When signing up for an online dating site such as eHarmony or Match.com, the goal is ultimately to connect with another person who might not otherwise have been able to meet. Just as with a job interview, making the first impression can often single-handedly determine the outcome of the relationship. When making a split second impression is so important, it is vital to do everything possible to make it the greatest impression. One quick and easy step to accomplishing this is to have a professional picture for a profile picture instead of an amateur photograph.

The difference between a professional photograph and an amateur photograph does not come down to one being a true reflection of a person and one being a doctored or edited image. It is merely the difference between looking the best possible and utilizing every advantage that a person in the professional field of photography can provide versus risking bad lighting, bad framing, or otherwise less quality. Some of the most important aspects of a first impression are dependent upon the physical look of a person. A professional photograph will be able to communicate what hairstyle flatters the best, what lighting provides the best skin complexion, what framing provides a younger or older and mature look depending upon what is desired. All of these aspects are ones that would be very difficult or even impossible for the general person to fully take advantage of on their own.

If there is only one split second chance to impress another person, why leave anything to chance than there already is? For the piece of mind it provides, paying to have a professional photograph taken is a very minimal cost. Additionally, once the perfect picture is captured, it can be used again and again on multiple dating and networking sites depending upon preference. This is because a professional photograph can hold up and better conceal the signs of aging than an amateur photograph can. A professional photographer will also take away some of the stress associated with finding the perfect picture. Instead of having to hunt through multiple amateur takes, a professional will quickly locate the best one and provide it. Overall, the advantages of having a professional taken photograph greatly outweigh the disadvantages. Additionally, once a professional image is captured,  supplemental amateur photographs can be added as an afterthought.

Take advantage of a professional photographer and allow them to provide the best reflection of an individual that they can. They are trained in all aspects of photography and are best able to use the tools and tricks of the trade to devise a perfect and real image every time.
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