What makes a good picture to add to your profile?

HealingSystemHealingSystem
in General

Hey there, I was trying to title this, but I guess it didn't really come out right, I'm not really sure how I want to say this.
I'm blind, so the whole profile picture thing doesn't really make any sense to me. And I don't really understand it. So can someone tell me what makes a good profile picture? I know that it should be of yourself, but what are the specifics that you should do?
Also, is my profile picture good? I only have one in there. Honestly, the only reason that I have it in there is because people recommended that I should have a picture of myself in my profile, so that's why I did it. I just picked a random one from my selfies category in my camera roll, and I just put it in there, hoping that it was decent. If it's not, can someone message me and help me figure out which pictures would be the best to put up there? It would be cool if someone Could let me know what looks good and what doesn't.

Comments

  • CuddleHugs01234CuddleHugs01234

    I think yours is good. You could smile in one and also post that.

  • HealingSystemHealingSystem

    @CuddleHugs01234 oh I wasn't smiling? Well, that's interesting. I don't really know how to make myself smile, so you might be hard-pressed to get one of those.

  • MonkeyNeedsAHugMonkeyNeedsAHug
    edited October 2024

    @HealingSystem

    Like laughter, natural smiles often occur involuntarily. They’re part of a whole world of nonverbal signaling that helps people (and animals) to communicate and understand one another’s moods and intentions. And people’s faces seem to “light up” when they are genuinely happy.

    I’m sure we hear a similar cue in a person’s voice. But for most people, sight provides the first information about another’s state of mind. We have evolved to pay a whole lot of attention to these cues, and sighted people will react to them, and infer a lot about you in a glance, whether or not we intend to.

    So, if you’re going to post a public picture or two, it might be a good idea to show people the kindest, sweetest face you can. To do that, I suggest you hire a professional photographer or call in a favor from a sighted friend who is good with a camera.

    Have them on hand while you’re doing something that makes you happy. Wrestle with some puppies. Listen to some stand-up comedy. Or play a tune that makes you feel really joyful.

    And ask them to capture some snaps of your face in those moments. Try not to think about the camera at all. And, definitely do not try to fake a smile or “pose”.

    Sighted people can usually tell with ease whether a picture is of someone who is genuinely happy. And we are often repulsed by fake smiles. I’m sure we can imagine why that’s the case, from an evolutionary point of view.

    Good luck,

    🐒

    PS My profile pic is of a stuffed monkey from a particular episode of “Black Mirror”. But I try to send a real picture to anyone I correspond with here.

    Editing to add: I never considered whether smiling is truly innate behavior or something we learn through sight. Looking now.

    Second edit. Seems innate. Here’s a good link if you’re curious.

    https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1469-7610.1964.tb02139.x#:~:text=It is based on the,in the absence of vision.

  • SleepySheep1SleepySheep1

    Profile pictures play an important role in online interactions. They help others identify you if you meet in public, and show you aren't a bot or catfish, which is crucial for a cuddling service where trust is key. A clear picture can also convey visual cues about your personality and intentions. For example, some people may avoid profiles that seem overly casual or suggestive, as this might imply non-platonic intentions. (For example having too many buttons buttoned down on a shirt, or poses that could be construed as sexually suggestive.)

    A good profile picture should be well-lit, clear, and focused on you, ideally showing a friendly expression- as this can help convey approachability. Including images where you’re with pets or engaged in hobbies can give others a glimpse into your personality without needing to write everything out in your bio (this site allows you to upload multiple pictures.)

    Since you're blind, consider having someone trustworthy help select or take your photo to ensure it conveys the right message/vibe you're trying to express to people.

  • TxTomTxTom

    Smiling is innate, and reflects a mental state.

    Babies smile naturally, without having been around long enough to "learn" it.

    Oh! Or a favorite word on these forums: "conditioned."

  • starrynitecudsstarrynitecuds

    If anything, I prefer pics that show personality more than mug shot style or a staged photo-op. They don't have to be a photogenic selfie. They can be an avatar or something fun.
    So many pics here are heavily filtered and/or old, that they're phony baloney. Useless and deceptive.
    I always have a public meet and am not afraid to even ask for a photo together then. I'm an enthusiast, so I don't have any emotional or financial issue with walking away if I'm not comfortable with the person in public.
    Just my perspective.

  • Darkeyed_maleDarkeyed_male
    edited October 2024

    Your spirit says everything. IMO you'll want connection because of what's inside you and your potential connections will feel it.

  • sillysassysillysassy

    @HealingSystem i am very appreciative of your curiosity and willingness to ask questions for clarity.

    I agree with @MonkeyNeedsAHug & @starrynitecuds that a picture is used for sighted people for safety reasons as well as to get a sense of personality.

    I like that you mentioned things about you on your profile because the words help me to know you a little bit more.

    You said

    I love to listen to music and being outdoors.

    I think it might be a great idea for a sighted friend to take a picture of you playing music or outside because that is something you enjoy. I imagine it might make the corners of your mouth turn up into a joyful expression even if you don’t know it.

    We each of us have to use all the tools at our disposal to try and navigate meeting new people. You are doing great! I’m sure it will only get easier from here.

    Internet Hugs to you from Colorado!!

  • KatotaKatota
    edited October 2024

    a picture is used for sighted people for safety reasons as well as to get a sense of personality.

    I like that you mentioned things about you on your profile because the words help me to know you a little bit more.

    👍👍👍👍👍

    @sillysassy This is true for me as well when it comes to fleshed out profiles, with a few pics!😁

    I think it might be a great idea for a sighted friend to take a picture of you playing music or outside because that is something you enjoy. I imagine it might make the corners of your mouth turn up into a joyful expression even if you don’t know it.

    😁👍

    @sillysassy Excellent ideas! 💡😃

  • KatotaKatota

    So many pics here are heavily filtered

    👍👍👍

    @starrynitecuds My sister is a big fan of filtering when it comes to pics of herself. Lol😃

    I can go with a little makeup here and there, but filtering can make you look a little too silly in my opinion.😁

  • Mela_BMela_B

    I like your picture.

Sign In or Register to comment.