Best Photos for HER App: 15 Examples That Get More Matches in 2025

HER is the world's largest free dating app for LGBTQ+ women and non-binary people, with millions of users worldwide. Unlike mainstream dating apps, HER's community values authenticity, personality, and genuine connection over traditional beauty standards.

After analyzing thousands of successful HER profiles, we've identified 15 photo types that consistently generate more matches, quality conversations, and meaningful connections. Here's what works and why.

Understanding What Makes Photos Work on HER

HER's community operates differently from apps like Tinder or Bumble:

• Authenticity beats perfection - Natural, genuine photos outperform overly edited or posed shots
• Personality matters - Photos that show who you are attract better matches than just pretty pictures
• Community connection - Pride photos, LGBTQ+ events, and queer culture references resonate strongly
• Diverse beauty standards - All gender expressions, body types, and presentations are welcomed and celebrated
• Conversation starters - Photos that invite questions or comments generate more engagement

The 15 Best Photo Types for HER App

1. The Natural Smile Headshot

What it is: A clear, well-lit photo of your face with a genuine smile.

Why it works: This establishes trust and shows you're approachable. Natural smiles signal friendliness and openness to connection.

How to create it:

• Use natural window light for the most flattering effect
• Think of something genuinely funny to create a real smile
• Keep background simple and uncluttered
• Ensure your face takes up about 60% of the frame
• Avoid heavy filters that change your features

Best for: Your main profile photo. This should be first in your photo lineup.

2. The Pride or Community Event Photo

What it is: Photos from Pride parades, LGBTQ+ festivals, or queer community gatherings.

Why it works: Demonstrates community involvement and celebrates queer identity. These photos create instant connection with others who value LGBTQ+ community.

How to create it:

• Capture candid moments of joy at Pride events
• Include rainbow flags, pride symbols, or community imagery
• Ensure you're clearly identifiable in group shots
• Show genuine celebration and happiness
• Get consent from others who appear in the photo

Best for: Photo position 2-4. Great conversation starter about shared community experiences.

3. The Full Body Lifestyle Shot

What it is: A full-length photo showing your style, body type, and personality in a natural setting.

Why it works: Gives potential matches a complete picture of your presentation and aesthetic. Honesty about your appearance builds trust.

How to create it:

• Choose an outfit that represents your authentic style
• Natural poses - walking, sitting, standing naturally
• Interesting locations that reflect your lifestyle
• Good lighting that shows colors accurately
• Avoid forced or awkward poses

Best for: Photo position 2 or 3. Essential for giving matches context about who you are.

4. The Hobby or Interest Photo

What it is: Photos of you engaged in activities you love - sports, music, art, reading, cooking, etc.

Why it works: Creates natural conversation starters and helps matches understand your lifestyle. Shows depth beyond appearance.

How to create it:

• Capture yourself genuinely doing activities you enjoy
• Action shots work better than posed photos
• Show the activity clearly so it's obvious what you're doing
• Include equipment or context that tells the story
• Let your passion and engagement show

Best for: Photo positions 3-5. Excellent for attracting people with similar interests.

5. The Stylish Mirror Selfie

What it is: A well-composed mirror selfie that showcases your style and aesthetic.

Why it works: Shows confidence and gives matches a clear view of your fashion sense and presentation. Mirror selfies feel authentic and accessible.

How to create it:

• Clean your mirror first (surprisingly often overlooked!)
• Good lighting - avoid harsh overhead lights
• Interesting but clean background
• Wear an outfit that represents your style
• Natural expression or slight smile
• One mirror selfie max - don't fill your profile with them

Best for: Photo position 3-5. One is great, multiple mirror selfies look lazy.

6. The Travel or Adventure Photo

What it is: Photos from trips, hikes, or adventures that show you exploring the world.

Why it works: Signals adventurousness, curiosity, and interesting life experiences. Creates conversation about travel and shared destinations.

How to create it:

• Include recognizable landmarks or beautiful scenery
• Ensure you're prominent in the photo
• Capture genuine moments of enjoyment
• Show activities that reflect your travel style
• Recent travel photos work best

Best for: Photo positions 4-6. Shows you live an interesting life.

7. The Social Connection Photo

What it is: Photos with friends that show your social side while keeping you clearly identifiable.

Why it works: Demonstrates you have a social life and community. Social proof makes you more attractive as a potential partner.

How to create it:

• Position yourself prominently (wear something distinctive)
• Ensure you're easy to identify
• Candid moments of genuine laughter work best
• Get friends' permission before posting
• One group photo max - more becomes confusing

Best for: Photo position 4-5. Shows you're socially connected but not hiding behind others.

8. The Pet Companion Photo

What it is: Photos with your pet (or friend's pet if you don't have one).

Why it works: Pets are universally appealing and show nurturing qualities. Animal lovers connect instantly over pet photos.

How to create it:

• Natural interactions with your pet
• Both you and the pet should be clear in the photo
• Genuine affection and joy
• Good lighting that captures both faces
• Mention if it's your pet in your bio

Best for: Photo position 4-6. Great conversation starter for animal lovers.

9. The Artistic or Creative Photo

What it is: Photos that show your artistic side - playing music, creating art, performing, writing.

Why it works: Demonstrates depth, passion, and creative expression. Attracts people who value arts and culture.

How to create it:

• Show yourself actively engaged in creative work
• Include your instruments, art supplies, or creative tools
• Performance photos work excellently
• Natural concentration or passion in expression
• Well-composed shots that capture the creative energy

Best for: Photo positions 3-5. Especially effective for attracting creative matches.

10. The Outdoor Adventure Photo

What it is: Photos hiking, camping, at the beach, or enjoying nature.

Why it works: Shows active lifestyle and love of outdoors. Connects with other nature enthusiasts and adventurers.

How to create it:

• Natural lighting in outdoor settings
• Beautiful scenery as backdrop
• Action shots or natural poses
• Appropriate outdoor gear that shows the activity
• Genuine enjoyment of the environment

Best for: Photo positions 3-6. Great for showing active lifestyle.

11. The Confident Solo Dining Photo

What it is: Photos at cafes, restaurants, or enjoying food and drinks.

Why it works: Shows independence and comfort being yourself. Food and drink preferences create easy conversation topics.

How to create it:

• Natural light in cafes and restaurants
• Candid moments enjoying your food or drink
• Interesting locations with character
• Show you're comfortable alone or socializing
• Avoid excessive food focus - you're the subject

Best for: Photo positions 4-6. Shows you enjoy life's pleasures.

12. The Dressed Up/Night Out Photo

What it is: Photos showing you dressed up for events, parties, or nights out.

Why it works: Displays your full range from casual to dressy. Shows you clean up well and enjoy social events.

How to create it:

• Well-styled outfit for the occasion
• Good lighting (challenging at night events)
• Confidence in formal or semi-formal wear
• Events that reflect your social scene
• Natural smiles and genuine enjoyment

Best for: Photo positions 4-6. Shows versatility in presentation.

13. The Casual Everyday Photo

What it is: Photos in everyday settings - home, coffee shop, running errands, relaxing.

Why it works: Shows what you actually look like day-to-day. Authenticity builds trust and sets realistic expectations.

How to create it:

• Natural lighting in everyday environments
• Comfortable casual clothing
• Relaxed, genuine expressions
• Doing normal activities
• Clean, organized backgrounds

Best for: Photo positions 2-4. Balances any more styled photos.

14. The Close-Up Feature Photo

What it is: Close-up photos highlighting eyes, smile, or distinctive features.

Why it works: Creates intimacy and allows matches to really see your face. Eye contact in photos builds connection.

How to create it:

• Natural window light for most flattering effect
• Sharp focus on eyes and face
• Genuine expression or subtle smile
• Minimal makeup for authenticity
• Avoid extreme close-ups that feel uncomfortable

Best for: Photo position 1 or 2. Creates strong initial connection.

15. The Action or Sport Photo

What it is: Photos playing sports, working out, or engaged in athletic activities.

Why it works: Shows active lifestyle and physical confidence. Connects with other athletic or fitness-minded people.

How to create it:

• Action shots during actual activity
• Natural athletic movement
• Appropriate athletic wear
• Energy and engagement visible
• Avoid overly posed gym selfies

Best for: Photo positions 4-6. Shows physical activity is part of your life.

Building Your Perfect HER Photo Lineup

The most successful HER profiles include variety:

Position 1 (Main Photo): Natural smile headshot or close-up feature photo
Position 2: Full body lifestyle shot
Position 3: Hobby or interest photo
Position 4: Pride/community or social connection photo
Position 5: Travel, outdoor, or activity photo
Position 6: Casual everyday or creative photo

What to Avoid on HER

• All selfies - Mix in photos taken by others
• Heavy filters - Especially beauty filters that change your features
• All group photos - People need to identify you easily
• Blurry or low quality - Shows lack of effort
• Bathroom mirror selfies - Clean mirror in good lighting only, and just one
• Overly sexual photos - HER has community guidelines
• Photos with exes - Even cropped out, the energy is off
• Extremely old photos - Within 6 months to 1 year is best
• Hiding your face - Unless safety requires it, face visibility builds trust
• Inconsistent presentation - Photos should show the same person

Technical Photo Quality Tips

Lighting: Natural light from windows creates the most flattering, authentic look. Avoid harsh overhead lighting and extreme shadows.

Resolution: Use high-quality images that remain clear when uploaded. Blurry photos suggest low effort or old technology.

Composition: Follow the rule of thirds. Position yourself slightly off-center for more dynamic, interesting photos.

Background: Clean, uncluttered backgrounds keep focus on you. Interesting locations are great but shouldn't overwhelm the photo.

Colors: Wear colors that complement your skin tone. Avoid colors that blend into the background.

Optimizing for Different Presentation Styles

Femme Presentation

Showcase your style with variety - casual and dressed up, natural makeup and glam. Your photos should reflect your authentic femme aesthetic without feeling performative.

Masculine Presentation

Own your masc energy confidently. Suit photos, athletic shots, and casual wear that shows your style. Authenticity in masculine presentation is attractive.

Androgynous/Non-Binary Presentation

Your photos should reflect however you present most authentically. Show the fluidity or consistency of your gender expression as feels right for you.

Alternative Styles

Punk, goth, vintage, or other alternative aesthetics - celebrate what makes you unique. Your style will attract people who appreciate your particular vibe.

The Psychology of HER Photo Selection

HER's community responds to different cues than mainstream apps:

Authenticity signals: Natural, unfiltered photos signal honesty and build trust faster than overly curated images.

Community belonging: LGBTQ+ cultural references, Pride imagery, and queer community connections create instant rapport.

Personality over perfection: Photos showing hobbies, interests, and genuine moments attract better quality matches than just attractive selfies.

Confidence in presentation: Owning your particular style and presentation confidently is more attractive than conforming to standards that don't fit you.

Using AI to Enhance HER Photos

AI photo enhancement can help improve technical quality while maintaining authenticity:

Appropriate enhancements:

• Improving lighting naturally
• Color correction for accurate representation
• Sharpening details appropriately
• Background cleanup without changing scene
• Exposure correction

What to avoid:

• Dramatic feature changes
• Heavy beauty filters
• Unrealistic skin smoothing
• Body modification
• Anything that misrepresents your appearance

Measuring Your Photo Success

Track these metrics to understand what works:

• Match rate: How many profiles you like that match back
• Message quality: Do people reference your photos in opening messages?
• Conversation depth: Are you having meaningful conversations?
• Match compatibility: Do matches align with what you're seeking?

Try A/B testing different main photos weekly and tracking results.

Keeping Photos Current

Update your photos every 3-6 months, or whenever you have:

• Significant style changes
• New haircut or color
• Weight changes
• New hobbies or interests
• Great new photos from events or activities

Fresh photos signal you're active on the app and serious about meeting people.

Conclusion

The best photos for HER app combine technical quality with authentic self-expression. Your photo lineup should:

• Start strong with a clear, attractive main photo
• Show variety in settings, activities, and moods
• Demonstrate personality through hobbies and interests
• Build trust through authenticity and recent photos
• Reflect your community through LGBTQ+ cultural connection
• Invite conversation with interesting, engaging images

Remember that HER's community values genuine connection over superficial attraction. Photos that authentically represent who you are will attract the right people - those who appreciate your real self.

Your authentic self is your most attractive self. Let that shine through in every photo you choose.

Ready to Optimize Your HER Photos?

AURA's AI-powered photo enhancement helps create HER photos that authentically represent you while standing out. Get professional-quality lighting, color, and composition that honors your genuine self and attracts meaningful connections in the LGBTQ+ community.