From reader Jaime:
I’m not sure if this is new or not but Match has something called Match Studios
where you put in your contact information, match calls you back, reviews your
profile and picture and makes recommendations. It costs $40
Reading the Terms of Service, it’s clear that LookBetterOnline is providing photography services to Match.com members. LBO has been trying to get on Match for several years now.
Prices have been raised to $149, $20 more than it was last time I checked. That’s too expensive for most people, IMHO, but there will always be a market people who are willing to shell out money for a decent photo.
I’ve noticed that professional photos are showing up more frequently on dating sites, but with an 8 megapixel camera going for $200, it’s becoming easier for most people to have “better than webcam” photos and a camera for snapshots to boot. I’m a strong believer that candid party and vacation snapshots say a lot more about a person than posing like a Pilgrim on Plymouth Rock. That said, there are millions of profiles out there with awful photos, leading me to believe that LookBetterOnline’s market will continue to grow, but in other areas. $150 prices them out of the market for all but the most serious online daters.
