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Sunglasses in Dating Photos: Why to Avoid Them

3 min read

Eyes are crucial for building connection

Eye contact, even through a screen, creates a sense of connection and trust. When your eyes are hidden behind sunglasses, potential matches cannot gauge your warmth or sincerity. Dating app data consistently shows that photos with visible eyes outperform those without.

The one exception to the rule

A single action shot where sunglasses make sense, like skiing, driving a boat, or at the beach, is acceptable as long as you have three or more photos with your eyes clearly visible. The sunglasses photo adds lifestyle context, but it should never be your first or second image.

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Alternatives for bright conditions

Squinting is just as bad as sunglasses. Shoot during golden hour or on an overcast day to avoid harsh light. A hat with a brim can shade your eyes without hiding them. If your best photo has sunglasses, Dateup can help you find a better replacement from your camera roll.

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