Why Your LinkedIn Profile Photo Matters
Your LinkedIn profile photo is one of the first things people will see when looking at your profile. It helps form that all-important first impression. According to LinkedIn, profiles with photos receive 21 times more profile views and 36 times more messages than profiles without photos. So having a proper headshot is essential for making connections on the platform.
A professional headshot shows you are serious about your career. It makes you look more credible and authoritative. Recruiters are more likely to click on profiles with high-quality headshots versus generic selfies or avatars. The photo also gives clues about your personality and the type of employee you might be. Ultimately, it can impact your chances of landing an interview or new job opportunity.
What Makes a Good LinkedIn Photo?
Your LinkedIn profile photo should be sharply focused and well-lit. It should clearly show your face and ideally the top half of your torso. Some key elements of an effective headshot include:
– Recent photo – Use a current photo from the last 1-2 years. Do not use old photos as you want to look like your present self.
– High resolution – The photo must be high resolution, at least 400×400 pixels. This ensures it looks crisp and clear when viewed at different sizes.
– Good lighting – Proper lighting reduces shadows and prevents your face from blending into the background. Diffused, even lighting works best.
– Solid background – Choose a solid color background like white, gray, or light blue. Avoid distracting backgrounds.
– Professional attire – Dress professionally as you would for an interview. Avoid too many accessories or bold patterns.
– Pleasant facial expression – Smile naturally and make eye contact with the camera to appear friendly and approachable.
– Proper framing – Frame your head and shoulders in the center of the photo. Maintain good posture by holding your chin parallel to the ground.
– No distractions – Eliminate visual distractions like busy backgrounds, props, or additional people/pets in the photo.
Following these best practices will result in a polished, professional-looking profile photo that makes the right impression.
Should You Hire a Professional Photographer?
Hiring a professional photographer is the best way to get a high-quality LinkedIn headshot. But is it worth the cost and time investment? Here are the main advantages of using a professional photographer:
– Better equipment – Professionals use high-end DSLR cameras, lighting kits, and editing software to produce the highest quality photos. Their specialized equipment results in crisper, clearer pictures.
– Artistic eye – Photographers know how to frame shots effectively, guide posing, and apply subtle edits to achieve photos that look natural yet polished. Their artistic eye leads to better composition.
– Experience with headshots – Professional photographers take business headshots on a regular basis. They know how to position subjects and light the face to create an appealing yet professional look.
– Save you time – A pro photographer will handle the entire process, from location scouting to editing. You simply show up for the session. This is much faster than taking dozens of selfies hoping one will work.
– Technical skills – Photographers are experts in resolution requirements, color correction, retouching, and file compression. They output properly sized high resolution JPEGs optimized for LinkedIn.
– Consistency – Photographers will capture multiple different shots with a consistent look and feel. This provides options to choose the best of the best for your profile.
– Objective eye – Photographers look at your features objectively and make suggestions for the most flattering angles and poses. Their outside eye helps minimize unintentional impressions.
The biggest benefit of hiring a professional is reducing the risk that your photo sends the wrong message. For such an important business tool, a small investment is worthwhile.
Where to Get Professional Headshots
If you have decided to use a pro photographer, here are some options to consider:
– LinkedIn photographers – LinkedIn works directly with a network of photographers in major cities around the world. Packages start at $50-$200 for a mini-session.
– Headshot photographers – Search for headshot or corporate photographers in your local area. Larger cities will have more options starting around $150-$500 per session.
– Photography studios – Portrait studios may offer business portrait packages. Benefits are no travel fees and availability for touch-ups.
– Freelance photographers – Hire freelance photographers experienced in professional headshots for more flexibility on pricing and location.
– Image studios – Walk-in photo studios like Passport Photo places cater to quick headshots. Cost is usually under $50.
– Online only – New online-only headshot services allow you to submit photos for retouching into a profile headshot. Cost ranges from $30-$100.
– DIY photos – As a budget option, create DIY headshots using a smartphone, tripod, ring light, and editing apps. Output must meet size and quality requirements.
Shop around photographers’ websites to find styles you like. Ask to see sample business portraits to assess their work. Avoid logos, watermarks, or copyright images. Read reviews and compare pricing.
How to Prepare for Your Headshot Session
Follow these tips to prepare for success on your professional photo shoot:
– Pick attire – Select professional, conservative clothing in neutral solid colors. Men should wear a suit and tie or just a dress shirt. Women might choose a blazer over a modest blouse or dress.
– Groom yourself – Get a haircut beforehand. Style your hair neatly and apply natural makeup. Remember the camera picks up small details.
– Hydrate and sleep – Drink water and get plenty of rest the night before to look refreshed. Avoid alcohol which can lead to puffiness or redness.
– Shave and groom – Shave or neatly trim facial hair. Groom eyebrows. This gives a polished look on camera.
– Have a friend review – Have someone look over your selected outfit, hair, and makeup before the shoot to spot any issues.
– Practice your look – Rehearse some pleasant but natural expressions in front of a mirror. Relax your body language.
– Time your commute – Arrive about 10 minutes early in case you need to fix your appearance. Traffic delays cause stress that shows on camera.
– Communicate needs – Tell the photographer any special requests in advance like preferred side of face or glasses on/off.
With some preparation, you can maximize the probability of getting an excellent LinkedIn profile shot.
How Much Does Professional Headshot Photography Cost?
The price for professional headshots varies based on factors like the photographer’s experience level, session length, location, and packages. Here are typical costs:
Headshot Option | Typical Cost Range |
---|---|
LinkedIn pro photographer mini-session | $50 – $200 |
Local professional photographer studio session | $150 – $400 |
High-end corporate photographer studio session | $300 – $600 |
On-location corporate photographer session | $500 – $1200 |
Image studio walk-in (15-20 mins) | $40 – $100 |
Online retouching service | $30 – $100 |
DIY using your own camera | $0 |
Additional costs may include:
– Travel fees for on-location shoots
– Purchasing digital files for printing rights
You can request separate costs for just one final edited high resolution image if you only need one for your profile. Always clarify what is included before booking.
How to Pick the Best LinkedIn Profile Photo
After your photo session, you will have many shots to choose from. Follow these tips for selecting the best profile picture:
– Review closely – Examine at full resolution to see small facial details clearly. Assess focus, lighting, expression.
– Enlist others – Ask for unbiased opinions from colleagues, friends, and photographers. Our own judgment can be skewed.
– Try thumbnails – View downsized as thumbnails to test how it captures attention among other profile photos.
– Observe impressions – Note split-second first impressions the picture conveys about you to match your goals.
– Check technicals – Confirm image meets size and resolution requirements. Measure pixels if needed.
– Use a range – Rotate a few top choices as your profile photo over time. Variety keeps your page dynamic.
– Test professionally – Try using the photo on job search sites and networking to gauge real reactions.
– Check lighting – Ensure consistent flattering lighting, no odd shadows or bright spots on your face.
– Evaluate expression – Choose a natural, friendly expression over big smiles which can look forced.
– Consider angles – Slight tilts can add sophistication but avoid exaggerated poses. Go with straight-on.
Carefully choosing the right profile photo improves your chances of making authentic connections on LinkedIn.
Tips for Looking Your Best on Camera
Posing for professional photos feels unnatural to most of us. Use these tips to look your best on camera:
– Relax your body – Release tension in your face, neck, shoulders. Take deep breaths.
– Align your posture – Sit or stand straight with chest lifted. Lean slightly forward. Keep shoulders back.
– Lift your chin – Don’t tilt your chin down. Aim to have it parallel to the ground.
– Focus your eyes – Look directly at the camera lens. Visualize your gaze hitting the back of the lens.
– Smile with your eyes – Let your natural smile reach your eyes. Avoid just smiling with your mouth.
– Slow your breathing – Breathe from your diaphragm. Inhale through your nose, exhale through your mouth.
– Imagine a conversation – Envision talking with a close friend. This leads to authentic expressions.
– Take your time – Allow the photographer time to adjust poses and snapping more frames.
– Review as you go – Ask to see some test shots to help refine your positioning and expression.
– Fake it till you make it – Act confident even if you don’t feel it. Confidence will follow.
With practice, you can learn to project an assured yet approachable demeanor for your LinkedIn profile picture.
How to Look Natural Instead of Stiff or Awkward
Appearing natural instead of stiff or forced in photos boils down to being calm and comfortable:
– Warm up first – Loosen up with shoulder rolls, shakes, stretching. Jump up and down to reduce tension.
– Focus on the photographer’s voice – Tune into their guidance to distract from overthinking.
– Imagine you’re laughing – Thinking a funny thought will make your eyes sparkle.
– Drop your jaw – Opening your jaw relaxes the rest of your face.
– Forget you’re on camera – Don’t obsess over the photos. Enjoy chatting with the photographer.
– Rotate between expressions – Cycle between serious, laughing, and smiling to get candid natural shots.
– Move between poses – Flow between sitting, standing and leaning poses. Movement reduces stiffness.
– Use open body language – Uncross your arms and legs. Hold hands loosely in front. Keep shoulders open.
– Take pauses – Take natural breaks to reset your facial muscles between smiling.
– Go at your pace – Insist on going slowly. Rushing will make you anxious.
With the right mindset and stances, your personality will shine through for an authentic professional profile photo.
How to Show Confidence and Authority on Camera
Project confidence and leadership in your profile photo with these camera-ready tips:
– Mind your posture – Stand tall with an upright yet relaxed posture. Square your shoulders to the camera.
– Focus your gaze – Look directly into the camera lens with steady, focused eye contact.
– Visualize success – Imagine yourself as already successful to tap into that assured vibe.
– Wear power colors – Stick to dark neutrals like navy, black, or charcoal that convey authority.
– Display open palms – Hold hands in front of you with palms facing up or out. Gestures of receptiveness.
– Claim your space – Take up ample space in the frame by widening your stance slightly.
– Angle your body – Turn your upper body at a slight angle to the camera.
– Make your chin level – Align your chin parallel to the ground. Avoid tilting up or down.
– Exude calm confidence – Focus on standing in a calm, self-assured manner.
– Emulate mentors – Imitate the body language and vibe of someone you admire.
Executed consistently, these tips will convey your leadership capabilities and potential through your profile image.
Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting a LinkedIn Photo
While choosing your profile photo, beware of these common mistakes:
– Outdated photos – Older photos read as dishonest. Use something from the past year.
– Casual selfies – Avoid sloppy clothes, untidy hair, or party scenes.
– Cropped group shots – Zooming in on you in a group can look awkward.
– Glamour shots – Overly filtered or retouched photos seem phony. Keep it real.
– Wild backgrounds – Busy or distracting backgrounds pull focus from you.
– Careless cropping – Accidentally cutting off your head or hair looks sloppy.
– Unprofessional attire – Showcase industry appropriate wardrobe.
– Harsh lighting – Overhead lighting or camera flash often creates unflattering shadows.
– Obstructed face – Anything blocking part of your face like hair or glasses hurts recognition.
– Unnatural expressions – Forced smiles or awkward stances should be avoided.
Scrutinize your options carefully to sidestep these common pitfalls that detract from making a great first impression online.
Conclusion
Your LinkedIn profile photo is your chance to make a positive visual impression on the many people viewing your page. Investing in a professionally taken headshot can help fuel your career success on the platform. Take time to find an experienced photographer who understands how to capture natural expressions and confident body language. Schedule your session in advance to allow for proper preparation. During the shoot, relax and follow the photographer’s cues. Then meticulously select the final photo that presents the best version of you. With a high-quality headshot that captures your essence, you will maximize your profile’s potential for attracting opportunities.