Our next interview is with Morgan Jones, a matchmaker at Three Day Rule. Morgan is based in San Francisco and specializes in working with busy professionals who are serious enough about their dating lives to invest both time and money into working with a matchmaker. We love working with Morgan and think you'll enjoy her dating photo advice!
Interview has been edited and condensed for clarity
Tell us about yourself
I’m from Southern California and have a background in commercial real estate. I had a broker’s license and did both sales and marketing.
I transitioned to matchmaking because it felt more fulfilling to me. I was able to apply the skills I learned in real estate to matchmaking, and I joke now that I’m a “love broker”.
Today, I am a matchmaker for Three Day Rule, a modern, tech enabled matchmaking company. I worked out of our Los Angeles office for a year and then moved to San Francisco. I always had a passion and love for San Francisco, and I enjoy matching in the Bay Area. There’s a different vibe in San Francisco, as people here aren’t as superficial – they’re more about what’s on the inside. I enjoy working intimately and on an emotional level with people.
How do you approach matchmaking?
When I first meet with a client, I really listen to where they are in their life, and I make sure to properly set expectations with them. I think it’s easy to oversell the “dream”, but when it comes down to the day-to-day of matching, these are people with extremely busy schedules, so clients need to go into the process with an even-keeled mindset.
I have a very holistic approach. I’m there for the client and involved in every step of the process, and I’ve done everything from wing woman sessions, to re-writing profiles, helping draft text messages…this is even if they start dating someone outside of Three Day Rule.
My clients are busy professionals with realistic expectations about who they’ll meet, and who are serious enough about finding someone that they’re willing to pay for a matchmaker. I want clients who can keep an open mind and trust my judgment. If someone goes into it saying, “I want someone of this exact age, with this exact career, and exact height…”, I have an honest conversation with them about their preferences before taking them on.
On to photos. Why are good photos so important?
Photos are one of the most important parts of your dating profile – especially when it comes to my female clients. I’ve learned that men tend to not even read the bios – they see photos and make a snap judgment.
It’s also important to have accurate photos. Potential matches want to see you for what you actually look like. A big problem in online dating, and why many people come to me, is that they go on these dates with people from online, and the people don’t look anything like their profiles. Have photos that show the best version of yourself, but that are also realistic. I say that word a lot – “realistic” – because we’re not trying to trick anyone; we want someone to be excited about meeting our client for exactly who they are.
"Have photos that show the best version of yourself, but that are also realistic"
What are your dating photo "dos"?
Have both a close up headshot as well as a full body shot. We don’t want anyone to be surprised about what you look like.
Your set of photos should also be consistent and reflect your actual personality – for example, if you are more laid back and typically wear casual attire, your photos should reflect that. For women, men often base their impression of you off of your “worst” photo, so again, make sure they are consistent. Clothing should fit you well and make you feel comfortable. Wear solid, bold colors. Finally, smile with your teeth – if you don’t smile, people assume you have bad teeth (really!)
"Your set of photos should also be consistent and reflect your actual personality"
What are your dating photo "don'ts"?
Don’t wear patterned clothing – it distracts the eye. Women: don’t wear clothing that is too loose, as it doesn’t photograph well. Men: don’t be too casual, for example a hoodie or something that isn’t matching. Also, don’t wear a hat! Women want to see men’s hair.
What is a piece of advice for someone just entering the dating pool?
Dating can be nerve wracking. As a matchmaker, I’m there not just as a sounding board but also as a friend and confidant. I can give you feedback, insights, and help you learn about yourself. I can help you become a more well-rounded and confident person. And most importantly, I’m always on your side!
Learn more about Morgan and Three Day rule here.