A profile with a photo gets far more replies than one without, and you do not need to look like a film star. A bit of daylight and a willing helper are all it takes. Here are five easy tips.
A natural smile is the best thing you can put in a photo. Think of something that makes you laugh, perhaps a famous All Blacks win, or the mokopuna trying to explain what an emoji is, and let it show.
Daylight is far kinder than a ceiling light. Sit by a window or out on the deck in the shade, away from the harsh midday sun. A second photo of you doing something you enjoy, at the bowls club, in the vege garden or with the dog, gives people something to ask about.
Dating sites crop photos to fit, so keep your face near the centre with a little room around it. Ask your helper to hold the phone at your eye level and check the photo is sharp. A head and shoulders shot is best as your main picture.
That photo from the family reunion at the bach may be a favourite, but with twenty relatives in it nobody will know which one is you. Pick photos of you on your own, and keep pictures of a late spouse or former partner for the family album.
Use photos from the last year or so. Your date will be looking for the person in the picture when you walk into the cafe. Ask a son, daughter or grandchild to take a few snaps and pick your favourite two or three.