How to Take the Perfect Profile Pic

Long gone are the days where photos were printed, then passed around carefully to avoid finger smudges. Today we make assessments of others, before meeting them, purely based on their online pictures.

Good news is there's a few easy steps you can take to cure your awkward photo phase and perfect your first impression.

1. Plan your picture

Take a moment to consider the context. Are you shooting this picture indoors or outdoors? Do you want a full body photo or just a headshot?

Try to take your photo somewhere with natural lighting, or if indoors, well lit. It's a great idea to get someone else to take the photo for you. You can also use a self-timer. (look for a free self-timer app in the appstore/android market) This means your photo looks more natural and not awkwardly close.

2. Style yourself

If you're taking a headshot make sure your hair is styled and your clothes are looking on point. Got holes in your jeans? No problem. Simply take a headshot or a picture from the waist up.

It's important to be yourself. If the photo looks great but isn't really your style, it'll be obvious and come across awkward when they see your other pics. Make sure your surroundings are organised. Too many guys take photos in their room with mess everywhere. (Want to turn a woman off? Simply show her your messy room)

3. Get the perfect shot

The most important part of the photo taking process is the photo quality. Take the photo with the best camera you can get your hands on. If you're using an iPhone/Samsung camera make sure it's the front camera with more megapixels.

Angles are everything. Make sure you take the photo from an angle that is either at or above eye level. (Taking photos from below eye level can distort your body and make it appear oversized or too dominant)

Once you've got the perfect angle make sure you're in centre focus, and take the shot. (Note - try to avoid using flash as it gives red eye and drains the skin of its natural colour) Make sure you take about 5-10 shots so you can choose the best one. (Even professional photographers shoot models multiple times before choosing the top photo.)

4. Edit your pic

Guys can get a bit funny when it comes to photo editing. Just remember there's a big difference between photoshopping on abs and getting the most out of your shot.

Every magazine picture, professional headshot or catalogue photo you've ever seen has been edited. This is because half of the art of photography is the editing process.

To edit your picture you can simply use the built in tools on your iPhone/Android device. There is usually an edit option which will allow you to make some simple post edits. (For more options with editing you can download free apps from the app store/market which allow you to add all sorts of awesome effects to your photos)

Start by cropping your picture. -Aim to crop your photo so your body is centered.

-Don't overcrop. Leave some background in the borders and just make sure you're in the centre.

Adjust the brightness/contrast -Simply drag your brightness and contrast controls to the desired levels. A photo that is too light or too dark will look lower quality

Add a filter/Add focus

-This step is optional. Some photos will look better with or without a filter so try both.

-On most phones there is an option to adjust the focus. This way you can bring out yourself and make the background a lesser focus.

5. Upload your masterpiece

Now you've done all the hard work it's time to upload and enjoy all the attention. Remember practise makes perfect. You'll soon learn your best angles and adjust your photos accordingly.

Handy Tips -If you're using an online dating app choose your photo order carefully. Girls want to see what you look like not some photo of five dudes drinking where they're left wondering which one is you. (by this point they've already swiped left) Have your best photos appearing first. -Sick of your selfies reversing after you take the shot? Use snapchat to take the picture then click the button at the bottom of the app that saves it to your device. This will leave the photo unreversed, you're welcome.

-Keep it natural. Your photo should reflect your personal tastes and interests. If you like reading get a shot with your bookcase in the background. Play an instrument? Grab that guitar and pose.

-Stay classy. Your picture from Thailand with the boys drinking Corona's might be sick but the girls won't be impressed.

-Relax. If you feel awkward taking a picture then you'll look awkward. Enjoy yourself and it'll show through the picture.