A matchmaker reviewed 27-year-old's Tinder profile and explained how to make his photos seem more original

Julia NaftulinJan 13, 2024, 14:38 IST

Calvin said he aims to be genuine in his Tinder profile, but sometimes wonders if he's being too honest.Insider<ul class="summary-list"><li>Calvin submitted his Tinder profile for review by an expert as part of <a target="_blank" rel href="https://www.insider.com/category/dating-app-clinic">Insider's Dating App Clinic</a>.</li><li>Matchmaker Devyn Simone suggested Calvin replace photos where he's holding wine bottles and wearing sunglasses.</li></ul>Calvin, a 27-year-old using Tinder to date, submitted his profile for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/nato-not-attached-to-outcome-dating-apps-advice-2023-10">Insider's Dating App Clinic</a>, a series where we ask experts how to revamp your dating profiles to increase your chances of finding a match.Calvin said he's looking to date women. He's seeking someone who is adventurous, relaxed, and confident. He said his deal breakers are someone seeking a non-monogamous relationship, and someone who has no passions, or doesn't give others the benefit of the doubt."I care a lot about my work, I'm passionate and serious about beverages and food, and I'm aggressively adventurous in seeking out new experiences," Calvin told Insider. He said his ultimate goal is a long-term partnership."I want to find someone to see the world with, and someone who will have my back while I have theirs," Calvin said.He said he thinks he illustrates his positive qualities well in his profile, but wonders if he's being too genuine at times.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/devynsimone/?hl=en">Devyn Simone</a>, a matchmaker and Tinder's resident relationship expert, told Insider how Calvin could update his dating profile to increase his chances of finding a match.

Simone said Calvin is off to a good start, but his photo selection could be more varied.

Calvin submitted his Tinder profile to Insider's Dating App Clinic.Insider

According to Simone, a dating app profile should include photos that tell a story about who that person is, including their interests and personality.

While Calvin's written bio and his Dating App Clinic submission make it clear that he's got a great sense of self, that message falls flat with his photos, Simone said.

She suggested Calvin focus on taking some new photographs, focusing on bright lighting and a variety of settings to boost visual interest.

According to Simone, a dating app profile should include photos that tell a story about who that person is, including their interests and personality.

While Calvin's written bio and his Dating App Clinic submission make it clear that he's got a great sense of self, that message falls flat with his photos, Simone said.

She suggested Calvin focus on taking some new photographs, focusing on bright lighting and a variety of settings to boost visual interest.

Simone enjoyed how Calvin was honest and direct in his written profile.

Simone said Calvin had an eye-catching and informative opening line.Insider

"I love how strong the first sentence is. It's clear what he's looking for. It also shows that he's put some thought into his ideal partner," Simone said.

Since Calvin didn't call out any of his deal breakers in his profile, Simone suggested he tack on a line that read something like, "I appreciate someone with a passion for something. What's something unique that you're into?"

This can also be a way to spark conversation with a potential match, Simone said.

She also liked how Calvin called out his interests without rambling on about them, though she would replace the word "weird," she told Insider.

"While it's clear that he means it to be playful, coming from a stranger, that word could potentially signal a lot of different things," Simone said.

She'd replace it with something like: "I'm really into the work that I do. I also dig new experiences, unique art, unique wine, and unique movies."

I love how strong the first sentence is. It's clear what he's looking for. It also shows that he's put some thought into his ideal partner, Simone said.

Since Calvin didn't call out any of his deal breakers in his profile, Simone suggested he tack on a line that read something like, I appreciate someone with a passion for something. What's something unique that you're into?

This can also be a way to spark conversation with a potential match, Simone said.

She also liked how Calvin called out his interests without rambling on about them, though she would replace the word weird, she told Insider.

While it's clear that he means it to be playful, coming from a stranger, that word could potentially signal a lot of different things, Simone said.

She'd replace it with something like: I'm really into the work that I do. I also dig new experiences, unique art, unique wine, and unique movies.

Simone said Calvin should consider making this well-lit shot the first photo in his profile.

Simone suggested Calvin make this his main photo.Insider

"It's brighter than the others, which feels more inviting. And it shows him doing something he enjoys, while alluding to his work," Simone said.

Simone liked how this photo offers a taste of Calvin's humor and personality.

Simone said it's good to show off your quirky side, like Calvin does here with his lobster pal.Insider

Simone said she gets a quirky vibe from Calvin here. She recommended he keep this shot so potential matches see that side of him while swiping.

Simone said Calvin should replace this photo with one that doesn't feature a wine bottle.

Calvin should replace this photo, a matchmaker said.Insider

According to Simone, Calvin's photo choices feel a bit repetitive because they feature similar elements like wine bottles and an apron. Calvin also has three photos that show him in sunglasses, which further makes his profile appear too uniform.

She said that it's important to use photos to show your passions and interests while creating enough visual variety to keep potential matches engaged.

Simone said that Calvin should replace this photo with one that shows that he's more than the work he does. A shot that shows Calvin doing a hobby he mentioned in his written bio would round out his profile well, she said.

And if Calvin is worried that eliminating this or other photos will downplay his passion for his job, Simone suggested writing about that in his written bio.

She said that it's important to use photos to show your passions and interests while creating enough visual variety to keep potential matches engaged.

And if Calvin is worried that eliminating this or other photos will downplay his passion for his job, Simone suggested writing about that in his written bio.

Calvin should also replace this photo with a full-body one, Simone said.

Skip the sunglasses in your dating profile, experts say.Insider.

Generally, dating experts recommend avoiding sunglasses, hats, and other accessories that obscure your eyes from potential matches, Insider previously reported.

Simone said she thinks it's OK for Calvin to include his sunglasses in one photo, so long as he updates his other photos to offer a complete idea of what he looks like and has to offer.

"It's important that potential matches can see you, and that includes seeing your eyes," Simone said.