You feel confident and engaging in real life, but your dating app photos do not reflect that.
If choosing photos feels uncomfortable or overwhelming, you are not alone. I work with professionals who want dating images that feel natural, confident, and true to who they are.
Many successful professionals in their 30s to 50s share a similar frustration. They feel confident, engaging, and accomplished in real life, yet uncertain about how they come across on dating apps. What feels natural in person doesn’t always translate through photos.
You may know you are warm, attractive, and approachable, but when you look at your dating profile, the images feel off. Perhaps you’re relying on outdated photos or quick selfies. Maybe you’ve asked friends for input, only to receive mixed opinions that leave you more unsure than before.
Over time, this disconnect can feel discouraging. You might notice that the matches you attract don’t reflect what you’re looking for, and you suspect your photos could be part of the issue.
You want to be represented in a way that feels honest and natural. Photos that reflect who you actually are, so you can move forward with confidence instead of second-guessing.
I’ve been photographing people for over a decade, and when it comes to dating photos, I see the same hesitation again and again.
Many smart, successful people worry that putting real effort into their dating photos might make them seem like too much. Dating photos feel vulnerable. There’s a fear of trying too hard or sending the wrong message.
One client said this to me outright. She asked if we could just take a few photos on her iPhone....
She decided to join the dating apps and look at it from the perspective of a potential match…
What surprised her wasn’t that professional photos felt fake. It was that almost everyone else was clearly putting in effort. Thoughtful images. Good light. A sense of intention. The low-effort profiles were easy to pass over, even if the person behind them might have been great in real life.
“Okay. I get it now. Give me all the hair and all the makeup…”
Imagine opening your dating app and feeling good about what you see...without hesitation. Not relieved. Not unsure. Just confident. These photos look like you on a really good day. You recognize yourself, and you like what you see.
There is a quiet shift that happens when you know your photos are strong. You are no longer hesitant or apologetic in how you show up. You are not wondering if you chose the wrong image or if something feels off. You trust what you are putting out into the world.
Updating your profile feels straightforward instead of emotionally loaded.
The Luxury Dating App Ready Experience includes a guided preparation process, a thoughtfully paced, dating-focused photo session, and real-time coaching on expression and body language so your photos feel natural, approachable, and unmistakably you.
You’ll review and select your images the same day, leaving the session knowing exactly how you’re presenting yourself and feeling good about it.
Professional hair and makeup support is available for those who want it, and every detail of the experience is designed with dating in mind.
The goal is simple: You walk away with photos that feel like you on a really good day and the confidence that comes from knowing you put your best foot forward.
In a relaxed, one-on-one consultation, we talk through who you are, what you want to communicate, and how you want to feel showing up on dating apps.
We plan the session intentionally so you’re never guessing what will work or wondering if you’re doing it “right.” Everything is designed to feel natural, aligned, and true to you.
Professional hair and makeup is available for those who want it, with an emphasis on looking like yourself ... just a little more rested, confident, and camera-ready.
Nothing overdone. Nothing trendy.
Just thoughtful polish that photographs beautifully and still feels like you.
This is not a headshot session adapted for dating.
You’re guided throughout the entire shoot with real-time coaching on expression, posture, and presence so your photos feel natural, approachable, and confident, never stiff or posed.
You don’t have to know what to do.
That’s my role.
You’ll review and select your images the same day, so you leave knowing exactly how you’re showing up without second-guessing or wondering if you chose the “right” photo.
The goal is clarity, confidence, and relief.
Ready to Feel Confident About Your Dating Photos?
The Luxury Dating App Ready Experience begins with a $600 session fee.
This includes your consultation, preparation process, fully guided photo session, and same-day image review and selection.
Images are purchased separately in curated collections, beginning at $1,500, allowing you to choose what feels right for you. Most clients invest between $2,100 and $3,500 in total, depending on the collection they choose.
You’ll select your images during your session, so you only purchase what you truly love ...no pressure, no surprises.
If this approach feels aligned, the next step is a brief consultation to make sure we are a good fit.
It’s completely normal to feel unsure going into a photo session. Most clients come in with that concern and leave surprised by how much they like their images.
Because we review photos together during your session and adjust as needed, you’ll know what’s working right away. More often than not, the challenge is choosing favorites, not finding images you like.
Sessions are designed to feel relaxed and unhurried, without taking up your entire day. Most dating photo experiences take approximately half a day or less, depending on the session flow and the number of looks we create.
Yes. You’ll bring your own outfits so your photos feel like you, not a costume.
Before your session, you’ll receive a preparation guide and a consultation to help you choose pieces that photograph beautifully and align with your dating goals
If you want additional support, professional styling can be added on. I work with trusted stylists who can help refine your wardrobe and take the guesswork out of what to wear.
Yes. During your session, I guide you through selecting the images that perform best on dating apps, including which photo should lead and how to present yourself visually.
My role is to help you look confident, approachable, and authentic on camera. For deeper profile strategy or dating coaching, I’m happy to share trusted resources if you’d like.
Most dating photo sessions take place at my downtown Naperville studio. It’s a versatile, light-filled space that I know extremely well, which allows us to create a wide variety of looks in a calm, comfortable environment.
The studio also gives us a central place for outfit changes and same-day image review. If it makes sense for your session, we can step outside for nearby location shots as well.
I’ve worked with many clients who travel in from out of town. Downtown Naperville is easily accessible from both O’Hare and Midway airports, and once you’re downtown, everything is walkable. Hotels, including Hotel Indigo, along with great restaurants and coffee spots, are just steps from the studio.
On-location sessions outside of downtown Naperville are available by request. Because they involve additional planning and logistics, pricing and availability may vary.
On-location sessions are available by request. Location sessions require additional planning and may include different pricing depending on travel, access, and setup.
It’s also important to know that on-location shoots can limit outfit changes and may not always allow for professional hair and makeup services. During your consultation, we’ll talk through what makes the most sense for your goals and decide on the best approach together.
Collections begin at 8 images. Most see a range they love and choose a collection that fits their goals. You’ll select your images during the session, so you’re never guessing what you’ll receive.
Professional hair and makeup is complimentary and included in the experience if you would like it. It’s designed to help you look polished and camera-ready while still feeling like yourself. You’re always welcome to keep it natural, we’ll talk through what feels best during your consultation.
For clients looking to go beyond great photos and build a meaningful relationship, I often recommend emlovz, offering unlimited coaching with guidance around dating profile optimization, messaging, date execution blueprints, and support through every stage of the dating process, until you’ve found a healthy relationship.
I'm Emily
I’m Emily, a photographer with over a decade of experience helping people feel at ease in front of the camera.
I understand how intimidating dating photos can feel. You’re not just taking pictures, you’re presenting yourself to the world.
Many capable, confident people still feel uncertain about how they come across online. That’s normal.
Over the years, I’ve developed a gentle, guided approach that removes the guesswork.From our first consultation to the moment you choose your images, my focus is on creating real, approachable, and true-to-you photos ... so you feel confident sharing them, not anxious about them.
I specialize in helping people show up naturally. My role isn’t just to take photos, it’s to help you feel seen and understood in them.
“Emily was amazing! I felt calm and well taken care of throughout the process and especially the photo shoot! She talked and gently built confidence as I shy from the camera. She did so much for me! Love her and look forward to another shoot with Emily Cummings Photography"
COURTNEY S - HINSDALE, IL