Choosing an online profile photo can seem daunting, to say the least. Most of us are very critical about ourselves, and want to look our best in our photos. Listed below, you will find ten tips for picking good profile pictures from Alex Wise. Alex is a professional speaker, author, relationship coach and co-founder of Loveawake dating site

1. Keep It Tasteful. This is not a lewd venue and not an appropriate time to show body parts that are normally covered in public. This applies to men as well as women,. Even if you have a great six pack, your profile photo is not a place to feature this asset.

2. Just Say No. Showing off what you did at the bar last week while completely intoxicated is just not in good taste. If you are a smoker, you can mention it in your bio if you’d like, but leave out the photo of you with a cigarette hanging out of your mouth.

3. Play With Light. It’s amazing how the right light can change an ordinary photo into an extraordinary photo. Have a friend come over and try taking photos in different light such as in front of a window and at different times of day. Outdoors at dusk is also a great time for photos.

4. Take Multiple. Taking three or four photos may not be enough, you may be choosing from a bad crop. Instead take a hundred. I know it seems like a lot, but it will go by quickly especially if you change it up a little each time. Try some smiling, some silly and some laughing to get started.

5. Be Realistic. This is not the time to showcase your appointment with a professional hair and makeup person. Take photos at home or outside, in your normal wardrobe. Fix your hair and makeup as you do everyday or on a date night. You do not want to give an unrealistic portrayal of how you look only for someone to be disappointed when they meet you in person.

6. Use a Real Photo of You. No one is really interested in what your cat or dog look like. They want to see you, and the real you at that, not your favorite cartoon character or a blank spot because you didn’t load a photo.

7. De-Clutter. Check your background to make sure it is clutter free. Your best bet is to take a photo against a wall for a plain background. If you want to be more creative and showcase your home as well, you should tidy it up first.

8. Quality. Make sure your photo is of good quality. You do not need a professional to take the photo, and you do not need fancy or expensive equipment to do this. If your photos are appearing blurry, try using a tripod to keep the camera still.

9. Practice. Yes, you have permission to stare at yourself in the mirror and strike a pose. Be silly to loosen yourself up, and experiment in the mirror with your smile. See whether you like it with teeth showing or without. Try tilting your head, to see which angle looks best.

10. Get An Opinion. Find someone who can critique your photos with you, and who will give an honest opinion of each. Having someone else help you choose your photo takes some of the pressure off, and can steer you clear from choosing the wrong one.

After reading the tips listed above, hopefully you will no longer be overwhelmed by the idea of choosing a profile picture. Just remember to have fun and get creative.