Field notes

Honest guides to dating photos.

What the research actually says about profiles, photos, and matching — no looksmaxxing, no hacks, no filler. From the makers of DateMe.

/ 01July 10, 20266 min

Why You Can't Pick Your Own Dating Photos (the Science)

Strangers pick better dating photos of you than you do. A UNSW study found other-selected images made stronger first impressions — here's why.

/ 02July 10, 20267 min

Why Am I Not Getting Matches? An Honest Diagnostic

Not getting matches? Photos are usually the fix, not you. A step-by-step diagnostic: lead photos, bios, filters, and the market math nobody explains.

/ 03July 10, 20267 min

How to Choose Your Hinge Photos (and What Order)

Lead with a clear, solo, genuinely smiling photo, then cover full body, activity, and social shots. What to cut, what order works, and why.

/ 04July 10, 20265 min

8 Dating Profile Photo Mistakes (and the Fix for Each)

Eight fixable dating profile photo mistakes — hidden faces, group-shot leads, gym mirrors, stale photos — and the exact one-line fix for each.

/ 05July 10, 20267 min

Best First Photo for Your Dating Profile, Backed by Research

The best first dating profile photo is a solo, recent shot of your face in natural light, with a genuine smile and eye contact. Here's the evidence.

/ 06July 10, 20267 min

Are AI Dating Photo Analyzers Private? What to Check

It depends where the AI runs. On-device analysis keeps photos on your phone; cloud tools may retain, reuse, or share them. Here's what to check first.