Having a professional headshot as your LinkedIn profile picture is crucial for making a good first impression online. However, getting a high-quality LinkedIn photo doesn’t require a fancy studio or photographer. With some preparation and tips, you can take an excellent LinkedIn profile photo yourself from the comfort of your home or office.
What Makes a Good LinkedIn Profile Picture?
When choosing a photo for your LinkedIn profile, keep these key criteria in mind:
- Professional look – Dress professionally as you would for an interview. Solid colors and business attire are best.
- Head and shoulders – Get a headshot showing your head and shoulders. Don’t crop too tight or too wide.
- Face forward – Look directly into the camera with a friendly smile.
- Good lighting – Use natural lighting from a window, or diffuse studio lights. Avoid shadows or harsh lighting.
- Solid background – Choose a plain solid color background. Neutrals like gray, blue or beige work well.
- High resolution – Use the highest resolution camera available for a clear, crisp image.
Following these best practices will ensure your profile picture looks professional and approachable.
Where to Take Your LinkedIn Photo
You don’t need a professional studio to take a great LinkedIn photo. With a little creativity, you can get excellent results in the following common locations:
At Home
Taking your LinkedIn photo at home is convenient and cost effective. Here are some tips for taking it yourself at home:
- Set up near a large window for soft, natural lighting. Position yourself facing the window.
- Alternatively, have a friend take the photo outdoors in your backyard for great lighting.
- Stand against a solid wall, bookcase, curtain or other neutral background.
- Use a selfie stick/tripod to stabilize your camera at eye level. The camera should be at eye level or slightly above.
- Take photos in the early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight is softer.
- Check your angle – look straight into the camera. Crop the photo from the waist or mid-chest up.
At the Office
Your office can also provide nice backdrops for a LinkedIn photo including:
- In front of a simple wall or solid colored background
- In a conference room or lobby area
- In front of a bookshelf or indoor plant for a pop of color
- Ask a colleague to take the picture for best results
Just be sure to follow lighting tips and avoid distracting or messy backgrounds.
Outside Locations
Outdoor spaces like parks can also work beautifully for LinkedIn photos when done right:
- Avoid direct sunlight which creates harsh shadows on the face
- Shoot in shade under a tree or structure for soft, even light
- Position yourself facing north for indirect light from the open sky
- Early morning or late afternoon again provides the most flattering light outdoors
- Bring a portable background like a cloth or posterboard if needed
Having a helper makes getting the right shot easier for outdoor photos.
At a Professional Studio
For those willing to invest some money, professional studios consistently produce excellent LinkedIn headshots. Here’s what to expect:
- Makeup services available to look camera-ready
- Indoor studio with ideal lighting setup and backgrounds
- Professional photography equipment and post-processing
- More outfit choices and props if desired
- Convenient online booking and packages
- Cost ranges from $100-$300+ depending on services
Just be sure to communicate you need a shot suitable for LinkedIn or corporate use when booking.
How to Take Your Own LinkedIn Profile Photo
If you decide to take your own LinkedIn profile picture at home, follow this checklist:
- Set up your camera on a tripod at eye level. Clean the lens for sharp focus.
- Position yourself near a window or outdoor shade for soft, even lighting.
- Stand in front of a solid neutral wall or backdrop. Avoid distracting backgrounds.
- Style your hair neatly and wear professional business attire in solid colors.
- Look directly into the camera with good posture and a friendly smile.
- Take both vertical and horizontal photos for options.
- Take lots of pictures so you have options to choose from later.
- Have someone else control the camera and take some pictures of you if possible.
- Review the photos on a computer later and edit if needed. Select the most flattering professional looking shot.
Retake photos in different outfits or locations if needed to get the right look. With good preparation, you can get great shots for your LinkedIn profile without a professional photographer.
Photo Editing Tips
After taking your LinkedIn profile pictures, you’ll want to edit them to look their best. Here are some quick photo editing tips:
- Crop tightly around your head and shoulders. Don’t cut off your hair or chin.
- Adjust brightness and contrast to make your face stand out.
- Use the blemish removal tool sparingly to cover any small imperfections.
- Sharpen the image slightly for better clarity.
- Correct any color casts like yellow or blue tones.
- Desaturate slightly for a more professional look.
- Save the photo at high resolution for quality results.
Avoid over editing your LinkedIn photo – it should look natural. Photo editing apps like PicMonkey or Pixelmator offer user-friendly tools to enhance your shots.
How to Look Good In Your LinkedIn Photo
Beyond proper photo setup, positioning yourself for the most professional look ensures a great shot:
- Groom your hair neatly and style as needed for a polished look.
- Apply minimal makeup for men and women to look natural but camera-ready.
- Wear professional, corporate attire in solid neutrals like blue, gray, black or white.
- Smile lightly with a friendly, approachable expression.
- Look directly into the camera lens for an engaging photo.
- Relax your shoulders and position yourself facing the camera straight on.
- Chin slightly down, eyes slightly up towards the camera lens.
- Hands at your side or loosely clasped in front. Don’t fold your arms.
Practice your pose and facial expression in a mirror before photos. Looking polished, poised and approachable makes a great first impression for your profile.
Common LinkedIn Photo Mistakes
When getting your LinkedIn picture taken, be sure to avoid these common mistakes:
- Blurry or pixelated image from low resolution
- Harsh shadows or uneven lighting
- Distracting busy backgrounds
- Cropping too tight or too wide
- Tilting your head at an angle
- Not looking directly at the camera
- Clothing too casual like t-shirts or tank tops
- Folded arms or hands in pockets
- Not smiling or unfriendly expression
- Overly airbrushed or edited photos
Review your picture carefully before uploading to LinkedIn to avoid theseTurn any mistakes into lessons learned for taking better photos next time.
Conclusion
Getting a great photo for your LinkedIn doesn’t require expensive studios or photographers. With proper lighting, positioning, background and some simple edits, you can take professional pictures from home or your office. Remember to smile, look sharp, and portray confidence for the best results. Follow these tips, and your LinkedIn profile picture will make a fantastic first impression.