Ok this was posted today on the okcupid blog which you should be reading already if you aren't. Lots of useful information backed by SCIENCE! lol

http://blog.okcupid.com/index.php/2010/ ... -pictures/

the biggest surprise I found was that apparently for guys you're better off not looking directly into the camera.
this doesn't contradict the advice given here to take pics of yourself in a social setting.
Another surprise was the 'ab-pic', if you've got the body for it you should definitely do it. But I still say you should be at the beach or have some excuse for being shirtless.

_________________
I'm a ninja-fighter.

That was a really good read, especially for anyone looking to get into online dating. The other blog posts on the side were also very interesting particularly the ones concerning race relations.

Thanks for posting that was a good link.

I'm NOT surprised by the AB pic thing. YOUNG women will be attracted to the photos. Interesting that the age thing doesn't go above the early 30s - I suspect most women after that age will think it's laughable.

I liked the unusual photos - WTF that lady's legs tied up! and the desert one

Anyway once again useful stuff

results summarised are

The four myths:

1. It's better to smile.
Men’s photos are most effective when they look away from the camera and don’t smile."

2. You shouldn't take your picture with your phone or webcam.
"At least from the perspective of online-dating, and perhaps social media in general, "

3. Guys should keep their shirts on.
"So we can’t recommend this photo tactic to every man. But, contrary to everything you read about profile pictures, if you’re a guy with a nice body, it’s actually better to take off your shirt than to leave it on."

4. Make sure your face is showing.
"...we found that all other things being equal whether you show your face really doesn’t affect your messages at all."