November 26th, 2010

It’s a Pretty Picture

Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn. With all the social networks these days, you have to make sure that your profile picture stands out. Okcupid recently researched how you can create the perfect profile picture.

They collected 552,000 example user pictures and then paired them up to ask people their opinion. The goal was to find out what is to be found the most attractive picture. They asked every picture owner when the picture was taken, what kind of camera they used and what the shutter speed was and so on.  And the conclusions were surprising.

First of all, the camera you use has a huge effect on the way you look. According to Okcupid, photos made with an interchangeable lens are most attractive. Okcupid tested the most popular camera models and the Panasonic micro 4/35 got the best ratings.

Also interesting; the flash ads 7 years. It’s because the flash is direct and produces hard shadows on the subject. It means that a 20 year old who used a flash is as attractive as a 27 year old who did not use a flash. So next time you take a pic, make sure that flash is off (unless you’re in the dark…)

The profile pictures that are found to be the most attractive are the once with the person in crisp focus against a blurry background. It also appears that the best pictures are taken during sunrise and sunset.

Now you know what you can do. Throw that Mexican holiday picture away, wake up at 6 A.M,  take a picture without the flash and you’ll be the next big thing in the world of social media.

Photo by dawnzy58

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