HER App Photo Tips: Stand Out & Connect Authentically in 2025

HER is unique in the dating app landscape - it's built by and for LGBTQ+ women, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals. This creates a different dynamic than mainstream apps, where authenticity, community, and genuine connection often matter more than traditional attractiveness standards.

This guide will help you create a HER profile that represents your authentic self while attracting the meaningful connections you're seeking.

Understanding HER's Community-Focused Approach

HER is more than a dating app - it's a social platform for the queer women's community:

Community First: Many users are here for friendships and community, not just dating.

Diverse Purposes: Dating, friendships, events, networking - HER serves multiple needs.

Inclusive Space: Welcoming to women, non-binary people, and gender non-conforming individuals.

Authenticity Valued: The community appreciates genuine self-expression over performative femininity.

Safety and Respect: A moderated space designed to be welcoming and respectful.

The HER Photo Philosophy

Authenticity Over Perfection

HER's community values real over polished:

Natural Beauty: You don't need professional photos or heavy makeup.

Genuine Expression: Be yourself, not what you think others want to see.

Diverse Representation: All presentations of gender and sexuality are welcome.

Personality Shines: Show who you are beyond just your appearance.

Creating Safe, Respectful Profiles

Consent Culture: Only share photos you're comfortable with.

Respect Boundaries: Understand that not everyone is out publicly.

Privacy Awareness: Be mindful of what your photos reveal.

Community Guidelines: Follow HER's guidelines for appropriate content.

Your HER Profile Photo Strategy

Photo 1: Your Main Profile Photo

This is what appears in searches and on the main feed:

Clear Face Shot: Show your face clearly so people can recognize you.

Genuine Smile: Approachability matters in building connections.

Recent Photo: Within the last 6 months for accuracy.

Good Lighting: Natural light creates the most flattering, authentic look.

Comfortable Expression: Look relaxed and like yourself.

What Works Well:

• Headshot showing your style
• Natural smile or authentic expression
• Simple background that doesn't distract
• Photo that reflects your personality

Photo 2: Full Body or Lifestyle Shot

Show more of yourself and your life:

Purpose: Gives context about your style, body type, and lifestyle.

Best Practices:

• Shows your fashion sense and presentation
• Natural pose in an environment you enjoy
• Demonstrates your lifestyle or interests
• Maintains good quality and lighting

Photo 3: Personality or Interest Photo

Let your individuality shine:

Show Your Interests:

• Playing music or creating art
• Hiking or outdoor activities
• At Pride or community events
• With pets or doing hobbies
• Travel adventures

Why It Matters: Creates conversation starters and shows depth beyond appearance.

Photo 4: Social or Community Photo

Show your social life and community connections:

Options:

• With friends at events
• At LGBTQ+ community gatherings
• Pride celebrations
• Group activities

Keep It Clear: You should still be easily identifiable.

Photo 5-6: Additional Context

Round out your profile with variety:

Suggestions:

• Different settings and environments
• Various aspects of your personality
• Candid moments that feel authentic
• Photos that invite conversation

Photo Styles That Work on HER

1. The Authentic Self-Portrait

What It Is: A genuine photo that shows how you really look and feel.

Why It Works: HER's community values authenticity over filtered perfection.

How to Create It:

• Natural lighting (window light is perfect)
• Minimal or no filters
• Comfortable clothing that reflects your style
• Relaxed, genuine expression

2. The Community Connection Photo

What It Is: You at Pride, queer events, or with LGBTQ+ friends.

Why It Works: Shows you're active in the community and celebrates queer identity.

Best Practices:

• Ensure everyone in the photo would be okay being on a dating app
• You're clearly identifiable
• Captures the joy and energy of community

3. The Interest Showcase

What It Is: Photos of you engaged in hobbies or passions.

Why It Works: Creates immediate conversation topics and shows depth.

Examples:

• Playing an instrument
• Rock climbing or sports
• Creating art or crafts
• Reading at a coffee shop
• Cooking or baking

4. The Style Statement

What It Is: A photo that shows your aesthetic and presentation.

Why It Works: Helps attract people who appreciate your particular vibe.

Options:

• Femme presentation with makeup and dresses
• Masc presentation with suits or casual wear
• Androgynous or non-binary presentation
• Alternative styles (punk, goth, vintage, etc.)
• Professional or casual aesthetics

5. The Natural Moment

What It Is: Candid photos that capture you being yourself.

Why It Works: Shows your authentic energy and personality.

How to Get Them: Have friends photograph you during activities, laugh at something funny, or capture moments when you're relaxed and happy.

Special Considerations for Different Identities

For Lesbian Women

Photo Tips:

• Show your authentic presentation (femme, masc, or anywhere in between)
• Include variety in settings and styles
• Community photos can signal shared experiences
• Be yourself rather than conforming to stereotypes

For Bisexual/Pansexual Women

Photo Tips:

• Your photos should reflect YOU, not assumptions about bisexuality
• Show diverse interests and personality
• Community involvement can signal your place in LGBTQ+ spaces
• Be prepared to state your identity clearly in your bio

For Non-Binary and Gender Non-Conforming Individuals

Photo Tips:

• Present yourself however feels authentic
• You owe no one traditional femininity or any specific presentation
• Show your style evolution if that's part of your journey
• Include photos that make YOU feel good about yourself

For Trans Women

Photo Tips:

• Only share photos you're comfortable with
• You don't owe anyone "before" photos
• Show your authentic self now
• Include photos that make you feel confident
• Safety and comfort come first

For Queer Women of Color

Photo Tips:

• Celebrate your full identity
• Good lighting that shows your skin tone beautifully
• Cultural celebration photos if that's important to you
• Your authentic self is what matters

What Makes Photos Work on HER

Technical Quality

Resolution: Clear, sharp photos that show you well.

Lighting: Natural light almost always looks best and most authentic.

Focus: Ensure you're in sharp focus, not blurry.

Composition: Thoughtful framing that highlights you appropriately.

Emotional Quality

Genuine Expression: Real smiles and authentic emotions read well.

Positive Energy: Photos where you look happy and comfortable attract connection.

Confidence: Owning who you are shows through in photos.

Approachability: Open body language and friendly expressions invite conversation.

Content Variety

Different Settings: Home, outdoors, social events, travel.

Different Moods: Playful, serious, adventurous, relaxed.

Different Distances: Close-up, medium, full body.

Different Contexts: Solo, social, activity-based.

Common HER Photo Mistakes to Avoid

What Doesn't Work

1. All Group Photos: People shouldn't have to guess which person you are.

2. Heavy Filters: Especially beauty filters that change your features significantly.

3. Only Selfies: Shows lack of social connections or effort.

4. Blurry or Low Quality: Suggests you don't care about presentation.

5. Hiding Your Face: Unless you have safety reasons, face photos build trust.

6. Overly Sexual Photos: HER has community guidelines; respect them.

7. Extremely Old Photos: Using photos from 5+ years ago is deceptive.

8. Inappropriate Content: Photos that violate HER's community guidelines.

9. Photos With Exes: Even cropped, it creates awkward energy.

10. Inauthentic Presentation: Photos that don't represent who you actually are.

Optimizing Photos for Different Goals

Looking for Dating/Romance

Photo Strategy:

• Clear face photos showing genuine smile
• Full body shot showing your style
• Interest photos that create conversation
• Photos that show your romantic side
• Variety that tells your story

Looking for Friendships

Photo Strategy:

• Friendly, approachable vibes
• Social photos showing you value friendship
• Activity-based photos showing shared interest opportunities
• Casual, relaxed energy

Looking for Community Connection

Photo Strategy:

• Pride or community event photos
• Photos showing LGBTQ+ involvement
• Interest-based photos for finding like-minded people
• Authentic presentation of your queer identity

Exploring or New to the Scene

Photo Strategy:

• Comfortable, authentic photos of yourself
• Interests that invite non-threatening conversation
• Photos that show openness and friendliness
• Whatever makes you feel confident

The Psychology of HER Photos

Building Trust and Connection

HER's community values different things than mainstream apps:

Authenticity Signals:

• Natural photos over overly edited ones
• Genuine expressions over posed perfection
• Real-life moments over staged photos
• Consistent presentation across photos

Community Belonging:

• Pride flags or symbols (if you're comfortable)
• LGBTQ+ community event photos
• Queer culture references
• Authentic queer presentation

What Attracts Genuine Connections

Shared Values: Photos that show who you are attract people who appreciate that.

Similar Interests: Hobby photos connect you with like-minded people.

Authentic Energy: Being genuine attracts others seeking real connection.

Approachability: Friendly photos invite conversation.

Age-Specific Strategies

18-25: Young and Exploring

Focus: Energy, authenticity, exploration, social life.

Photo Style: Candid, social, showing your lifestyle and interests.

26-35: Established Identity

Focus: Career, hobbies, refined sense of self, lifestyle quality.

Photo Style: More polished while still authentic, diverse settings, showing who you've become.

36-50: Confident and Experienced

Focus: Confidence, established life, genuine connection, depth.

Photo Style: Professional quality, sophisticated without being stuffy, showing rich life experience.

50+: Wisdom and Authenticity

Focus: Authentic self, life experience, genuine connection.

Photo Style: Natural, honest, showing active life and interests, celebrating who you are.

Presentation and Style Guidance

Femme Presentation

Photo Tips:

• Show your style authentically
• Makeup and fashion that represents you
• Variety in looks if that's your style
• Don't feel pressured to be "femme enough"

Masculine Presentation

Photo Tips:

• Own your masc aesthetic confidently
• Show your particular style (soft masc, stud, butch, etc.)
• Suit photos often work well if that's your vibe
• Athletic or casual depending on your style

Androgynous/Non-Binary Presentation

Photo Tips:

• Present however feels right to you
• Show the fluidity or consistency of your presentation
• You define what your gender expression looks like
• Confidence in your presentation is attractive

Alternative Styles

Photo Tips:

• Celebrate your aesthetic (punk, goth, vintage, etc.)
• Show off unique style elements
• Find your subcommunity within HER
• Authenticity attracts your people

Using AI to Enhance HER Photos

The Authentic Enhancement Approach

AI can help improve photo quality while maintaining authenticity:

What AI Can Do Well:

• Improve lighting naturally
• Enhance colors without over-saturating
• Clean up backgrounds
• Sharpen details appropriately
• Correct exposure issues

What to Avoid

Don't Use AI For:

• Changing your features dramatically
• Heavy beauty filters that alter appearance
• Creating unrealistic expectations
• Hiding your authentic self

AURA's Approach for HER

AURA enhances photos while keeping them authentically you:

Professional Quality: Studio-level lighting and color correction.

Natural Results: Enhancements that don't look edited.

Authentic Representation: You remain recognizable and true to yourself.

Respectful Enhancement: Honoring your natural beauty and authentic presentation.

Photo Refresh Strategy

When to Update Photos

Every 3-6 Months: Keep your profile current.

After Significant Changes:

• New haircut or color
• Style evolution
• Weight changes
• New interests or hobbies

Seasonal Updates: Different seasons offer different photo opportunities.

When Engagement Drops: Fresh photos can renew interest.

Building Your Photo Library

Create Ongoing Content

Regular Photos: Take photos during activities and outings.

Ask Friends: Have friends photograph you at events.

Solo Sessions: Set up your phone on timer for variety.

Capture Moments: When you feel good, take a photo.

Organization System

Rate Photos: Keep your top 20-30 organized.

Date Them: Know which are recent.

Categorize: Face, full body, activity, social, etc.

Regular Updates: Remove outdated photos monthly.

Safety and Privacy on HER

Protecting Your Privacy

Consider Your Situation:

• Are you out publicly?
• Could colleagues or family see your profile?
• Are you in an LGBTQ+-friendly area?

Photo Choices Based on Privacy Needs:

• Face photos if you're comfortable being visible
• More private photos if discretion is needed
• Only share what feels safe

Who Can See Your Photos

Public Profile: Visible to other HER users.

Photo Sharing: Only share additional photos with people you trust.

Screenshots: Remember anyone can screenshot photos.

Reverse Image Search: Consider using photos unique to HER if privacy is crucial.

The Complete HER Photo Checklist

Before Uploading

• Photo is recent (within 6 months)
• High quality and clear
• Shows you authentically
• Appropriate per community guidelines
• You're comfortable with it being visible
• Represents your current appearance
• Good lighting and composition
• Aligns with your HER goals
• Privacy considerations addressed
• You feel confident sharing it

Profile Optimization

• Variety in photo types
• Mix of distances (close-up, full body)
• Different settings and contexts
• Shows personality and interests
• Authentic representation
• Quality is consistently good

Measuring Success

Metrics That Matter

Quality Over Quantity: HER is about meaningful connections.

Conversation Rate: Are you having good conversations?

Match Compatibility: Do matches align with what you seek?

Community Engagement: Are you connecting with your people?

A/B Testing

Try Different Main Photos: Change weekly and track results.

Compare:

• Number of likes and messages
• Quality of conversations
• Types of connections made

Adjust: Keep what works, change what doesn't.

Conclusion

HER's community values authenticity, diversity, and genuine connection. Your photos should reflect who you truly are while presenting yourself at your confident best.

The most successful HER profiles:

• Stay Authentic: Represent yourself genuinely
• Show Personality: Let who you are shine through
• Create Variety: Different photos tell your complete story
• Maintain Quality: Clear, well-lit, thoughtful photos
• Respect Community: Follow guidelines and community values
• Prioritize Safety: Share only what you're comfortable with

Remember that HER is a community space. Whether you're seeking love, friendship, or connection, your photos should authentically represent the real you while inviting the connections you genuinely want.

Your authentic self is your best self. Let that shine through in every photo.

Ready to Optimize Your HER Profile?

AURA's AI-powered photo enhancement helps you create HER photos that authentically represent you while standing out. Get professional-quality results that honor your genuine self and attract meaningful connections.