Working with a matchmaker? Get your photos sorted first

If you're working with a matchmaker in Austin or San Antonio, or you're thinking about hiring one, here's something I see a lot. People assume the matchmaker sorts the photos out. Mate, generally they don't. A professional matchmaker still has to show you to the people they're introducing you to, and the first thing anyone looks at is your photos. So your photos are still doing a lot of the heavy lifting, there's just a matchmaker in the middle doing the introducing.

What your matchmaker actually needs from you

Honestly, it's pretty much the same as a really good dating profile. A great photo of your face, a full body shot, and a few of you actually doing stuff, so whoever's looking gets a sense of who you are and not just what you look like.

Make sure they're current, too, because a matchmaker is about to put you in front of someone who expects to meet the person in the photos. Let's all say it together: no catfishing! And get them sorted before your profile goes out, not after a few introductions that don't go anywhere.

The three shots I always go after

Here's how I normally set up a profile. Photo one is the portrait. Just you, looking at the camera like you're actually happy to be there, so whoever's looking knows exactly who they're meeting. Photo two is the reaction shot, where you're laughing or mid-moment with something you love, and hey, who doesn't love a good puppy shot? Photo three is the vibes shot, which shows your style without trying too hard. Something like a plaid shirt against a brick wall.

Everything after that is the stuff that rounds you out. Cooking, a food truck, a bit of time in the garden. It's not about having a fancy life, it's about showing what a normal good day looks like for you, you know?

How a shoot with me works

We jump on a call first and chat about what you're actually into, and I build a shortlist of spots around Austin or San Antonio off the back of that. Most people shoot within a week or two of that call, while they're keen. On the day we start off inside, because nobody's at their best in the first ten minutes of having a camera pointed at them, then we get outside and go do your stuff. Three to four hours, up to seven outfits, and I'm coaching you the whole way through.

A few matchmakers, dating agencies and coaches worth a look

If you're still shopping around, here are a few I'd have a look at. Local matchmaker, international agency or a dating coach, it's the same deal: your photos are the first thing anyone sees.

• Dating by Blaine, matchmaking from dating coach Blaine Anderson.
• The Matchmaking Company, with offices in both Austin and San Antonio.
• Modern Mingle, San Antonio matchmaking plus regular singles events.
• LUMA Luxury Matchmaking, with an office in downtown Austin.
• Executive Connections, boutique matchmaking for professionals in Austin.
• Met By Nick, a personal matchmaker who works with Austin singles.
• Michael Asibuo, a dating coach who does full dating makeovers for men, and has worked with clients in San Antonio.
• A Foreign Affair, a good example of an international dating agency.

And if you run a matchmaking service or a dating agency in Texas and you want a photographer you can send your clients to, flick me a message. I'm based in Austin and I'm down in San Antonio all the time.

Let's get you sorted

It's the same Together package as any shoot: $799 in Austin, or $949 all up for San Antonio with the travel fee. Have a look at my San Antonio dating photos or my Austin page, then let's chat. We'll figure out what you need and go make some banging photos for your profile.

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