Having a professional headshot on LinkedIn can make a strong first impression and help you stand out from other users. LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with over 740 million members. With so many profiles, having an eye-catching photo can help you get noticed.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of having a professional headshot, things to consider when getting headshots taken, and alternatives if hiring a photographer isn’t in your budget. We’ll also provide tips for taking a great selfie or getting help from a friend.
Benefits of Having a Professional Headshot
Here are some of the top benefits of having a professional headshot on your LinkedIn profile:
Makes a Strong First Impression
On LinkedIn, first impressions matter. Hiring managers and potential connections will likely look at your profile picture first before looking at the rest of your profile. A high-quality, professional headshot makes a great first impression and will help you stand out.
Shows You’re Serious About Your Career
A professional headshot signals that you’re serious about putting your best foot forward in your career. It shows potential employers and connections that you want to look polished and prepared.
Helps You Look More Trustworthy
People tend to perceive others as more competent, employable and trustworthy when they have a professional headshot compared to no photo at all. It makes you look more legitimate.
Makes Recruiters More Likely to Contact You
Recruiters are more likely to reach out to LinkedIn users with professional headshots. In a survey by Officevibe, 87% of recruiters said a profile with a headshot would make them more likely to get in touch.
Allows You to Brand Yourself
A professional headshot lets you craft your image and portray yourself the way you want to be perceived by others. You can brand yourself as friendly, serious, approachable or authoritative.
Looks More Current Than Other Photos
Unlike casual photos, a professional headshot will continue to look current for years. You won’t have to worry about an obviously outdated hairstyle or fashion.
Things to Consider When Getting Headshots
If you’ve decided to get a professional headshot, here are some things to think about:
Use a Professional Photographer
Using a professional photographer who specializes in headshots is the best way to guarantee great results. They will know how to pose and light you properly.
Wear Professional Attire
Dress professionally in neutral colors like black, gray, navy or white when taking your headshot. Solid colors photograph better than patterns or stripes.
Style Your Hair Neatly
Ensure your hair is styled neatly without covering your face. Get a haircut prior if needed. For women, pulled back or over the shoulder is best.
Minimal Makeup and Jewelry
Natural looking makeup with minimal shine is best. Avoid flashy jewelry that could be distracting. Keep it simple.
Choose a Solid Background
Solid, neutral backgrounds like white, gray or black tend to work best for headshots. Busy backgrounds are distracting.
Bring Multiple Outfits
Bring different shirts, jackets, ties, blazers to change up your look between photos. Your photographer can help select the best option.
Scout Locations
Many photographers will scout locations prior to the shoot to find optimal places for lighting and backgrounds. If outdoors, shoot in shade to avoid harsh sunlight.
Tips For Men
For men, it’s best to be cleanly shaven or have very neatly groomed facial hair. Wearing a collared shirt and suit jacket helps project professionalism.
Tips for Women
Women generally want minimal jewelry, professional makeup and tidy hair that frames the face nicely. Wearing a blazer helps project confidence.
Cost of Professional Headshots
The cost of professional headshots can vary quite a bit depending on your location and the level of experience of your photographer. Here are some typical price ranges:
| Photographer Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Freelance photographers | $100 – $250 |
| Professional studios | $200 – $600 |
| Agency/Corporate photographers | $400 – $1000+ |
In general, freelance photographers tend to be more affordable, while big agency photographers who work with major brands cost more. The lowest end of the range usually gets you a basic headshot session with minimal retouching. The higher range provides more outfit changes, locations, and post-production editing.
There are usually extras costs for add-ons like:
– Makeup artist – $75-$150
– Hairstyling – $75-$150
– Wardrobe styling – $50-$100
So in total, expect to invest around $300 – $1000+ for a premium, professionally done headshot experience.
DIY and Budget Options
If hiring a professional photographer isn’t feasible for you right now, here are some alternative options to consider:
Take a Selfie
Taking a selfie is the most convenient and lowest cost option. However, lighting and angles can be tricky. Follow these tips for best results:
– Use a rear facing camera instead of a forward facing selfie camera for better quality.
– Take photos outdoors in shade for soft, even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight.
– Get the camera at eye level or slightly above for a flattering angle.
– Look directly into the lens with a pleasant facial expression. Smile naturally.
– Wear professional attire and neat hair/makeup.
– Take lots of shots and pick the best looking one to use.
Use a Tripod
Using a tripod with a remote shutter release or timer can help take more professional looking self portraits. You can ensure even framing and prevent shake.
Ask a Friend
Ask a friend with a DSLR or mirrorless camera and photography skills to take some headshots for you. Offer to trade favors or pay them a smaller fee.
DIY Photography Lighting
Creating a simple DIY photography set up can elevate your shots. Use a large window or doorway for soft natural light. For artificial lighting, position two lamps on either side of you, just out of frame. Diffuse the light by bouncing it off walls or using translucent fabric over the lamps.
Take a Class
Some photography studios offer self-portrait mini sessions that teach you how to set up proper lighting and angles to take your own professional-grade headshot. The cost is usually $100-$200 for a 1-2 hour session.
Use an App
There are apps like Focos and Facetune that allow you to digitally tweak portraits to achieve more professional lighting, angles and touch-ups. Some paid versions run $5-$15 per month.
Hire an Aspiring Photographer
Post on local college or community center bulletin boards to find an aspiring photographer looking to build their portfolio. They will often do mini sessions for $25-$75. Just check examples of their work first.
How Often Should You Update Your Photo?
As a general rule, you’ll want to update your LinkedIn headshot every 2-3 years. Facial features, hairstyles and fashion tend to date photos after a few years.
More frequent updating may be warranted if:
– You’ve significantly changed your hairstyle or hair color
– You’ve grown or shaved facial hair
– You’ve made major weight changes
– Your role has changed significantly like becoming a manager
Aim to do a new shoot when you feel your current photo no longer reflects your current look or professional standing. Tightly cropping photos can buy you an extra year or two of use.
Conclusion
Having an eye-catching, professional headshot makes a strong first impression and can help you stand out on LinkedIn. Though hiring a pro photographer costs $300-$1000 on average, there are DIY methods like selfies, tripods and friend photos that can work when done carefully.
Aim to update your LinkedIn headshot every 2-3 years for optimal results. A profile with a recent, professional looking headshot signals to connections and recruiters that you are actively managing your career. In today’s competitive job market, it’s a worthwhile investment that helps maximize your professional presence.
