
Because the hottest thing in a dating photo? Being you
BONUS: Want Photos That Actually Work on Dating Apps?
If you’re ready to get dating photos that highlight the real, magnetic you—check out my online dating photography services. I’ll help you ditch the cringe and capture the kind of photos that make people want to match with you.
I help people find love on dating apps like Hinge and Bumble. My superpower as a professional dating profile photographer is less about photography skills and more about my way with people. I make regular folks look confident, warm, totally genuine, and effortlessly magnetic in their online dating photos by making them *feel* confident, warm, and magnetic in real life.
