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September 10, 2003
Internet Dating Strategy: Don't Show Your Face in the Photos
So this was one of my ideas about internet dating: I didn't want to show my face because I didn't want someone recognizing me on the street. Plus, there was the problem of what kind of expression to have on my face: smiley? serious? curious? sexy?
What happened was I had borrowed my mom's digital camera to take pictures (I didn't have a scanner) and set it up on a ladder as a tripod and used the timer function. Then the problem posed itself: do I smile at nobody? Try to look "pretty"? It was too wierd being with the camera alone, not knowing who was going to be looking at these photos -- or in what seedy context. But we all know you've GOT to have a photo on your personal ad. Even if you get someone who responds without one, when you meet them you'll be all insecure about "do they think my ass is fat?" etc. if they hadn't seen a good picture.
So I decided to take and show shots that just show the pertinent parts of my body, namely: tits and ass. I figured this way, people could get a general idea of me, but nothing *too* personal. It might be different if I thought I had a big nose or something, but I think my face is just fine, so I didn't think I'd disappoint anyone who found my body attractive. Also, frankly, I don't know how important faces are to guys.
Most of the response I got to the faceless photos was fine. One guy was deeply suspicious -- I think he thought I was having an affair or something -- but he was an exception. Chris decided I might have only one arm but that it didn't bother him. Overall, it was a strategy that worked for me, and removed a lot of angst.
This was the only photo I could manage to upload without Chris's help, but it pretty clearly demonstrates my strategy. The headline for the ad with this picture was "I Love Cupboards!" I'll see if I can get some of the other photos up. I'm kind of into documenting my personal ad phase, because I felt like I was pretty good at it.
Also, I've been working on a graphic for this website with some of my other photos from this era. I'll show you soon!
Posted by mary at September 10, 2003 8:34 PM
Comments
I think it's fairly obvious that one or both of your arms is prosthetic in this photo. Note how the dress photo (above) doesn't have arms...and the various door photos have what appears to be a nonfunctional, bent-at-the-elbow right arm. I tell you I was clearly on to something.
;Chris
Posted by: Chris at September 12, 2003 11:56 AM
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