Like A Pornstar

Like A Pornstar

Yes, You Should You Photoshop Your App Pics

No, I’m not recommending that you use photo editing equipment to LIE, but I do think you can use it to tell the truth better.   Here are examples of acceptable photo editing:

Removing Red Eye

Let’s say you have a great pic but the red eye makes you look like the Creature That Time Forgot.  There’s nothing wrong with taking it out.  But keep it honest—don’t replace it with a color your eyes have never been.

Increase the contrast to make your skin seem clearer.

Just make sure you’re not giving yourself an alabaster look, Mr. Olive Skin. 

Cropping

If there’s a huge amount of space between your head and the top of the

photo, you will look short (GASP!).  Whether or not you are actually short, make sure you crop the photograph so that there is little to no space between the top of the photograph and your head.  It’ll make for a better pic.

My Recommendations On Photo Editing Applications

You don’t need to spend $800 on Adobe’s Photoshop to do the simple things you need for a dating site.  Here are my recommendations (all free or reasonably priced):

MAC

iPhoto (comes installed free but about $79 if you want to upgrade).  http://www.apple.com/ilife/

GraphicConverter ($39.95).  http://www.lemkesoft.com/content/188/graphicconverter.html

Pixelmator  ($59)  http://www.pixelmator.com/

PC

Corel PaintShop Photo Pro X3         http://store1.corel.com/

Photo Explosion   http://www.avanquest.com/USA/software/

 

MAC & PC

GIMP.  Without a doubt the most advanced FREE photo imaging application out there.  The only rap on it is that the learning curve is a bit steep.  Download at:  http://www.gimp.org/downloads/

And now for the one of the most controversial questions on hookup sites:

SUMMARY (from the series so far)

  • Take more than 50 digital photos.  You’ll need lots to choose from, plus you should rotate pictures to keep them fresh.

 

  • Avoid self-portraits.  They’re mediocre at best; creepy-looking at worst.  If you can’t find a friend to take them for you, at least use the automatic snap function on a real camera.

 

  • Use my Rule Of Nines to eliminate all doubt about what you look like.  For hookup sites:   three body shots, three face shots and three shots with face connected to body.  For dating sites:  Three body shots (don’t edit out face), three face shots, three action shots (doing something you love).

 

  • Photo Guidelines:  SMILE, pretend you’re looking at somebody you find attractive, look directly at the camera, ditch the sunglasses and baseball caps, use natural lighting, don’t just use eye-level shots–mix up different angles.

 

  • Do not post pictures of your penis or that other orifice you sit on.  

 

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