If you're looking for love in the new year you probably already know that building the perfect dating app profile takes time. It doesn't just happen accidentally. It takes finesse!That's why we polled the experts on how to write the best profile, and the kind of photos people want to see, but maybe you're wondering how to take those pics that make you look your most alluring.Now we're back with advice from two professional photographers. Atlanta-based portrait and wedding photographer Omotola Ajibade, and Pittsburgh-based portrait photographer and photography teacher Don Orkoskey laid out all the details on how to hone your selfie-taking skills. Here are 5 tips from Ajibade and Orkoskey to take your selfies to the next level!Contrast makes you pop!"First, people are drawn to contrast," says Orkoskey. "So, make sure that you're well-lit but that your background is dark. It doesn't need to be black, but it should make you really stand out from the background and pop off the screen." This tip applies to a lot more than just your background, it's also good to consider when planning what you're going to wear. "Contrasting colors help us to pop off the page as well. It's important to know what colors you look good in. It doesn't matter if it's jewel tones or earth tones. You can make those pop by using brightly colored accessories. Just make sure you're not overdoing it, you don't want to be a neon sign unless that's really your personality, in which case, go for it!"Pay attention to lighting.Ajibade keeps his lighting advice simple, and says, "The most important thing is to position yourself so your face and eyes are well-illuminated."In practice, here's what you want to look for. "Generally, I recommend avoiding lighting situations where the light is coming from exactly above or below the person's chin," he says. "In the first scenario, the light can create a hotspot directly on the forehead, making it look larger than reality. Light from below tends to look unnatural and ghoulish because very little light enters the eyes. In such situations, you may need additional lighting."This is another aspect where Orkoskey's contrast advice is applicable! He says, "When it comes to finding contrast you've got to be like Punxsutawney Phil and look for your shadow. I call this the Punxsutawney Rule, if you can see your shadow and the edges of it are hard you've got the right amount of contrast to make a photo that will pop. The challenge now is to face into that light without it causing you to squint. If you can catch some of that light in your eyes to make them sparkle you'll be irresistible."Angles. Are. Everything.Case in point for how important angles are? Orkoskey says, "When it comes to the right angle to photograph yourself think back to 2020's Zoom face fiasco and compare that with the standard selfie angle. The reason the selfie angle is more flattering is because whatever is closer to the camera is going to appear larger."Play with positioning your camera. "If you're self-conscious about your midsection then placing the camera slightly above your eyeline will move that part of your body farther away from the camera," explains Orkoskey. "On the other hand, if you love your curves, show them off."Ajibade explains that this is true for whatever you place in front of the camera and that this gives you a lot of power to highlight your favorite features. "Whatever is closest to the camera is always going to be the largest in the frame, and that's the thing that viewers' eyes will most likely be drawn to. This can be a great opportunity to highlight a feature you love about yourself. So, if you love your smile, then angle it so it features more prominently. Additionally, this means you can de-emphasize other parts you might be insecure about by pushing them further from the camera."However, Ajibade also warns against taking this advice too far. "Avoid extreme angles unless they serve an intentional purpose. For example, angling the camera up towards the subject too much can create a powerful and domineering appearance. Likewise, angling the camera down towards your subject can create a more diminutive or demure look. If that's not your general vibe, avoid making images that create that impression."Selfies are like real estate: location, location, location!You should be the main focus of any picture, but the setting and background are also a great way to show more of your personality. "For any portrait," says Ajibade, "I always recommend being comfortable in your clothing, the environment, and the situation. Part of the utility of photographs is that they allow your potential match to envision what a date with you might look like. Some of your photos should be in places that you're comfortable in like a favorite park, coffee shop, bookstore, etc."He also has some very logical tips for showing off your interests and hobbies without broadcasting too much information to strangers. "Sometimes, people are worried about security and safety. If that's the case, pick a location that is similar to your favorite place (maybe even on the other side of town) but not your exact favorite place." A genius idea!Authentic is always better than perfect.Remember: these aren't for starting a modeling career, they're for prospective partners to get a sense of who you are. So be yourself! Ajibade says. "Your images should help you imagine what dates with you could look or feel like. I generally recommend at least one photo of each of the following: a casual/everyday look (for low-stakes outings), a dressed-up look (for important occasions like a work party, fancy dinners, etc.), and a photo of you participating in a favorite hobby or pastime. The hobby photo can include pictures with friends, provided they consent to having their photos on the internet."He also advises against looking overly stiff or posed. "When working with portrait clients, one thing I do get a real smile is to play a special from their favorite comedian or ask them to think of something funny. Often, within a few minutes, we've got a couple of real smiles and have loosened up for the rest of the shoot."Orkoskey reminds us that even if you're not naturally comfortable in front of the camera, you've got to fake it until you make it! "Your face should look natural but if you're too worried about the photos that stress is going to show. So, if you can't shake the anxious look then channel someone you love and respect. Think about how they'd pose, the expression they'd use, the power and confidence they have. This will make all the stress leave your body. Just be aware that it might also make you look self-absorbed or over confident so be sure to pay attention to how much you're putting on in case you need to take it down a notch."And there you have, go forth and level up that selfie game! Experts cited:Omotola Ajibade, a portrait and wedding photographer based in Atlanta, Georgia.Don Orkoskey, a portrait photographer and photography teacher based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.