FAQs

Ever since 2003, LookBetterOnline.com has been helping people look their absolute best in their online dating profiles. You want the leader in the industry to handle your online presence. We take pride in our work and the results our clients have achieved by having their dating photos taken and dating profiles written to put their best face forward on the dating sites and dating apps. We make sure our professional photographers are top notch in the online dating photography world so you come away with photos you are proud of sharing online.

Let’s be honest, have you looked at Match, Bumble, Tinder, OK Cupid lately??  There are so many bad dating photos flooding those sites without a care in what they look like.  We’ve seen enough bathroom selfies, fish photos, car selfies and sunglass photos to last us a while.  But what do they all have in common?  What do these people really look like?  Your dating photos are your calling card.  You only get one chance to make that first impression.  Go strong with a wonderful profile photo that is clear, colorful and in focus!!  Follow it up with a variety of great images of yourself in different outfits and poses.  Now you will certainly catch the eye of someone special.

• Upon purchase of a LookBetterOnline.com dating photo package, you will receive a styling sheet and a direct booking link to schedule one of your two zoom calls with your Hyde stylist.
• Depending on the photo package you purchased, you will need either two or three outfits. 
• You are given guidelines for our online dating photo session outfits. Check out your own closet to see what you already may have that fits our criteria.
• Meet with your stylist on your first zoom. If you have several clothing choices, show the stylist to see if any work and if the outfits fit properly.
• Your Hyde stylist will get your measurements so she can create your three Hyde styling boxes.
• When your boxes arrive, schedule your second zoom to show the stylist how your new outfits fit. You can use any of these for your photo shoot, or just wear them for 30 days and try them out.
• If you need different sizes, send back and Hyde will order new ones for you.
• When you receive these new sizes, you can either send selfies to show the stylist, or schedule a new zoom call (@$30 for any new calls).
• Once all two or three outfits have been finalized with the stylist you will be ready for your photo shoot.

Each box will contain:  2 shirts (you will be sent two very similar shirts that you can choose to wear one of them with the pants for your photo shoot); 2 pants/jeans, belt, sample packet of cologne; belt; outerwear could be one of the following: (blazer: for your dressier outfit), (sweater: for a casual look to go with your shirt) (jacket: for casual look); and an accessory (watch, sunglasses, etc.) Shoes are not included but your stylist will let you know which styles you should be looking for to complete your outfit.

You get to keep the boxes for 30 days.  Return what you don’t want, no cleaning necessary and use the prepaid packages.

What brands do you use?

The brands are high quality and distinctive. Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, and Marc Jacobs, while also introducing you to elusive niche designers.

Can I buy something if I like it?

Sure thing!!  You can buy anything in your box(es).  Each box will come with a price list. Items are 50-70% off retail.

I’m not sure what size I am?

Your personal stylists will work with you to identify your size and fit based on the clothes you already have, your weight, height and body type.

How are you sure they will fit me?

Based on the information you share with your personal stylist, plus some clever algorithms identify which brands fit and colors that work with your unique personality.

I already wear many different brands and I notice the sizes are different, how do you handle that?

The company has designed a proprietary algorithm that will convert sizes across all brands.  This way depending on which brand you may prefer, they will find the right fit for you.

What if something doesn’t fit right that I ordered from your company?

Having the right fit is what your stylist is striving for. Perhaps it may take 1-2 shipments to get all the sizes right (and your feedback is very important to how it fits).  

How do you make sure I’m wearing the right style?

Your stylist wants you to look great. Since they are helping you with outfits for your photo session, they know how important it is to show off your personality in your dressier and casual looks.

What happens if I don’t like what you send?

Just let your stylist know right away (you can email her) and she will remedy with a replacement or something different in your next shipment.

Can I offer suggestions of what I’m looking for?

Sure, let your stylist know if there are certain types of outfits you’d like to try out.

How does the box arrive and how do I return it?

Your boxes will be shipped for free right to your door within three days.  Inside you will find a paid return label so just re-attach to the box and mail it back. Remember, no washing or dry cleaning, just return them.  Don’t worry if you get a stain on something, it happens, and no extra cost to you when you return it.  What happens if I forget to send something back?  It’s ok, just send back with your next shipment.

1. Zoom Consultation – Kick things off with a fun, personalized virtual meeting to dive into your style goals and get to know you. You’ll leave feeling energized and excited for the process ahead!
2. Body & Style Guidance – Erin will provide expert tips on how to enhance your shape, plus color guidance to highlight your best features and bring out your natural glow.
3. Closet Shopping – Time to shop your own closet! Together, we’ll find outfits that showcase your personality and help you feel amazing. Upload photos of your choices into our styling tool for feedback and advice.
4. Styling Expertise – Erin reviews your selections, shares styling tips, and suggests new pieces to complete your perfect looks. We’ll also provide shopping links to help you nail those dating-ready outfits.
5. Final Touches – Refine your choices, submit new photos, and receive final approval on your three stunning outfits, each designed to make you shine.

• We recommend submitting several options to help us assess fit, style, and color. If you’re preparing for a three-outfit shoot, for example, we’ll want to see a mix—like casual looks, dressier options, and shoes to complete your outfits.
• For variety, aim for different color schemes for each look. If you have two outfits, try to avoid using the same color for both, like a blue dress and a blue top. We’ll guide you through the selection process, helping you find the best colors and styles for your unique vibe. 
• Once you’ve uploaded your photos to the portal, the Erin will work with you to refine your wardrobe, suggesting any new pieces to complete the look. 
• When your new pieces arrive, just snap some photos and upload them again for final approval.
• It’s all about making sure you feel confident and ready for your shoot!

• Once we’ve selected your two or three outfits (based on your package), it’s time to take your final head-to-toe selfies! These will be shared with Erin, your photographer, Ann, our Concierge, and your dating coach or matchmaker if you are working with any.
• Your photographer will plan the best order for your shoot and decide where the shoot will take place, based on your outfits. 
• Don’t worry, you’ll have a chance to chat with your photographer about all the details to make sure everything flows perfectly.
• This is the final step before you’re ready to shine in your photos!

• If you’re due for a haircut, schedule it a few days before the shoot in case you’re not happy with the results.
• Choose one hairstyle that works with all your outfits since there won’t be time to redo it between looks. A simple ponytail can be a great, easy option for a casual vibe.
• No need to go to a salon unless you’re confident you can recreate the style yourself. We want to show your true, natural look.
• Use hairspray to keep everything in place, but don’t worry—your photographer will ensure your hair looks great in each shot.
• If you color your hair, make sure to touch up roots or grays well in advance of the shoot.
• Check the photographer’s listing to see if they recommend a stylist, or find one on Thumbtack.
• If you style your hair before the shoot and it gets canceled due to weather, check your stylist’s cancellation policy to avoid extra charges.

• For photo sessions, we recommend keeping jewelry simple to let your outfits shine.
• Avoid wearing necklaces, unless it’s a very simple one, as v-neck tops and dresses naturally highlight your neckline.
• Pendants can swing around and distract from your poses, so we prefer to skip them.
• If you wear a sports watch, don’t pair it with dressier outfits. Don’t worry about tan marks—photoshop will take care of them!
• Bracelets and rings are great! Just a heads-up: if you wear a ring on your left “ring” finger, move it to a different finger to avoid any mixed signals.

These days we have noticed that most ladies don’t wear them for the photo shoot. If you worry about pale legs, we will make sure we even things out in the editing prior to your receiving your final photos.

Here’s how to handle makeup for your session:

• Do It Yourself?
  • If you’re confident in your makeup skills, feel free to do it yourself!
  • Stick to a polished yet natural look:
    • Matte finishes are key.
    • Focus on eyeliner, mascara, foundation, and blush.
  • Avoid heavy or shimmery makeup—this is not a glamour shoot. Your photos should reflect the real, beautiful you that someone will see on a date.
• Hire a Pro?
  • Not confident in your application skills? No problem!
    • Many stores like Ulta or Sephora offer makeup application services. Let them know it’s for a photo shoot, and ask for a natural look.
  • Some photographers have recommended makeup artists listed—check their info.
  • Thumbtack is another great resource to find local makeup artists.
• False Eyelashes?
  • These can look great if you’re comfortable applying them. Make sure they still look natural.
• Plan for Cancellations:
  • If you book a makeup artist, check their cancellation policy in case your shoot is postponed due to weather or other factors.

The goal is for your photos to showcase you—polished, confident, and authentically beautiful!

We vet only the best professional online dating photographers in North America.  We know that not every photographer can make a great online dating photographer.  LookBetterOnline makes sure we find the right fit to make our clients comfortable during their photo shoot.  Our photographers are compassionate and understand that not everyone enjoys having their photo taken. Just check out our testimonials and be assured that our dating photographers know how to create the best relaxed, casual photos to make you shine.

If you have looked at our Photography page and reviewed the cities we have listed and don’t see a city in red (already on board with LBO), or an * (in process of finishing profile with LBO), then we don’t have someone in your area.  You can reply to our Contact US page and let us know what city you do live in and if we are planning on getting a photographer there in the near future.  If we aren’t, we can certainly help vet a photographer in your area to work with and find photo packages similar to ours.  You can still work with us on your styling for your photo shoot as well as helping you to pick your images once you do receive them from the outside photographer.  There is a $175 cost to do this.

If you have any specific questions directed at a certain photographer before you book your session, the concierge will be happy to pass those on for you prior to your shoot.  If you are tied to a certain day or week for a photo shoot and rather not book a session unless you know if the photographer is available, contact the concierge first and she will find this out for you. Other generic questions can easily be answered by the concierge prior to paying. 

Once you have signed up for your photo session and the photographer has agreed to do the shoot, you will be given his/her contact information to freely talk with one another.

We offer two packages – either 60 minutes or 90 minutes.  You select a date and time and our photographers will do their best to fit their schedule with yours. Together, we will create the best online dating photos for you and you will have fun while you are at it, too.

Click here for a list of packages and prices for our excellent online dating photos, dating profile writing service, and styling. Our dating photo packages are either $3,650 or $4,650.  You will find just the right package to fulfill your needs.  Add on profile writing or styling to any package and you have a “win-win” to creating the best online profile for yourself.  Aren’t you worth it?

Payment for all of our services must be paid at time of booking.

Of course! If for some reason, the initial agreed upon date/time does not work, you can contact your photographer and reschedule.  We can’t guarantee they will be available for your new date/time, but they will certainly try to accommodate you. If for some reason you can’t contact your photographer, please call us and we will handle this for you.

We understand that weather plays a huge part in a successful photo session.  This will be discussed between you and your photographer as you reach the date of your session. Please check out our Cancellation and Rescheduling policies in our Terms and Conditions for more details.

All of our photo sessions are done on location.  Our photographers will work with you to find the best spot at your home, near your home, or they have special places already picked out that are tried and true for them.  In some cases, we might take your pictures inside too.  This will be depending on circumstances available at the time of the shoot.  Please note:  If you have a specific location in mind for your photo shoot and there is a fee for a permit to use the space, this will be the responsibility of the client to obtain the permit since our photographers like to use places that are free to the public.

LookBetterOnline.com wants to help make this easier for you!  What you wear is equally important as the shoot itself. You will have at least a two week period to select the proper clothes before your shoot.

In general, solid clothes are best and you must feel great in what you are wearing so it will show through in your photos.  Start trying on clothes now and make sure they fit you well. Weight changes, as do the seasons and styles.  Consider casual outfits you might wear on a date as well as dressier ones, such as button-down shirt and dress slacks for the guys, and a dress for the women.  Our packages consist of two or three outfit changes only.

It is very important your clothes fit you properly.  If pants are too long, or shirt sleeve too long, please have them tailored before the photo session.  If we have to constantly adjust your clothes because they are too big, this will take up too much time.  Also, your outfits just won’t look right.

We require both photo packages to include one of our styling packages. Two available for our female clients and one for our male clients.  In the end, not only will you be camera ready for your photo session, but also a start to your dating wardrobe.

If a photographer will be meeting you at your home, it is possible for you to change inside while the photographer waits outside.  For those shoots where you will meet at another location, we recommend our photographers to bring a changing tent to make your wardrobe changes easier.  Another option might be a nearby restroom.

Good questions.  Unfortunately it’s no on all of these.  Sunglasses hide your eyes and we want everyone to see your wonderful expressions through your eyes.  With dogs and cats, it makes it very difficult for our photographers to take care of all the poses they need in your outfits if they also have to deal with your pet. We have found that dogs were not always cooperative and prolonged the shoot and caused the photographer to stay longer than expected.  Many of our photographers are allergic to pets and therefore this isn’t good for them.  What you can do, you may ask your photographer during your initial call if you have a pet you want in your photos.  They can offer their own time after the shoot, if possible, to take your photos with your pet.  They will arrange the cost and how many images you will receive with this extra shoot.  If you want photos with your car and/or motorcycle, it will have to be after you photoshoot is finished with LookBetterOnline. Again, you can ask the photographer and you pay them separately for these photos and extra time.

Unfortunately we don’t photograph children with our portrait sessions.  These are online dating photos that are all about you. If you are interested in photos with your children, just ask your photographer if they are able to do a session after your session with us, or just choose a new date and time through your photographer.

You will get an email about four days after your photo shoot with a link to a private online gallery made just for you.  By the time you get this gallery, not only has the photographer picked out their top dating photos from your shoot, but the concierge has also given her once-over to select the photos she feels will produce the best results for your profile. You will find a variety of images from each of your outfits – headshots, 3/4 body and full-length.  You then pick your final photos from your selected packages. 

We have found that many sites now like to include square format pictures. Because our full-length photos fit best in a rectangle, we are able to combine these two and seamlessly provide you with an image that still shows off your entire photo without compromising anything.

You will get a few days to preview your images. Once you select your final photos and any other add-ons, you will send your choices back to LookBetterOnline.com.  You will receive your final photos and a link to them in your email.

Your gallery will be available for three months after your shoot. During that time, you can check out the gallery again to purchase additional photos.  We will remind you via email before your gallery expires.  Once the three months is up, your gallery will be removed. You might decide at the very end to purchase the rest of your photos since you will no longer have access to them after that date.

There is always a chance a photo will be digitally enhanced when we check lighting, contrast or color.  We make sure your pictures are corrected properly.  We should aim to leave all permanent features like scars, freckles, and moles. But we will retouch or digitally enhance any slight blemishes, skin discolorations or small fly-away hairs and take care of a light removal of under-eye circles. Selecting the right clothes first, and then having the right poses, will create the look you want without having to fake it in Photoshop later.

If you have purchased additional retouching, we will whiten teeth, fix hair if more than just small fly-aways. We may soften the wrinkles, but we still want you to be you. We will include shine removal from your face. Please note, in order to keep your photos looking like you, we do not eliminate all wrinkles or perform digital liposuction, or do any other alterations to your appearance such as removal of a double chin.

Generally, our web ready images will run around 1 mb. At this time, we do not offer prints, but you will be able to purchase hi-res images so you can order your own printing from any photo lab.  Our images are 1200 x 1800 pixels.  We make sure that your images can easily be uploaded on your computer or your phone to any of the online dating sites or dating apps.

The photographer owns the copyright to the photos taken during your photo shoot.  They may showcase these photos on their own website or social media in a standard portfolio display.  They will not be used for any other purposes unless you give permission.

You may use your images for personal, non-commercial self-promotion, such as on your own personal website, social media, or online profiles. You may not license the images or transfer the copyright to any third party without the explicit agreement with, and written consent of, the photographer.

As you have noticed on our website, we have sample photos with our testimonials, before/after, success stories, stylist, portfolio and even on our photographer’s profile page.  When you are about to download your final images from your gallery, we will be asking your permission to let us use your photos and testimonials in different situations.

Of course!!  We love testimonials as you have seen all over our website.  We ask that you email them to [email protected]. We only use your first name and last initial.  Sometimes your testimonial can be placed on your photographer’s profile page, with your photos on our Testimonial page, or throughout our website.  Again, we will ask permission from you where you feel comfortable having them seen.

Your gallery will be available for 90 days from the day you receive your final images.  At any time you can review your gallery and purchase additional photos.  See how your original 12 or 18 photos do at the beginning.  Since we do have so many wonderful additional images left in your gallery, you may decide to refresh with some new ones. Feel free to contact us with any questions. But do remember, once your 90 days are gone, so will your gallery.

We don’t write fiction. We don’t make up stories. We only write what YOU tell us to write. The fact is, it’s hard to get creative when describing yourself, especially without using adjectives and cliches like everyone else. The e-Cyrano process forces you to dig deeper for the answers than you normally would, so that your profile reads like something that couldn’t be written by anybody else in the world. Ultimately, every single word in your final profile is either something you wrote in your questionnaire or said on the phone. In other words, we don’t create your voice. We capture it. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that your final e-Cyrano dating profile sounds a LOT more like you than if you were to actually do it yourself.

We believe you. No one is doubting your brilliance. But e-Cyrano has written dating profiles for hundreds of writers, lawyers and other master wordsmiths. And online dating is a different medium with a different set of rules. As you can tell, 99% of people don’t do a great job with their profiles. That’s not an insult. That’s just a fact. Think about it: How many profiles make you gasp because they’re so clever and well-written? We’re the ones who write those profiles, the ones that demand your attention. And if you’re hoping to connect with the most attractive, desirable people on your entire dating site, you need something that’s an A+, not a solid B. That’s what e-Cyrano does better than anyone in the world. We are dating profile experts.

Why You’d Choose Silver Profile Makeover: You’ve got a strong profile that only needs a few tweaks. You’re on a tight budget. You want an objective, professional opinion, because your friends aren’t really helping. You insist on writing your own profile and just need a push in the right direction.

Why You’d Choose Gold Profile Writing: You want your profile to sound the most like you. You’re willing to put a lot of effort into filling out the e-Cyrano questionnaire. You want the best possible results to attract the highest quality people.

Why You’d Choose Platinum Profile Writing Made Easy: Writing isn’t your thing. You’re willing to sacrifice a bit of your personal “voice” for greater expediency. You want a new profile fast and would prefer not to fill out a long questionnaire.

Silver and Platinum customers will be contacted by an e-Cyrano consultant within 24 hours to schedule a phone consultation. Gold customers will be contacted by an e-Cyrano consultant only after you fill out a long online questionnaire.

We’re not going to lie. The e-Cyrano questionnaire is our secret sauce. When you take it seriously and do it right, you’re giving us all the unique material we need to create you a one-of-a-kind personal ad. After all, we can’t write anything unless you’ve said it to us first. The good news is that – like an online dating profile itself – you don’t have to fill it all out at once. Take your time. Follow directions. Read the examples. When you’re done, you’ll see exactly why the e-Cyrano process is not only helpful in who you want to attract, but magical in terms of results: more profile views, more attractive dates, and better email conversations.

Listen, all of us are far more than the sum total of 400 words. The question is whether you want to use the same words as everybody else. And if you’re currently using adjectives to describe yourself…if you’re writing lists of hobbies and activities…if you’re detailing all your favorite bands, TV shows and travel spots…if you “love to laugh”, “work hard and play hard”, or want someone “smart, attractive, fit, fun, down-to-earth, honest, and generous”…. Trust us: you need our help. Our job is to gather specific details and anecdotes – “fishhooks” – that separate you from everyone else. With enough unique fishhooks in your profile, you’re going to attract all sorts of attention.

Impossible! Okay, possible, but highly unlikely. After all, we’re only taking the things that you say and putting them down on paper for you. It’s not our job to fictionalize, editorialize or make anything up – it’s simply our job to capture you. While we’re very confident in our work, to ensure your satisfaction, you can provide one set of notes to the writer, and get one revision in return. The most likely scenario is that you’re happy with 95% of the profile and with minimal effort, you can make minor edits yourself to make it sound more like you.

Our consultants at e-Cyrano aim to please and gives you the opportunity to offer us specific notes for one revision before we send you your final profile. However, if, for some reason, you still don’t respond to your brilliant professional essays, your two options are: a) to get a partial refund, minus writer’s fees or b) to get another writer assigned to you at cost. We do not want to profit from our few dissatisfied clients, but we must pay our writers to cover our overhead costs.

We guarantee that after working with our e-Cyrano experts, your essays will be far more detailed, interesting and entertaining than they were previously. We do not, however, guarantee things beyond our control, such as a given number of emails, dates or marriage within a year. We’re good, but we’re not prophets.

The e-Cyrano Gold Package handles the two most important questions (About You, About Your Ideal Match) which make up the bulk of your profile on most dating sites. We do not answer “Last Read” or “Favorite Hot Spots” on Match.com, for that would be time prohibitive.

However, if you get an e-Cyrano Platinum Package, we will handle the standard 9-13 short-answer questions on online dating apps OkCupid and eHarmony.

If you fall in love: Congratulations, you win! Unfortunately, we don’t offer refunds for eternal bliss or for any other reason. Remember, this is like a gym membership. So if you sign up for our profile assistance and never use it, that’s your prerogative. If you ever decide to take advantage of your purchase, we will be here to help you.