The number of folks actively using online dating websites is staggering. But even though you already know this because you read that in the Pew Internet Report and the national census data, you also know that statistically, based on statistical data alone, over half of all the population has at least tried online dating, is currently online dating, or discovered their soul mate through an internet dating website. And you also know that online dating has so many benefits. And of these benefits, one of the biggest benefits is a potentially successful business for internet dating websites. Let’s talk about this for a moment.
So now that we’ve established what dating profile pictures photography is, let’s discuss why it might be a great opportunity for an internet photographer to start building a personal brand online. Here’s my thinking: When you’re online dating, you’re essentially building your brand as a photographer.
You put up your work, you put up your personality. You share pictures, videos, thoughts, and ideas about who you are. And then when you have a matching client, you take the chance that they’ll find you through all the “back and forth” that happens between clients and photographers.
Now consider for a second how these two pictures compare. A social network is not a “dating site” per se-the interaction between two people that goes beyond the typical browsing or “chatting” that happens in many traditional venues. (And there’s nothing wrong with that! It’s just that we’ve all become a little lazier about engaging our social networks.)
What you’d be doing with online dating photography is presenting a different version of yourself to potential clients. You can present yourself in a light that reveals a soft side that’s more honest, a passionate side that’s a little less polished, but an honest, passionate side that gives the person a good impression. The difference between these two photos would be that one is “sparky” and fun, while the other showcases a more serious, real version of yourself. It might not be a huge difference visually, but it sure as heck is a big difference emotionally.
So, you can see why it makes sense for a photographer to shoot online dating photography for both his/her brand and/or for his/her business. He/she can build his/her brand by sharing their personality and their interests with others. They can also build their professional brand by proving to people that they’re real people behind the camera.
And the best part is it doesn’t cost them a dime! It costs them less than $100 to post an image on their website, a few dollars to post a photo in a magazine, and several more dollars to take that same photo in professional settings that will be professionally retouched and edited to show off the brand’s personality.
Now that you know why online dating photography for your business and/or personal brand is important, start searching for those photographers who are members of online dating sites. Most of them have profiles, you can browse through to get an idea of how they present themselves, and what type of images they have to share. It’s worth taking a look at their profiles if you want to find an expert in your field.
