"Cliche photos" revisited

Wow. I really didn't expect to hear so much feedback from my article on photo cliches.

I admit it. I use a bit of dramatic hyperbole. It makes the blog a little more entertaining. And the entertainment factor is important - who wants to spend time reading boring articles?

No, you're not doomed to failure if your photos are all cliched. As both men and women have pointed out - most people don't provide interesting (or even good) photos.

And I look at that as an opportunity to separate yourself from the crowd.

Yes, if you miss it... there are other opportunities. But this is a good one.

One reader asks, "What photos can I put up that aren't cliches?"

That depends on you.

When you talk with friends about what you do... what things do they ask the most about?

If you play guitar, show pictures of yourself playing at a party or a concert.

If you're an artist, have a picture where you're spinning a pot, or painting a picture.

If you've been to unusual places - have pictures with those interesting and unusual things in the background. (But be warned - generic beach and wilderness scenes are common. What makes the photo interesting is that you're not at an ordinary place.)

What are you trying to do?

You're providing photographic proof that you are the person that you say you are. You look more genuine than the folks that provide "generic" pictures. And you're providing photos that women will look at... and ask you questions about.

Because unresolved questions generate intrigue. And that's a good thing.

PS - Another thing that came up in the feedback - it's always been conventional wisdom not to put other women in your pictures... but a lot of pick-up artists are challenging that convention. I don't do it, myself. But it might work for them - because they're going for women who like competition, and want a man who won't go mushy-kneed around an attractive woman. What do you guys think? The comments section and Google Group forums are open...