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DIY Photography
10 min read

At-Home Dating Photos in 10 Minutes

No ring light, no studio—just a window, your phone, and 10 minutes. This streamlined approach gets you swipe-worthy photos using what you already have at home.

Dating photo setup and result

What You Need (Minimal Gear)

Phone

Rear camera preferred

Small Tripod

$10-20 or stack books

Window

Bigger is better

Timer/Remote

Built-in or app

Bonus Items (Optional)

Microfiber cloth for lens cleaning, masking tape for floor marking your position, white poster board for light bounce, neutral wall or chair as background.

TL;DR: 10-Minute Timeline

0-1m
Setup Place tripod at window, position yourself at 45° angle to light
1-2m
Phone Prep Clean lens, turn on grid, enable timer/burst mode
2-4m
Frame & Focus Frame mid-torso, lock exposure, slight overexposure +0.3–0.7 EV
4-6m
Pose Set A Standing shots with neutral/soft smile variations
6-8m
Pose Set B Seated or leaning poses for variety
8-10m
Review & Reshoot Quick check, reshoot best angle once more

Lighting Fundamentals (Window Light Made Simple)

Best Window Orientations & Times

Ideal Conditions

  • North-facing windows (consistent indirect light)
  • Morning light (8-10 AM) - soft and warm
  • Late afternoon (3-5 PM) - golden and flattering
  • Overcast days - nature's perfect diffuser

Avoid These

  • Direct noon sunlight (harsh shadows)
  • Small windows in dark rooms
  • Colored curtains (create color cast)
  • Windows with strong outdoor reflections

Too Contrasty?

Step back from window to soften shadows

Too Flat?

Rotate 10-15° toward window for dimension

Perfect Angle

45° between you, window, and camera

Phone Setup in 60 Seconds

Camera Settings

  • Grid lines ON (composition)
  • HDR ON (if available)
  • Use rear camera (quality)
  • Timer: 2s or 10s delay
  • Burst mode or Live Photos

Exposure Lock Technique

  1. 1. Frame your shot with tripod
  2. 2. Stand in position
  3. 3. Tap and hold on your face
  4. 4. "AE/AF LOCK" appears
  5. 5. Slide exposure up (+0.3)
  6. 6. Start timer and pose

Posing Quick Guide

Universal Posing Tips

  • Chin forward and slightly down (defines jaw)
  • Shoulders back, then relax them down
  • Angle shoulders 15-30° from camera
  • Micro-movements between shots
  • Breathe out slightly before each shot

Seated Poses

  • Sit on edge of chair (better posture)
  • Keep spine tall, don't slouch
  • One foot forward, one back
  • Lean slightly toward camera
  • Turn knees toward camera for slimming

What to Do With Your Hands

Hold a coffee mug naturally

Adjust jacket or collar

One in pocket, one relaxed

Three Copy-Paste Recipes

Soft Window Portrait

  • • Position: 45° to side window
  • • Distance: 3-4 feet from window
  • • Exposure: +0.3 EV compensation
  • • Frame: Mid-torso crop
  • • Expression: Slight smile

Cozy Seated Shot

  • • Chair: 1m from window
  • • Angle: Knee toward camera
  • • Hands: Relaxed in lap
  • • Posture: Tall spine, lean in
  • • Frame: Waist up

Lifestyle Prop Shot

  • • Prop: Coffee mug or book
  • • Angle: Half-profile view
  • • Action: Mid-sip or reading
  • • Eyes: Glance to lens
  • • Mode: Burst 5-8 frames

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