Top 10 Male Dating App Photo Clichés

On dating apps, certain photos illuminate every man’s profile. These cliché images are designed to attract women. They suggest a character that is female-friendly and wholesome, but still manly and “one of the guys”. Below are 10 examples of the “good guy” formula in which men attempt to look at themselves through women’s eyes. While women have internalized the male gaze since childhood, men belatedly attempt to understand the female gaze only when trying to get a date. 

The tropes: 

1. Men with big fish: 

This photo says, “I’m not the only catch of the day!” The man is usually on a boat holding a fish they just caught. They are usually wearing sunglasses, smiling from ear to ear.

2. Dancing at a friend's wedding: 

This tactful image suggests that this man is fun and stylishly self-deprecating. He’s pro-marriage, not afraid of commitment and looks good in a suit. 

3. Holding someone else’s baby:

A man doesn’t necessarily want kids but it’s a bonus if he poses with one. He’s showing us that he can care for something other than himself. 

4. The shirtless selfie: 

This mid-range close-up is often taken with a California King bed in the background, demonstrating casualness and confidence. It’s as if he’s saying, “you may be able to touch this.” 

5. The “cat guy” pic: 

There’s a heated  contest between the cat and dog lovers on dating apps. Are men with cats more supportive of feminism or just feline-ism? They have a cuddly side and appreciate an independent animal. 

6. The “I have beautiful female friends” shot: 

Communicating “The ladies like me;” “Other men trust me around their girlfriends” and “I respect boundaries.” 

7. Action shot in Yosemite: 

This essential snapshot tells a woman that a man is fit, adventurous, dangerous in a safe way, and wild in a wise way. 

Playing guitar “profoundly”

8. The 10th hole: 

Suddenly golfing is synonymous with saving lives? Usually these photos show a man standing tall, about to make a hole in one, suggesting that he’s classy, has the resources for expensive sports and has time for a consuming hobby. 

9. Operating heavy machinery: 

Cars, boats, motorcycles and even tractors count. This image often displays a man standing proudly in front of his vehicle or sitting on a bike ready to ride, reminding women that men come in handy. He understands monster technologies and knows where the buttons are to ignite an engine. 

10. Playing guitar profoundly: 

The singer/songwriter look isn’t for everyone, but apparently men who play an instrument also do charity work and regularly call their mothers. Creativity goes a long way. 

These well curated profiles are a double edged sword. If the men have the right motives, it comes off as endearing, but there is a fine line between cute and creepy. Dating apps unconsciously prioritize looks over substance. But what if the app is wrong about what matters in a potential friend, boyfriend or concert companion? And how can we best capture this in a series of photographs?