Selecting the right photo for your LinkedIn profile is an important decision that requires some thought. Your photo acts as a first impression and helps people put a face to your name when connecting online. When choosing a LinkedIn profile picture, you’ll want one that is professional, approachable, and a true representation of who you are. Here are some tips on what photo to use for your LinkedIn profile and how to choose the best option.
Should I use a professional headshot?
Using a professional headshot as your LinkedIn photo can make a great first impression. Headshots showcase you in a professional light and are often cleanly shot against a nice backdrop. However, some overly posed or potentially outdated professional headshots can seem impersonal or inauthentic. You want to avoid seeming overly staged or having too much of a “corporate” vibe in your photo. The goal is to come across as professional yet approachable.
Here are some tips for professional headshots:
- Make sure it’s a current photo that represents what you look like today
- Look for crisp, high-quality resolution and lighting
- Avoid very formal poses like folded hands. Have a slight smile instead.
- Wear professional attire in a solid color that doesn’t distract from your face
- Look directly into the camera to connect with the viewer
A professional headshot is often a safe bet for LinkedIn as long as it shows your authentic self and doesn’t seem overly rigid or inaccessible.
Should I use a candid photo instead?
Candid photos can sometimes make for a better LinkedIn profile picture than professional headshots, depending on your industry and goals. They can help you seem more approachable, genuine, and can showcase some of your personality. For example, a photo of you giving a presentation or talking with colleagues can work well. Here are some tips for candid photos:
- Make sure the photo is clear, not grainy or pixelated.
- It should only showcase you, not big groups.
- Look for shots where you’re smiling or friendly, not tense.
- Avoid recreational party photos or anything unprofessional.
- Aim for crisp lighting and framing focused on you.
Candid shots work best when they authentically showcase your work and interests, not just random photos. They should ultimately still look professional for LinkedIn, just in a more approachable light.
Should I use a head and shoulders photo or full body?
Most LinkedIn experts recommend going with a head and shoulders photo or focusing closely on your face. This allows the viewer to connect directly with you. It’s also the expected norm for business headshots and profile images. Some tips include:
- Take up 60-70% of the frame with a head & shoulders composition
- Look directly into the camera lens with a friendly expression
- Make sure your head isn’t too small compared to the rest of the photo
- Have a simple, solid-colored background that doesn’t distract
- Include just your head and part of your upper shoulders
Full body photos or very wide shots can be okay in some instances, like showing you giving a presentation. But most of the time, close head and shoulder framing is ideal.
Should I use a selfie?
Selfies for LinkedIn are generally not recommended. Selfies tend to distort features and look unprofessional. However, if it’s a very high-quality selfie taken with care, it may be okay in some instances, like for recent graduates just starting out. Here are some selfie tips:
- Use the rear camera for higher resolution, not your front-facing camera.
- Make sure you have excellent lighting from a window or lamp on your face.
- Hold the camera up higher and angle down slightly to be more flattering.
- Take many options and review carefully before selecting – no filtering!
- Wear professional clothing and check your background.
A LinkedIn selfie should still have a formal look and vibe overall. Getting feedback from others can help choose the best option.
Should I show myself smiling or serious?
Most LinkedIn experts recommend a gentle smile as the friendliest expression for profile photos. A warm, modest smile can convey you are approachable, sincere, and confident. Avoid wide grins or laughing shots that may seem overly casual.
A more serious or neutral facial expression can also work well and project professionalism. Just avoid seeming bored, stern, or not approachable. A slight smile is often the best starting point.
Here are some smiling tips:
- Relax your face and think of something pleasant for a natural smile.
- Try smiling with mouth slightly open instead of closed if teeth are concern.
- Aim for a soft, warm smile that reaches your eyes – not a wide grin.
- Practice smiling in the mirror if you tend to look awkward in photos.
- Snap many options and pick one that looks and feels like real “you”.
The most important thing is choosing a photo that suits your personality. Be yourself – whether that means smiling warmly or a more subtle expression.
Should I wear glasses or not?
If you normally wear glasses or contact lenses, it’s perfectly fine to wear your glasses in your LinkedIn profile picture. Glasses can add a scholarly touch or be part of your professional look. However, be sure to follow these tips:
- Clean your glasses thoroughly before taking any photos to avoid smudges.
- Tilt your head slightly to avoid glare reflecting off your lenses.
- Consider lowering glasses lower down your nose to minimize lens size.
- Remove glasses for some options if you also want non-glasses choices.
- If glare is still an issue, consider contact lenses for photos instead.
You can also remove glasses for LinkedIn pictures if you prefer how you look without them or want to show your full face. Do what makes you feel most confident and polished as a professional.
Should I wear makeup?
When it comes to makeup for LinkedIn, the goal is to look polished but avoid anything too heavy or distracting. Here are some makeup tips for women:
- Apply light foundation to even out skin tone.
- Use neutral eyeshadow and minimal eyeliner.
- Curl lashes and apply mascara subtly.
- Fill in brows lightly for definition.
- Add blush sparingly for a natural glow.
- Use neutral lipstick or gloss for a pop of color.
And for men:
- Use concealer to cover any blemishes.
- Groom eyebrows for a tidy shape.
- Make sure beard or facial hair is neatly trimmed.
- Applying powder can cut down on shine.
The goal is for any makeup to be simple, light, and polished – not a full glamour look. You want to look like your professional self, just with your best features subtly enhanced.
What color should I wear?
Aim for solid, neutral colors when choosing what to wear for your LinkedIn photo. Soft earth tones, gray, navy, light blue, and black are common options. Here are some tips on colors:
- Stick to solids or subtle patterns instead of bright prints.
- Darker shades can be slimming and flattering for most complexions.
- Avoid distracting elements like busy patterns or loud accessories.
- White or light colors tend to work well as they stand out clearly.
- Make sure clothing fits well and is neatly pressed.
In general, choose clothing in colors that complement your features rather than distract from them. Colors that align with your industry or company brand can also be a nice touch.
What kind of background should I use?
A clean, simple background without distracting elements is best for LinkedIn photos. Here are some background tips:
- Solid wall colors like white, gray, or light blue make ideal backdrops.
- Bookshelves, plants, or wall art can create an interesting but still neutral look.
- Avoid cluttered spaces or busy patterns behind you.
- Make sure the background is slightly blurred for focus on you.
- Watch forobjects like lamps seeming like they’re coming out of your head!
You can also have photos taken against a high-quality virtual background for a seamless, consistent look.
The goal is for the background to complement you without competing for attention. Keep it simple!
Should I include props or accessories?
In most cases, it’s best not to include additional props or accessories beyond basic work attire in your LinkedIn photo. The focus should remain directly on you. Some exceptions can include:
- A person in a creative field with an instrument or portfolio.
- Someone giving a presentation pose with a microphone.
- A construction worker in work gear like a hard hat.
- A teacher posing with books relevant to their subject.
Instances like these where props directly correlate to your profession can work. But generally, keep accessories and extras to a minimum so the focus stays on your face and expression.
Who should take my LinkedIn photo?
Ideally, you want a skilled photographer taking your LinkedIn picture – not just a random friend or partner. Here are some options:
- Hire a professional headshot photographer: They have the skills, lighting, and equipment to take high-quality shots designed specifically for business profiles and websites.
- Use your company’s in-house photographer: Many companies offer professional headshots for employees. Take advantage of this free option if available.
- Visit a professional photo studio: Many photography studios routinely take business portraits and have the lighting and backdrop setup.
- Use a talented hobbyist photographer: A friend or family member that has photography skills can work if hiring a professional isn’t feasible.
Taking the photo yourself with a smartphone or selfie stick is less ideal. Having an experienced photographer will help ensure you end up with quality results.
How can I take a good profile photo myself?
Taking your own LinkedIn profile photo can work if you’re careful and put effort into getting a crisp, professional result. Here are some DIY tips:
- Use rear camera on a newer model iPhone or Android – not lower quality selfie camera.
- Play with both landscape and portrait mode to see which is more flattering.
- Use a tripod or steady surface so photo is level and stable.
- Make sure you have ample, diffuse lighting on your face – set up lamps if needed.
- Take bursts of pics and review until you choose the best shot.
- Use photo editing apps to perfect lighting, cropping, and touch up if needed.
Taking your own LinkedIn photo can work with care – but hiring a professional ultimately gives the best results.
Conclusion
Choosing the ideal photo for your LinkedIn profile is an important decision. With the tips above on elements like photo style, expression, attire, background, and more – you’re ready to select or take a profile picture that puts your best foot forward professionally. Aim for an image that conveys who you are while fitting the expected formal aesthetic for LinkedIn.
The most important thing is choosing a photo that you feel conveys the professional, authentic you while adhering to common LinkedIn profile photo best practices. Take the time to get it right – your profile picture is likely the first thing viewers will notice.