Professional Dating Portrait Photography in Utah: “D”’s Dating App Session Story
ESTIMATED READ TIME: 11 MINUTES
When most people think about professional photography, they picture weddings, family portraits, or maybe graduation photos. But one of the biggest and fastest-growing parts of my photography business is something a little different: dating portrait photography. As a Utah dating app photographer, I’ve worked with people from all over Salt Lake and Utah County who are looking for photos that make their online dating profiles stand out.
Recently, I had the chance to work with “D,” who booked a dating app portrait session in Utah County. His story is one I hear often and it’s a great example of why professional photos for dating profiles are becoming so popular.
Why “D” Decided to Book a Dating Portrait Session
“D” isn’t a big social media user. Like a lot of people, he doesn’t have hundreds of selfies saved up, and he doesn’t post every week online. That meant when it came time to create his dating app profiles, he didn’t have many photos to choose from and the ones he did have didn’t really show who he was.
He reached out because he wanted professional photos for his dating profiles in Utah that looked natural, approachable, and true to him. Not stiff headshots, not over-edited studio portraits, and definitely not the blurry car selfies that so often end up on apps. Instead, he wanted photos that reflected his personality and gave him a variety of options to choose from.
This is exactly the kind of session I love, because it’s not about creating a “perfect” version of someone. It’s about creating authentic photos that help potential matches get a real sense of who you are.
Portrait Session
Starting at $225
- Session typically lasts 60 minutes
- 50-100+ edited images
- $100 non-refundable deposit to book
- Remainder due the day before the session
- Travel fees applicable if 35+ miles from West Jordan
Preparing for the Session: Outfits, Layers, and Variety
Before we even met up for the shoot, I gave “D” the same advice I give all of my Utah dating portrait clients: “We can’t shoot it if you don’t bring it!” At minimum, you need to bring at least three different outfits for a dating profile shoot, plus a few layers or accessories you can swap out.
Why? Because dating profiles need variety. If every photo looks like it was taken on the same day in the same outfit, it can feel staged or repetitive. But if you mix things up with a jacket, a button-down layered over a t-shirt, or an accessory like a watch or hat, suddenly you have options.
I explained to “D” that layering and accessorizing not only give visual variety, but they also give you something to interact with during the session:
- Hands in pockets for a casual look
- Adjusting a watch or bracelet for a candid moment
- Playing with a hat or fixing your hair to give movement and personality
- Swapping layers to create multiple distinct looks from just a few pieces
“D” took the advice to heart and showed up with two pairs of pants, 2 pairs of shoes, a t-shirt, a button down, a henley, and 2 jackets, each reflecting a slightly different side of his personality. That gave us room to play, which is key when you want your photos to feel natural.
Choosing the Right Location in Utah County
Location is just as important as wardrobe when it comes to dating portrait photography. For “D,” we wanted a mix of backgrounds that felt casual but not too plain.
One of the benefits of shooting in Utah County is the sheer variety of settings available. You can get:
- Outdoor mountain or trail backdrops for a rugged, adventurous vibe
- Downtown Provo or Lehi urban spots for a modern, casual city look
- Neutral park or garden settings for approachable, friendly photos
We chose one location with a variety of backdrops so we could move around between outfits and make it feel like photos were taken on different days and in different locations. This method meant we were able to create a full gallery of photos that didn’t all look like they were taken in the same hour.
That’s one of the biggest mistakes people make when they try to DIY their dating profile photos. Every picture ends up looking the same. Hiring a photographer means having someone who knows how to use light, backdrops, and posing to make sure you get a complete set of images that work across different dating apps.
Making “D” Comfortable in Front of the Camera
If you’ve never had professional photos taken before, it can feel intimidating. “D” mentioned right away that he wasn’t someone who usually took pictures of himself. That’s exactly why these sessions are so valuable because you don’t need to be “photogenic” or experienced. It’s MY job to guide you.
During the shoot, I gave “D” light prompts to help with posing. Instead of stiff instructions, I encouraged movement and interaction:
- Walking toward the camera naturally
- Adjusting a jacket or running a hand through his hair
- Leaning casually against a tree
- Laughing at a small joke I’d throw in
These little prompts not only help with variety but also make the session feel less like a photoshoot and more like hanging out. By the middle of the session, “D” was laughing, relaxing, and forgetting about the camera.
That’s the sweet spot when I can capture genuine expressions that will feel authentic on his dating apps. And that’s the beauty of working with Karisa Marie Photography! I am authentically me behind the camera so you can be authentically you in front of it.
A Versatile Gallery for His Dating Profiles
When I delivered “D”’s gallery, he had dozens of strong photos to choose from. Some showed him more dressed up, some more casual. Some were closer headshots with great eye contact, while others were full-body, outdoorsy shots that showed off a different vibe.
The beauty of a dating portrait session is that you walk away with a library of images that you can rotate through over time. Apps like Bumble, Hinge, and Tinder reward you for refreshing your profile every so often, and with a full gallery, you’re not stuck recycling the same three photos.
“D” now has professional dating profile photos that give him flexibility and confidence. His gallery feels approachable, friendly, and true to who he is.
Bonus: Before delivering your dating app photo session, I personally hand-curate your gallery to highlight the strongest images first. Many clients have told me how valuable this is because it saves them the stress of agonizing over which photos to upload in their limited profile slots (whether that’s 6 on Hinge, 9 on Tinder, or 6 on Bumble). This way, you can confidently showcase your best dating app photos right away and maximize your profile’s impact.
Why Professional Photos Matter for Dating Apps
Some people wonder if professional photos are “too much” for dating apps. But here’s the truth: first impressions matter. Research has shown that profiles with high-quality, authentic photos get more matches and more meaningful conversations.
The key is making sure the photos don’t look like stiff business headshots. That’s where hiring a Utah dating app photographer makes a difference. I know how to:
- Capture natural, relaxed expressions
- Mix casual and polished looks
- Shoot in locations that feel authentic, not staged
- Guide clients through poses and prompts that don’t feel forced
- Edit subtly so you look polished, but not overly done
Instead of scrolling through blurry selfies or group shots where no one knows who you are, potential matches see you looking confident and approachable.
Tips for Your Own Dating Portrait Session
If you’re thinking about booking your own dating portrait session in Utah, here are a few quick tips:
- Bring at least 3 outfits, but 6 is even better. Variety is everything. Include casual, smart-casual, and one outfit that feels a little more polished.
- Add layers and accessories. Jackets, hats, and watches add interest and give you something to do with your hands.
- Pick diverse locations. Mix natural outdoor settings with urban backdrops for different vibes.
- Relax and trust the process. It’s normal to feel nervous at first! I’ll guide you through every step so you feel comfortable.
- Think about your personality. If you love hiking, let’s get outdoors. If you’re into city life, let’s shoot downtown. The goal is for your photos to reflect the real you.
Becoming the Go-To Dating App Photographer in Utah
Sessions like “D”’s are some of my favorites to shoot, and they’ve quickly become one of the biggest parts of my business. Over the years, I’ve worked with dozens of clients across Salt Lake, Provo, and beyond who wanted to upgrade their dating profiles.
Each session is different, but the goal is always the same: create authentic, professional dating photos in Utah that feel like the best version of you. Whether you’re new to the apps or just need a refresh, these photos can completely change the way your profile is perceived.
If you’ve been putting off updating your dating profile because you “don’t have good photos,” you’re not alone, and that’s exactly what I’m here for.
Ready to Book Your Dating Portrait Session?
If “D”’s story resonates with you, it might be time to think about your own dating profile photos. Imagine opening up your apps and feeling proud of the pictures that represent you. Imagine not stressing over cropping old group shots or relying on grainy selfies.
As a professional dating portrait photographer in Utah, I’ll help you choose outfits, guide you through poses, and create a gallery of images you’ll actually be excited to use.
Whether you’re in Salt Lake City, Utah County, or anywhere along the Wasatch Front, I’d love to help you upgrade your dating profile.
Let’s make your dating profile stand out. Reach out today to book your Utah dating portrait session!
