Photos that look like you, not a version you have to live up to
Dating profile photography designed with calm guidance, thoughtful planning, and clear recommendations on which images to use.
So you look genuinely good without feeling like someone you’re not.
To respect the privacy of my dating profile photography clients, the images you see here are generally of my business clients
For people who want to feel good about showing up
These sessions are for both men and women who want dating profile photos that feel considered, flattering, and genuinely like them.
You might be coming back to dating after a long break, or trying something new at a different stage of life. You may feel a bit awkward about being photographed, or worry that photos never quite do you justice. You might also know that the images you’re using now are out of date, inconsistent, or not really helping you feel comfortable putting yourself out there.
You don’t need to love being in front of the camera, and you don’t need to know how to pose. I’ll guide you throughout, help you feel at ease, and make sure you look genuinely good in a way that still feels recognisable and true to you.
This is about creating photos you feel happy to use, confident sharing, and comfortable putting out into the world. It's not about documenting every hobby or interest you have; it’s about creating a clear, balanced set of images that give an honest sense of who you are.
What usually gets in the way
For many people, putting themselves back into the dating world takes a huge amount of courage. Deciding to be visible again, in any form, isn’t a small thing.
Photos often become the point where everything feels harder. You might be relying on images that are several years old, cropped from group shots, or taken in a rush because nothing else feels usable. You may even have professional photos already, but they don’t quite feel like you, or they feel too posed, too stiff, or uncomfortable to share.
It’s also very common to worry about being “unphotogenic”, not knowing what to do in front of the camera, or feeling anxious about how you’ll come across. Some people worry about looking misleading, or ending up with photos they then feel pressure to live up to.
None of this means you’re doing anything wrong. It just means you’re human.
That’s exactly why my process is planned, guided, and unrushed. The aim isn’t to push you past discomfort, but to support you through it and create photos that feel honest, flattering, and usable.
How the process works
Before the shoot
We start with a relaxed video call before your session. This is where we talk through what you want your photos to say about you, how you’d like to come across, and anything that feels important or uncertain right now.
We’ll choose a location together and chat through clothing ideas, small details, and practicalities, so you feel clear and prepared rather than second-guessing things. You don’t need to have it all figured out in advance. That’s what this stage is for.
Dating profile sessions are up to one hour in total and are usually based in one primary location. We focus on creating a small, cohesive set of images within that setting, rather than building multiple styled scenarios.
During the shoot
On the day, you don’t need to arrive knowing what to do. (Most people don't!)
I’ll guide you throughout and give clear, practical direction so you’re never left wondering what’s expected.
We work at a steady, unhurried pace, with time to adjust, pause, or change things if needed. The focus is on helping you feel at ease and making sure the photos feel natural, flattering, and recognisable.
After the shoot
After your session, I’ll carefully edit the strongest images and share them with you in a private online gallery. From there, you can take your time choosing the photos you’d like to use.
If you’d find it helpful, I’ll also go through the gallery and recommend which to select, explaining why each image works and how they balance together as a set. Most people find this particularly reassuring, as choosing can feel surprisingly difficult when it’s your own face.
There’s no pressure and no rush. The aim is to make sure you end up with images you feel good about sharing and comfortable using.
Ten images are included in the fee, but you're welcome to purchase more.
What’s included in the dating profile photos package
£250
BEFORE
DURING
AFTER
This is more than just a photo shoot - it's an investment in yourself and in the new connections you hope to make
Support with the words if you'd find it useful
I believe photos and words work best when they’re aligned. Images help people feel who you are, and words help them understand you.
That’s why I’m pleased to collaborate with Edinburgh-based dating coach and behavioural scientist Dr Mairi Macleod of Dating Evolved.
Mairi offers a Dating Profile Review service designed to help you express who you are and what you’re looking for, in a way that feels natural, confident, and appealing to the right people.
If writing about yourself feels harder than being photographed, this can be a really helpful next step.
As one of my clients, you can use the code DPR30 at her checkout to receive 30% off her Dating Profile Review. This includes:
It works well alongside your photos, helping you feel clearer and more settled about how you’re presenting yourself online.
If you’re feeling unsure about dating again more generally, my blog post on midlife dating support: why it needs to be different may also help you feel more at ease about dating again and how you show up.
Dr Mairi Macleod is a behavioural scientist, writer, and dating consultant. She’s spent many years researching human behaviour and writing about it for the press.
Having been through the challenges of finding a new partner in later life and developing a way to successfully navigate this using a scientific approach, she now teaches other women over 50 how to find the right man for them via her Dating Evolved online program.
If you’re over 40 and feeling unsure about dating again, my blog post on [midlife dating support – why it needs to be different](insert URL) might help you feel more at ease about this stage of life and how you present yourself.
FAQs about dating profile photos
Dating profile photography comes with lots of practical questions, especially if you haven’t been photographed professionally before. These FAQs cover what to expect, how the session works, what to wear, how locations are chosen, how editing is handled, timings, privacy, and how I support you on the day.
I'm camera-shy and hate being photographed - how do you help with this?
Feeling uneasy in front of a camera is extremely common, especially with dating profile photos. You’re not unusual, and you’re certainly not a problem to fix.
Before the shoot, we’ll talk things through so I understand what makes you feel most comfortable and what you’re worried about. On the day, everything moves at your pace. If you need a pause, we pause. If you want clear guidance, I’ll give it.
My job is to help you feel supported and well directed, so the photos look natural and recognisable, not forced or awkward. Most people tell me they feel far more comfortable than they expected by the end.
What should I wear for my dating profile photos, and do you offer any styling advice?
Once you’ve booked, I’ll send you a detailed what-to-wear and prep guide. It covers outfit ideas, colours, fabrics, and the small details that make a big difference on camera.
If you’re still unsure, you can always run options past me. I’m also happy to recommend trusted hair, make-up, or personal styling support if that would help you feel more confident on the day.
Do you recommend indoor or outdoor locations, and can you help me choose where we go?
I photograph dating profile sessions on location rather than in a studio, as it allows far more personality to come through.
I’ll suggest locations in and around Edinburgh that suit your style, preferences, and how you want to come across. This might be outdoors, indoors in a public space, or based in your home, as long as everything fits comfortably within the one-hour session.
You may also find inspiration in my article on the The best locations in Edinburgh for dating profile photos which shows the range of environments we can use.
Can we include more than one outfit, and if so, how do we fit that into the session?
Yes. You’re welcome to bring a change of outfit, or even just a different jacket or accessories, to add variety.
With up to an hour for the session, there’s usually time for one or two quick changes. If you have specific ideas, we’ll plan ahead so the session flows smoothly.
How much direction will you give me on posing so that I look natural?
I’ll give you as much guidance as you need. You don’t need to know how to pose or what to do with your hands.
I’ll guide you on posture, angles, and positioning in a way that feels straightforward and manageable. The aim is for the photos to look easy and natural, without you feeling self-conscious or over-directed.
Can I include my pet in the photos?
If you’d like to include a pet, we’ll plan the session around that. This works best when we’re based in your home or in a suitable outdoor location where everything fits comfortably within the one-hour session. The focus will still be on you, but your pet can naturally form part of the story.
Dogs and cats are very welcome. Snakes are not – I’m afraid that’s a hard no from me! (*shudder)
Will you retouch or edit my images, and how do you make sure they still look like me?
I’ll give you as much guidance as you need. You don’t need to know how to pose or what to do with your hands.
I’ll guide you on posture, angles, and positioning in a way that feels straightforward and manageable. The aim is for the photos to look easy and natural, without you feeling self-conscious or over-directed.
How many photos will I receive, and when?
After the session, I’ll upload a selection of the strongest images to a private online gallery. You’ll choose ten fully finished images to keep.
If you’d like more, additional images are available at £20 each. Galleries are usually delivered within one to two weeks, as I take care to finish everything properly.
Can I keep my images private?
Yes. I understand that privacy matters with dating profile photography.
I may use images in my portfolio, but I never identify anyone as a dating profile client or share names or personal details. If you’d prefer that none of your images are used publicly, just let me know and we’ll discuss that option.
What if I'm not comfortable with certain parts of my body being visible?
That’s absolutely fine. I’ll always ask in advance if there’s anything you’d like to emphasise or downplay.
I’ll pose and frame you in ways that feel comfortable and respectful. If something doesn’t feel right, we simply won’t do it. The aim is always to create images that feel natural and appropriate for dating platforms, rather than highly physique-focused or performance-based shots.
How long does the photo session usually last, and can it be extended?
A standard dating profile photo session lasts up to one hour, which is usually plenty of time for a good range of images.
If you feel you’d need significantly more time or multiple locations, that would move into a different type of commission, which we can discuss separately.
How do I know which photos to choose for my profile?
Choosing your own images can feel surprisingly difficult. I’m happy to review your gallery and recommend a balanced set, explaining why each image works and how they complement each other.
Can children or other people be included in the photos?
Dating profile sessions are designed to focus on you. I don’t include minors in dating photography, and I generally avoid having other people in the frame, as it can create confusion about your circumstances. If there’s a particular lifestyle element you’d like to suggest, we can usually communicate that through setting and tone rather than with additional people.
Helpful articles about dating profile photography:
Articles from my brand photography blog you may find useful:
DONNA GREEN
BRAND photographer edinburgh Scotland
DONNA GREEN
PErsonal branding photographer edinburgh Scotland
Headshot and Personal Branding Photographer Edinburgh Scotland - covering Lothians, Scottish Borders, Fife, Glasgow, central Scotland, Lanarkshire, Scottish Borders, Highlands & Islands
Also offering family photography in Edinburgh
Headshot and Personal Branding Photographer Edinburgh Scotland - covering Lothians, Scottish Borders, Fife, Glasgow, central Scotland, Lanarkshire, Scottish Borders, Highlands & Islands
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If you're deciding what kind of photography your business actually needs, my Ultimate guide to brand photography and business headshots in Scotland sets it out clearly. You can also download the Brand photo shoot starter kit for a structured way to plan the images your business needs.
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