Dating photographer in London for camera-shy people

I’m Molly, your dating photographer in London. I get it, the idea of having professional dating app photos done sounds cringe and makes you want to crawl back under the duvet and never emerge. You are not alone! 

Most people hate the idea of having their photo taken, but if you’re hoping to make genuine connections online, then here’s why having some knockout photos on your dating profile really matters. 

First impressions are formed almost instantly. In your bio, you can go into how much you love your friends or scuba diving and how your favourite food ever is toast. But in reality, most people won’t read that bit, and the blurry selfie you took last week in the loos has already made up their mind about you and your lovable toast snaffling ways. 

Profiles with high quality, natural looking images are rated as more attractive and get more positive responses. People connect with authenticity and personality over heavily filtered photos every time, so think about professional photos as upgrading your profile, just like you do when you re-write your bio. 

Don’t use generic terms like “I don’t take myself too seriously”, instead, include things that that a potential match can connect with like; “I’m a mildly ridiculous gardening-obsessed, travel enthusiast, photography fanatic with a deep love of cake and cheese!” (Oh hang on, that’s me!) 

P.s. you can read my bio here if you want to find out a bit more about me. I digress. 

Good online dating photos don’t mean looking conventionally ‘perfect’, they mean being authentic to you. I’ll help you to upgrade your dating photos so your ideal person will hang about for long enough to discover that you both really, really, really love marmite. (Me too btw). 

Even the most well-intentioned selfies can sabotage your profile. Here’s what might be putting people off (and how to fix it).

Apparently, one-third of online dating photos don’t actually look like the person even though most people think that theirs do (you know who I’m talking about). Having honest, well-lit images that show you at your best will build that all important trust and connection early on.

Here are some really common issues with dating app photos that will ultimately hinder your chances of finding a match online. 

Overly filtered or retouched photos

They look unnatural and can create mistrust when you meet in person. I keep all my editing super natural and my colours are true to life, so your dating photos will actually look like you. 

Group shots only 

No-one can guess which one you are. 

Old photos from 2015

That was a decade ago and no longer qualifies as recent. Your matches want to see what you look like right now. 

Blurry iPhone pics

Your iPhone has a nice camera, but phone pics can be notoriously poor quality when incorrectly formatted for online. I’ll re-size all your dating images properly for you, so they’ll keep their amazing quality when you upload them.

Travel photos with sunglasses or hats in every shot

You can’t build a connection if people can’t see your face and eye contact can make all the difference. Sunglasses are a great look, but not in Every. Single. Photo.

You don’t need to be photogenic (whatever that means) you just need to feel like yourself. These are my tips to make sure your photos stay true to you. Having natural, high quality photos is a great way to establish trust early on and reassure your matches that you’re not a bot, or a chatfish. 

1. Wear clothes that you feel confident and comfortable in. I can help you pick outfits if you’re not sure what might work well on camera. 

2. Choose locations that feel like you. Your favourite local park or coffee shop, a local farmer’s market that you love (don’t worry I won’t take any photos of you shoving street food down your face).

3. Keep it informal. My photoshoots are super relaxed and designed to put you at ease and help you feel like your best self.

4. Get moving! We can go for a walk, have a chat and pause for photos along the way. I find the most natural shots happen when you’ve forgotten why I’m there and we’re just having a wander. 

5. Bring your dog or meet a friend along the way. It’s great for variety and bringing out your best vibes.

Curious how I can make you look like you actually like having your photo taken? Let’s chat!

If the idea of being photographed makes you want to evaporate into thin air, my photoshoots are designed for you. My approach is friendly, relaxed and designed to feel like hanging out with a friend who just so happens to have brought their pro camera to your meet up. 

I use gentle direction to help you to feel comfortable and will guide you during your photoshoot even if you feel awkward or nervous having your photo taken. 

I’ll tell you what to do with your hands, and I will get a real laugh out of you. Even if you feel like Elsa the ice queen trapped in your drafty ice palace for 100 years. 

Sound like we’d be a great fit? Just pop me a message and I’ll let you know my availability, weekend dates fill up fast!

If you’ve never done a professional photoshoot before, here’s what to expect from the process so you can relax and enjoy it.

1. Get in touch!

So first things first, get in touch and I can let you know my availability for your photoshoot.

2. Book your photoshoot

To book your photoshoot, you’ll pay £375 for my smallest digital image package, If I Can’t Have You, which includes your favourite 3 images and is non-refundable.

You also have the option to upgrade your package to include more images (my full prices are below).

3. Let’s get planning

As a rule, you need one really amazing headshot showing your face and a full length photo as well. We can plan some photos with your cat/dog (or other adorable pet), maybe some with a friend, at a cafe, or doing a hobby you love. I’ll guide you through the planning process so it’s completely personal to you.

4. Enjoy your photoshoot

My dating photoshoots last 1 hour. There’s time to visit a couple of spots or change outfits if you’d like.

5. Choose your images or upgrade your package

After your photoshoot (within 2 weeks) I’ll send you a private password protected online gallery of your fully edited images for you to choose which ones you’d like to keep.

Your favourite 3 are included with your initial package and you have the option to upgrade your package to include more images (my full prices are below).

Ready to start planning your shoot? Pop me a message and we can talk about what kind of photos would help you feel most like yourself.

Book your photoshoot for £375 with my If I Can’t Have You package, which includes your favourite 3 images. You can easily upgrade your package after your shoot if you’d like more.

I offer split payments of 50% due to secure your date, then 50% due the day before your photoshoot.