I coach men on their dating profile photos, so it’s only fair that I show you my own before and after.

Before: the arm’s-length selfie

Holding the phone at arm’s length puts the wide front lens close to your face, which widens your nose and forehead, cuts you off at the chest, and tells her you couldn’t find anyone to take a picture of you. It’s the most common lead photo I see, and it costs matches.

After: a few steps back, full length, real setting

Same guy. The only difference is the camera moved a few steps back. Now you can see how tall I am, how I dress, and what I like doing. There’s something to start a conversation about, and my face looks the way it does in person.

“The second photo is the guy I’d actually swipe on.” — Jackie

Try it this week

• Have a friend take the shot from 6 to 8 feet away, using the back camera.
• Pick a real place: a museum, a trail, a coffee shop, anywhere you’d actually go.
• Take 20 shots and keep the one where you’re not posing.

Lone selfies are mistake #1 in our free guide. Get “The 5 Profile Photo Mistakes Sabotaging Your Matches” to see the other four.