What types of photos do people prefer: candid vs posed vs professional?
When building a dating profile, one of the most common questions is which type of photo performs best.
Should you lean into polished, professional shots? Casual candids? Carefully posed selfies?
Each option can say something different, but what matters most is how your photos connect with someone.
This is where Relational Frequency comes in.
Relational Frequency is the emotional signal your photos send about how you relate to others. Do you feel approachable? Playful? Confident? Do you seem like someone who could turn a good conversation into something real?
So what types of photos create that kind of resonance?
Here’s how the three major photo types tend to land:
Candid Photos:
These tend to score highest in relatability. They capture you in motion - laughing with friends, walking your dog, dancing at a wedding. When done well, candids often reflect natural presence and emotion, which makes your Relational Frequency feel more real and inviting.
Posed Photos:
These are more mixed. If they’re overly stiff or overly filtered, they can feel performative. But a well-framed, lightly posed shot with warmth in your eyes or a slight tilt in your body language can absolutely work. The key is to avoid robotic, overly rehearsed energy. Connection can’t be faked.
Professional Photos:
These can signal effort and intention, which is attractive. But on their own, they might feel too polished or distant. Professional shots work best when paired with more casual, in-the-moment images. That balance helps the viewer feel who you are, not just admire the lighting.
So, what’s the best mix?
Aim for 60% candid, 20% relaxed professional, 20% authentic posed. You want to look your best, but more importantly, you want to feel like someone someone else could know.
Because in the end, the question isn’t “which type of photo do people prefer?”
It’s “which type of photo makes someone feel something about you?”
Need help picking the photos that resonate most? LoveLens is built to read your Relational Frequency and help you choose what connects.