A West Bridgford woman started a company that helps nervous hookups take the plunge and search for love online.
Gemma Wilks, 37, started her photo and dating company We Just Clicked after her own experience in finding love through dating websites.
Tired of blurry profile pictures and shady bathroom selfies, the photographer realized that there was a way to help dates connect online by simply improving the quality of their photos and making sure they got the best picture possible convey of yourself.
She said, “I was prompted by my own online dating experience. I was using dating apps for two years and most of the photos I saw were dull, blurry, filtered and of poor quality.
“I realized that there might be an opportunity to expand my personal photography skills.
“I met my partner Jamie through a dating app and it was a professional photo that I was drawn to.”
Discovering a great business opportunity and chance to help others find the right person to share their life with, Gemma quit her job as a digital designer at the University of Nottingham to study in February 2020, just before the first Covid -Lockdown to focus on the business.
Photographer Gemma Wilks says she helped hundreds of singles build the perfect online dating profile
(Image: SARITA WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY)
“I’m so glad I took the plunge into business. In the end it was good timing, but hard work. “
Now Gemma has taken dating photos for 100+ singles and goes everywhere to meet clients and she says they travel all over the country for her photo shoots too.
She says that she attributes her success to really getting to know her customers and explains, “They are often at a difficult time in their life, they may come from a long-term relationship or have just divorced.
“They’re always nervous so I talk to them and ask lots of questions to help them relax in front of my camera.
“I ask about your values and what you expect from your perfect partner. I give them the confidence to talk to people. I went through exactly what they went through when I was together so I find it really easy to relate to.
“I know the best locations, especially in Nottingham, and I’m always looking for new locations.”
Gemma also offers to write the perfect profile text for dates and can even arrange the styling for shoots if they’re not sure what to wear for the day.
“Your photo is really the most important part of your dating profile. A good photo will grab people’s attention and keep them from scrolling any further.
“It will show the confidence in your eyes and give you those important profile views. Online dating is about creating expectations, showing the real you, and attracting people who are genuinely interested in getting to know you, “she says.
(Image: Gemma Wilks)
Former successful client John says, “I wanted photos that looked great and stood out from the crowd. Gemma really delivered and the experience was fun. “
Gemma’s top tips for the perfect profile picture:
- Navy is a great color to wear and goes well with many backgrounds
- Avoid a white top on a sunny day as it will lose detail and fade
- Leave striped clothing at home
- Avoid wearing clothes with embellishments – they will distract attention from your eyes
- Neon and bright colors are out
- Get your hair cut three days before the shoot. Fresh embellishments can give you a baby face look.