Having a professional profile photo is an important part of creating an effective LinkedIn profile. Your photo gives viewers their first impression of you, so you’ll want to make sure you choose an appropriate, high-quality headshot. One way to stand out is by using a full picture instead of the standard head and shoulders shot.
Why Use a Full Picture?
Displaying a full body shot allows you to reveal more of your personality and convey your professional brand more fully. A standard headshot doesn’t communicate as much about who you are as a full picture that shows what you wear to work and how you carry yourself. A full picture makes your profile more memorable and personable.
In some professions, like fashion, fitness or photography, displaying your full image is especially advantageous. It gives you a chance to showcase your style or physique. Even for more corporate roles, a tasteful full-length photo can help you make a great first impression.
Choosing the Right Full Picture
When selecting a full profile photo, you’ll want to follow the same basic guidelines as you would for a headshot:
- Wear professional attire appropriate for your industry
- Look directly at the camera with good posture
- Have a neutral facial expression or slight smile
- Make sure the photo is high quality and well-lit
The background should be appropriate for a professional social media profile. A solid color backdrop or office setting generally works best.
Make sure you are the only focal point in the picture. It should showcase you, not the surrounding environment. The photo should capture you from the thighs or waist up. A full body shot is ideal, but you want to avoid showing your feet or the floor.
Pay attention to the composition. Place yourself slightly off center rather than directly in the middle. Turn your body at a slight angle rather than standing square to the camera. This creates a more dynamic, engaging shot.
Be sure to convey confidence through your facial expression, posture and body language. You want the photo to reflect your professional capabilities and personal brand.
Uploading Your Full Picture
Uploading your full picture profile photo on LinkedIn only takes a few simple steps:
- Click on your profile avatar in the top right corner of your LinkedIn homepage.
- From the dropdown menu, select “View profile.”
- Click the camera icon to the left of your current profile picture and select “Upload photo.”
- Choose your full picture photo file from your computer files.
- Crop the photo as needed to frame your image. Be sure to leave some space around yourself in the composition.
- Click “Save” to upload the new profile picture.
Your full picture profile photo will now be visible to anyone who views your LinkedIn profile. Keep in mind that depending on your account settings, changing your profile picture might also update the photo displayed across your other social media accounts that are linked to your LinkedIn profile.
Tips for Displaying Your Full Picture
- Take a new full picture specifically for your LinkedIn profile, rather than using an existing photo.
- Make sure your head is large enough relative to your body in the composition. You don’t want it to look like a tiny speck.
- Face the camera directly. Don’t crop your face out of the frame by taking the photo at an angle.
- Look professional but approachable. You want to look friendly, not overly stiff.
- Stand with good posture to convey confidence. Consider placing hands on hips or at your sides.
- Take the photo in front of a solid wall or drape a backdrop behind you for a clean, professional background.
- Wear clothes that are smart, polished, and conservative. Avoid anything too casual.
- Pick neutral colors that will not clash or distract from your face. Black, gray, navy and white are ideal choices.
- Make sure your outfit is pressed and check for lint, spots, or wrinkles before taking the photo.
- Style your hair neatly and consider going clean-shaven or make sure facial hair is trimmed and tidy.
Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your full picture maximizes your professionalism on LinkedIn, there are a few key mistakes you’ll want to avoid:
- Don’t post an overly casual photo in casual attire like shorts, ripped jeans, tank tops, revealing outfits, etc.
- Avoid party photos, selfies, or vacation snapshots. Make sure the photo looks professional.
- Don’t pick a cropped picture that displays you from the neck down only.
- Don’t select a grainy, pixelated, or low-quality photo with harsh lighting or shadows.
- Avoid choosing a photo where you aren’t facing the camera or are cut off awkwardly.
- Don’t have other people, cluttered backgrounds, or distractions behind you.
- Avoid picking a photo where your face is partly obscured by items like hats or sunglasses.
Ideal Full Picture Examples
Here are some examples of ideal full picture profile photos to give you inspiration for your own LinkedIn headshot:
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
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| Standing with good posture facing the camera in professional attire. Subtle smile with approachable expression. | Casual beach vacation photo. Not professional for a LinkedIn profile. |
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| Chic professional look conveying confidence and approachability. Yellow injects some personality. | Obscured face looking away from camera. Arms oddly cut off. Not ideal for LinkedIn. |
Conclusion
Using a tasteful, professional full picture on LinkedIn allows you to make a great first impression and create a stronger personal brand. Select an appropriate, high-quality photo that highlights your style while maintaining your professionalism. Avoid common mistakes like overly casual photos or awkward cropping. With a flattering, confident full picture, you can showcase the best version of yourself on LinkedIn and make your profile more memorable.
