SingleShots

The Contact Sheet
Volume 9
December 4, 2004
Past Issues

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving last week and is enjoying the holiday season so far, with friends, family, and perhaps someone new you’ve met online lately (that’s not too much for a certain photographer yenta to hope for, is it?).

This month, I’d like to welcome a new photographer to SingleShots—David MacGillivary. I’ve known David for a long time, and he’s a fantastic photographer. He’s also been a dancer and performer (perhaps some of you might have seen him in Contact a few years ago), so he really knows what it’s like to be on both sides of the camera.

Hope you’re all having a joyful and date-full December!

Best,
Mindy

Before and After of the Month:

Before

After

What’s wrong with this “before”?

It’s definitely an interesting photo, but is it flattering? Having met Dan in person, I can tell you that it isn’t. Since it was shot from below, it makes it look like he might be very heavy, and he’s not (as you can see from the after shot). Also, the sunglasses hide one of his best assets—his amazing blue eyes. You have to show off what you’ve got!

Here’s what Dan wrote us soon after putting up his new photos:

“You're awesome!!!!! I am already getting answers to my emails!!!!!!!
Profiles I tagged a 1.5 weeks ago but waited until our session to
correspond with, I have sent email correspondence to and got responses
within 2 hrs. One email message to me was titled ‘Baby Blue Eyes’!!

Getting off to a great start. Thanks!”

For more before and afters, check out our gallery.

Singles Spotlight:

Singles Spotlight is a monthly feature introducing one of our clients who is looking to find a great match online. If you’re intrigued by the person and want to learn more, or even have a friend or family member who you think would make a good match, feel free to contact him or her through the dating services or through me and I will pass on the message.

Ray:

The first usual question: Tell us a little about yourself and what you're looking for in a partner:

Well, I’m a journalist who edits international video for the web. Work is in Manhattan, and home is in Astoria. My roots are split between the Midwest and the East Coast—I’ve been a New Yorker for about seven years. Enjoy movies, books, music, and travel, especially to Latin America, since I study Spanish.

As for a partner, I’m looking for a kindred spirit ready for a good match all around. A smart, passionate, caring woman with her own life and career. Someone who’s into doing things together, trying new things together, and being there for each other during the ups and downs along the way.

How did you decide to get started online dating?

Probably the same reason that many folks do--looking to click with someone out there‚ beyond the typical bar/club/name-the-social-dive scene.

What dating services are you using, what are you thoughts about them, and how would someone contact you through them?

I’m on Nerve.com. Working with web every day, I like their overall vibe, and I find their layout is very user-friendly. Just the right mix of info and attitude. If you’d like to reach me there, my handle is espiritu_nyc.

What are some of your favorite places/things to do in New York? Your biggest New York pet peeve?

For a city dweller, I like to spend time in the green spaces, whether for a walk or just to soak in nature. Central Park and Bryant Park are among my faves. Also big on cafes and restaurants where you can have a good visit and a good chat, along with the good food. Like to catch music in the smaller, cozier venues the best. And, my top pet peeve in NYC: trying to get from Point A to Point B, and getting nowhere fast.

Any funny/amusing dating stories?

On a first date a few years back, both the date and I got each other‚s descriptions mixed up. And so, we waited a while for each other at our meeting place at a cafe, without realizing we were both already there. Fortunately, the confusion didn’t last too long, and we both had a good laugh about it.

Promotion:

Present Yourself

It’s that time of year again to wrack your brain and think of the perfect gift for the people in your life. This holiday, why not give the gift of yourself? All prints are two for one from now until Dec. 10 (yes, I know it’s a small window, but I’m going away for the latter part of December—this will give you a chance to get your shopping done early!) Just email us at info@singleshots.com to place your order.

Coach Notes:

This month, The Love Coach Robin Gorman Newman is here to give you some tips for a more successful online dating experience. To learn more about how Robin can help you find love, check out her website at http://www.lovecoach.com or call her at 516-773-0911 during business hours. Robin has been seen on The Today Show, Good Day NY, among many others, and she is the author of How to Meet a Mensch in New York.

THINK LIKE A MARKETER

“It’s not unusual for people to think of Internet dating as a numbers game. There are thousands, if not millions, of people pursuing it, so what does it take to make it work for you? A number of clients I’ve worked with have come to me and said that the Internet hasn’t produced for them. When I’ve asked how long they’ve been at it, some have said for a number of years, and they’ve yet to get a good date out of it. When I then ask if I may see their profile and photo that they posted, it was evident to me in all instances why they haven’t had success. They didn’t take the time to think like or marketer, or they didn’t know how to approach it that way.

What I mean is you have to put your best face forward on the web otherwise you do yourself a disservice. We are all busy in this technological age, and life can be overwhelming at times, but you’ve made the decision to pursue internet dating, you might as well make the effort to do it well.

This means that you want to post a photo that is truly flattering and not just use one you have laying around because its convenient. And don’t use a photo of you with a member of the opposite sex. What kind of message does that send?

When writing about yourself, think of yourself as a brand. What might make you stand out from the pack? If you like music, what kind of music? If you enjoy comedy, who is your favorite comic? Presenting your resume or writing in a generic manner is boring to read. You want to write with some personality, specifics and color to give the person reading about you more to go on than the standard information. If you can’t do it, ask a friend or hire someone to help you. Remember, it’s initially about selling yourself. Don’t rush it. Take your time, give it real thought, and don’t hesitate to tweak it over time, if you’re not getting the types of responses you’d hope for. You’re more likely to be happy in the long run if you make a genuine effort from the get go and don’t just go through the motions.”

About SingleShots:

SingleShots, the first photo studio dedicated to online portraits, knows how important a photo is in the online dating world, and yet how hard it seems to find a photo of yourself that you like enough to represent you. SingleShots takes photos that are relaxed and flattering-the best version of you on a great day. Meeting the right person is hard enough…why not give it your best shot? To sign up for The Contact Sheet or to learn more about SingleShots, email info@singleshots.com or call 212-777-1482.