Many LinkedIn users wonder if using a black background for their profile picture is a good idea. Some think it makes them look more professional or sophisticated, while others worry it might come across as too somber or serious. There are pros and cons to using a black background that are important to weigh when deciding what color to choose.
The Potential Benefits of a Black Background
Here are some of the main benefits of using a black background for your LinkedIn profile photo:
- Makes you stand out: Most LinkedIn photos have a white or very light background, so a black background helps your photo be more distinctive and eye-catching.
- Looks polished and professional: Black backgrounds can lend a polished, professional look, especially for corporate headshots or executive photos.
- Puts the focus on you: With a solid black backdrop, the viewer’s eye goes straight to you instead of being distracted by a busy background.
- Versatile and flexible: A black background is neutral enough to work for almost any field or industry. It’s not limiting like a more stylized or colorful background.
- Authoritative and confident: Black can convey a sense of authority, power, and confidence.
For many businesspeople, executives, and those in more formal fields, a black background offers an appealing way to project professionalism and polish. The solid, neutral color keeps the focus on you while upholding your authority.
Potential Drawbacks of a Black Background
However, there are some potential disadvantages of using a black LinkedIn profile photo background as well:
- May look overly serious: Especially if paired with a formal pose or expression, a black backdrop can come across as stern, imposing, or too serious.
- Drains color from your face: Black backgrounds can sometimes give your face a washed out, drained look by providing too much contrast with skin tones.
- Fades into the website: LinkedIn has a black interface, so a black photo background may not stand out enough.
- Not friendly or approachable: For some professions, black may skew too formal and corporate and not capture a friendly, approachable vibe.
- Dated look: Once very trendy, solid black backgrounds can now seem out of style or dated in some circles.
Black isn’t always the most inviting or cheerful color for photography. It can make you look washed-out, stern, or too buttoned-up depending on context. For fields requiring a more casual, energetic, or approachable image, black may not be the best choice.
Key Factors to Consider
When determining if a black background is the right choice for your LinkedIn profile picture, there are several important factors to weigh:
Your industry and role
The industry you work in can influence whether a black background helps create the right impression. For law, finance, tech, or other more formal fields, black conveys professionalism. But more creative industries may prefer brighter, more stylized backdrops. Consider whether black fits the norms and expectations of your profession.
Also factor in your specific role and seniority level. More seasoned executives and directors may be able to pull off the authoritative look of a black background, while those just starting their careers may want a more approachable vibe.
The look and feel you want to convey
Think about the impression you aim to make with your profile photo. Do you want to come across as approachable? Knowledgeable? Confident? Trustworthy? Creative? Choose a background color that aligns with the look, feel, and personality you wish to convey to those viewing your profile.
Your outfit and styling in the photo
A black background can heighten the effect of your wardrobe choices in the photo. Pairing a black backdrop with a sharp suit or formal outfit makes a very authoritative power statement. But if you wear more casual or creative attire, black may feel overly stuffy. Think holistically about how your clothes and styling choices interact with the background color.
Your skin tone and coloring
Consider your own coloring and complexion when weighing black backgrounds. Very fair or light skin can more easily wash-out against black. But those with darker complexions may stand out beautifully against a deep, contrasting backdrop. Your hair and eye color also influence how black will interact with your features.
The vibes of your industry overall
Study other LinkedIn profiles and photos from your industry to observe overall trends and norms. While you don’t need to mimic what everyone else does, noticing what is common can reveal what shades and styles best fit the vibes and culture of your field. If most people in your industry use black backgrounds, doing so as well can help you align with its aesthetic.
Tips for Taking a LinkedIn Photo Against a Black Background
If you decide a black backdrop is the right choice for your LinkedIn photo, keep these tips in mind:
Pick the right black
Not all shades of black have the same effect. A softer charcoal or greyish black can be warmer than harsh jet black. Play around with dark greys and blacks to land on a flattering tone.
Use professional lighting
Proper lighting is crucial for black backgrounds. Ensure even, flattering frontal lighting so your face pops instead of falling into shadow. Reflectors and diffusers can soften harsh shadows.
Increase contrast selectively
Boost contrast selectively during editing to avoid looking washed-out. Lighten skin tones, eyes, hair, teeth, and wardrobe elements so they stand out against the darkness.
Watch your pose and expression
A slight smile, warm gaze, and relaxed pose helps offset an austere black backdrop. Avoid crossing your arms or hunching tensely.
Personalize with accessories or props
Add visual interest with selective props, accessories, or wardrobe details that pop against black. A colorful scarf, modern jewelry, glasses, or other accents can personalize your look.
Examples of Black Backgrounds Used Effectively on LinkedIn
To see black backgrounds in action, let’s look at some examples from real LinkedIn profiles:
Formal Corporate Headshot
For her corporate headshot, this LinkedIn member uses a classic black backdrop and professional lighting. Her light blue top pops against the darkness. The black conveys authority while her slight smile adds approachability. This traditional setup works well for her executive-level roles in finance and law.
Thought Leadership Portrait
This LinkedIn influencer uses a black background for his thought leadership photo. The darker backdrop projects gravitas and expertise. His direct gaze, glasses, collared shirt, and arms crossed also signal authority – balanced by his slight grin. Overall, the styling choices align with his personal branding as an industry expert.
Creative Field Portrait
Despite working in the creative realm of digital marketing, this LinkedIn member opts for a black backdrop. But she personalizes it with a colorful scarf that complements her complexion and adds visual interest. Her warm expression and relaxed pose balances the formal darkness. The black projects professionalism while the styling keeps her creative side shining through.
When to Use Other Background Colors Instead
While black backgrounds can work well in many contexts, other backdrop colors may be better suited for certain situations:
White or light gray:
These neutrals offer a safe, flexible option for any situation. Especially good for conveying approachability and friendliness.
Mid-tones:
Warm beiges, moody blues, natural wood tones, etc can add depth while still being neutral. Nice for creative fields.
Unique color:
A vivid background color like bright blue, green, or coral can help capture your personality and stand out. Especially good for creative roles.
Natural setting:
An outdoor or lifestyle backdrop shows your authentic self. Great for individuals wanting to connect on a human level.
Key Considerations When Choosing Any LinkedIn Profile Photo Background
Whatever background color you ultimately select beyond just black, keep these general tips in mind:
- Match it to your personal brand and the impression you want to make
- Make sure it fits norms and expectations for your industry
- Consider how it pairs with your outfit, expression, pose, and other styling choices
- Pick colors that flatter your complexion and enhance your features
- Use natural lighting whenever possible
- Add visual interest with subtle props or accessories if desired
- Stay on-trend with what backgrounds others in your field are using
- Stay consistent with the vibe across your entire profile
The Bottom Line
Here is a summary of the key pros and cons of using a black LinkedIn profile photo background:
| Potential Pros | Potential Cons |
|---|---|
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Overall, a black LinkedIn profile photo background can work well for projecting professionalism and authority – as long as it aligns with your brand, role, and industry norms. But it may not be the best choice for conveying approachability or friendliness. Consider your specific goals, line of work, and personality when deciding if going black sends the right message or not. With smart styling choices and flattering lighting, a black backdrop can empower your professional photo.
