What is the first thing you look at when browsing social networking sites for potential new friends or dates? The photo will usually be the part of the profile that catches your eye first, and just as we, as human beings, tend to judge by appearances first in real life, the same goes when you're networking. First impressions count! So naturally you will want your own profile picture to present you in the best possible light. There are a few practical ways you can make sure you get a good photo, whether you use a professional photographer or a friend with a digital camera:

1) Unless you want your photo to look like a mugshot, it's best not to face straight on to the camera lense, as this doesn't present your features in a very flattering way. Equally, don't look too far to the side, for the same reasons! Sit with your shoulders straight and facing the camera, then choose the best side of your profile (we all have one, unless blessed with perfectly symmetrical features!) and, keeping your chin up, turn your head slightly to the side, keeping shoulders straight and eyes on the camera.

2) Wear a top in a colour that flatters your skin tone and brings out the colour of your eyes-warm skin tones suit muted natural colours like olive green, earthy browns, terracotta. Pale-skinned or blonde people look good in soft pastels, and dark skins can get away with bright, jewel-like shades. If in doubt, black always works in a photograph, and white rarely does. Busy patterns are also a no-no, far too distracting from the main attraction-you! Make sure your top is not a similar colour to the background of the photo, and don't show too much skin.

3) Use an actors' trick and think of something to focus your mind on while the pictures are being taken-your boy/girlfriend, favourite pet, a beautiful sunset. This makes your eyes look 'alive' and animated, which is a lot better than the blank, dazed look caused by staring into the camera flash!

4) Relax! Smile and be yourself. You don't need to pose or put on a serious/seductive/intelligent expression, just be natural and your personality will shine through.

5) Once your photograph has been taken and you've decided which shot you would like to use, there are still a number of steps you can take to improve the picture and present the best you possible. A digital photo-retouching service can really add that extra dash of magic and make your picture stand out amongst the sea of faces on the web. For example, the lighting can be adjusted, to minimise the appearance of blemishes, under-eye shadows, and prevent your skin looking several shades darker than it actually is, a common problem in amateur photography. Red-eye can also be eliminated.

We've all heard of airbrushing, and seen the supermodels in magazines looking impossibly perfect, but air-brushing used in moderation can be a very useful tool. For example, it is often said that the camera adds pounds, and this is, unfortunately, true. Airbrushing can be used to reduce weight so that you look more like the real you. Of course, if you're adventurous you can also use it to increase the appearance of muscle-tone, smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, remove scars, and smooth a bumpy nose!

Another clever function of retouching services is the removal of unwanted background items, and even the replacement of the background with a different colour or fun pattern. You can use this to show your personality, just make sure the colour/pattern doesn't clash with your clothes.

To create a more classic, sophisticated image, retouching services can change an ordinary colour photograph into black and white, or even sepia-tones. This can give a very flattering, elegant effect.

To sum up, put your best face forward, relax and be you, use colour well, don't be afraid to experiment with photo-retouching, and you'll be sure to shine on the web!