If you have one of those bodies that begs to be shown off, you might want to post a full length photo of yourself as part of your dating profile. Of course, if you can get someone to handle the camera work, there’s no need to learn how to do it yourself. However, if you’d like to take your time, play with lighting and angles and not be at the mercy of someone else’s schedule, here are a couple of tips on taking a whole body self-portrait.

As with a head shot, you can place the camera on a flat surface or on a tripod, set the timer and pose. You’ll probably have to take several test shots before getting the focus right, but once you do, mark the best place to sit or stand, and use it accurately while you experiment with poses.

Choose your attire carefully; wear the kind of outfit that is most complimentary to your best features. Be sure that the color is not only flattering, but also blends with the background. You don’t want to stand against a dark wall in a black dress or suit, for example. By the same token, you wouldn’t want to be seen in an orange dress against purple wallpaper, either.

Lighting can be either your best friend or your worst enemy. You know, of course, never to light from behind, unless you’re going for a black silhouette. Experiment with your light source, starting by standing directly in front of it, then gradually moving it (or yourself) from one side to the other. Examine each shot carefully, note which is the most flattering angle and make whatever adjustments you need to perfect the image.

Remember that the part closest to the camera will look largest in the picture. This fact can be used to your advantage or prove disastrous if overlooked. For example, if you want to minimize that paunch, turn it away from the lens and try to keep in in shadow. On the other hand, if you have the kind of chest that should be shown off, by all means be up front with it and proudly let the light shine upon it. If you’re a man, ripple those muscles; those of the female persuasion should certainly flaunt that cleavage!

Never forget that you’re trying to impress a potential partner and your photograph is the first thing (s)he will see, so whether it’s just a head shot or a full body picture, take the time to make your image a memorable one.

What’s the first thing you look for when searching a dating site like this? As soon as you’re sure you’ve landed on the correct gender page, you inspect the photographs, right? So why wouldn’t you put your own best face forward in a well thought out photograph? Or do you want possible partners to think your picture should have a “reward for capture” notice on it?

With digital cameras so inexpensive and easy to use, there is no excuse for posting a blurry, poorly lit, unflattering picture of yourself. You don’t even need another person to snap it for you. There are a number of ways to do it yourself, giving you a chance to pose, play with lighting, angles and colors at your leisure.

For example, if you want a head shot, simply hold the camera at arm’s length, look into the lens and snap. Then get to work! Check the angle and distance for clarity, add or move your light source, make corrections and take the next shot. Continue making corrections and when you have the proper placement of the camera and light, start changing your pose. Tilt your head to the left or right, turn it for a three-quarter view, look over your shoulder, raise or lower your chin, show more or fewer teeth, shooting each change as you go.

Try a few with the camera in your other hand for an entirely different angle and start all over again. Change the background scene or color until you find the most flattering location. In short, experiment with every factor of self-portraiture until you get one you truly like. It may take only five or six tries, or you may have to snap several dozen, but I promise you will end up with a picture you’ll be proud to display as long as you’re willing to keep shooting.

Of course, holding the camera is just one way to get a head shot. Most digitals have built-in timers so you can set the camera on a table or other level surface or, better still, invest in a tripod. This way, you just set the timer, then jump in front of the camera. The only problem with this method is the limited time you have to set up your pose, since most timers are pre-set to snap in about two minutes.

There are many other techniques for shooting yourself, which I’ll discuss in another article. Stay tuned.