A dating profile photographer who charges $900 per session explains how he coaches his most awkward clients into eye-catching shots

Before shooting, Marin calls each client and asks them about their interests, dating goals, and where they spend their time.

Marin estimates 95% of his clients are men, and most are in their 20s and 30s. But he also gets clients who are in their 60s and back on the dating scene after a divorce.

They also discuss what to wear during their initial phone call.

He tells clients to pick the outfits they feel the most powerful, comfortable, and sexy while wearing.

"If you get a lot of compliments in a certain outfit, definitely wear that one," Marin said.

Here, Marin's client said he enjoyed fitness, but wanted to avoid a cheesy-looking pose. He took photos of him stretching and jogging while looking away from the camera.

Marin also likes this photo because it highlights the client's physical features well, serving two purposes.

"You can really see his eyes," he said.

 

This client was anxious about taking photos in public, since he was shy and new to it, Marin said. Shooting early in the morning and in a quieter neighborhood helped.

For shy photo subjects, Marin has three, low-traffic locations lined up to put them at ease.

Marin said he's against clients wearing sunglasses in their photos.

He said he'll allow clients to hold sunglasses as a prop, or place them on their heads to complete an outfit.

Ultimately, their eyes should show because they offer warmth and connection in photos, Marin said.

Movement is an important element to a show-stopping dating profile picture, Marin said.

To add movement in a natural way, he'll tell clients to walk towards him "like they're walking with a friend," as he snaps multiple photos.

Having a conversation with a client while he takes photos also helps, Marin said.

If a client has pets, Marin said snapping a photo of them 'with their fur babies' is a must. This is one of his all-time favorite client photos.

Marin said in his experience, photos with pets always make a dating profile stand out.

Marin also loves this photo because his client's approachable personality shines through.

To get your personality to shine in your own dating profile photos, Marin recommends getting a close friend to take your photos or pick them out. They're less hard on you than your are on yourself, Marin said.

"When you let someone you trust pick your photos, the way they see you, you don't see yourself that way. You only see the things that you don't like about yourself, but they're able to see the beauty in you."