A winning profile (matrimonial or otherwise) starts with eye-catching photos - after all, research shows that visuals carry the most weight in making snap judgements.

Here are some tips to ensure you showcase your best side for the world to see:

• Smile! - Stern, sober faces are for government photos - let the pleasant side of your personality shine through in your pictures! 

• Utilize natural lighting - There’s something about natural lighting - especially in the magical portion of the evening known as ‘golden hour’ - that results in the warmest, most visually-appealing photos. The exact opposite (that you’d want to avoid) is taking pictures at night or in low lighting.

• Focus on the quality - Keep an eye out for low resolution and blurriness in your images. 

• Scan your background - Random dogs, trash bins, cracked, decaying walls - the prettiest outfit is dulled by a sad/chaotic background.

• Showcase your personality -Take a variety of photos in different outfits (casual and formal) and in a range of environments you’re comfortable in (over water, on bridges, in scenic parks, cafes, etc.).

• Opt for portrait mode/bokeh - On a good camera, these modes result in professional-looking shots. 

• Or consider professional photography - Get an experienced friend or a studio to take your pictures, but try to keep it natural looking! Selfies are not recommended.

• The more, the better! -Take a LARGE number of photographs, (2 -3 outfits, 3-4 locations, 3-4 shots in each location) and have a trusted pair of eyes help you select the top 3.

Following these tips on lighting, background, outfits, and camera usage should enable you to create a portfolio that showcases yourself in the best possible light (and why wouldn’t you want the world to see the best that you could be?)

Happy snapping!