How to Take a Professional Profile Picture for LinkedIn

Most professionals who have a LinkedIn account would agree that the first thing that catches your attention about another user is their profile picture. Some of them stand out with a sharp and confident picture, while others seem to be cropped out of a group photo! This is when you realise your LinkedIn profile picture says a lot about you.

Your small and round profile picture is the first thing they see, even before your headline and experiences. So, your profile picture makes the first impression, and having a professional headshot can do wonders. After all, LinkedIn is where recruiters might reach out to your profile with amazing opportunities—perhaps even your dream job.

But what exactly makes a LinkedIn profile picture “professional”? And how can you take one that helps you stand out? This guide will answer these questions, no matter if you aim to DIY it or invest in a professional headshot.

Why a Professional LinkedIn Profile Picture Matters

Your profile picture on LinkedIn is front and centre in the digital world. A high-quality and professional LinkedIn headshot shows that you take your personal brand seriously. Why does this matter?

• Get the attention of leading companies: When you apply to a well-known company like Disney or com, the hiring manager sees your profile picture before your CV. So, having a professional headshot is the best way to build credibility. Leading companies and employers usually hire the people who stand out in the crowd.
• Build trust: Your LinkedIn profile image is a part of your identity, and recruiters are more likely to reach out. As it is a reflection of your professionalism, clients will be more likely to consider your services trustworthy. Even casual connections are likelier to accept requests from someone with an approachable profile headshot.
• Get more views and connections: Studies show that profiles with professional photos receive up to 21 times more views and 9 times more connection requests compared to casual ones.

Key Elements of a Great LinkedIn Profile Picture

A professional LinkedIn profile picture has the following features:

Lighting

One of the most important factors in taking a professional profile photo is lighting. Consider natural light as a secret to your professional headshot, so near a window is the best place. However, harsh and direct sunlight might cast shadows on your face.

You can also use artificial light, but make sure to soften it with a diffuser or choose an angle that doesn’t reflect shadows.

Clean and Natural Background

You need a clean and natural background for a professional headshot. If you’re taking the image indoors, choose a simple plain wall or a blurred background. The focus should be your face, not the background, so avoid clutter, bright colours, or anything that takes the attention away from you.

If you’re taking the photo outside, choose a spot with a simple backdrop in a park or street with minimal distractions. The focus should be on you, and the background should only complement your image.

Dressing Appropriately

Smart clothes mean professionalism, and it’s best to dress for the industry you target. Feel free to wear smart-casual attire for a creative industry, whereas a business suit or professional attire is the best choice for more formal industries. The outfit shouldn’t feel stiff or too comfortable. Wearing T-shirts or hoodies is not recommended in most industries.

Posture and Framing

For your professional LinkedIn profile picture, consider a great and confident posture. You can stand or sit straight with relaxed shoulders. The main focus should be your face, and the camera should be set at eye level. Just look directly into the lens.

Having a full-body image is not necessary, but framing your head and shoulders is recommended. Consider your body language as a way to convey your confidence, so avoid crossing your arms.

Facial Expression

Wear a natural, relaxed, and genuine smile. An approachable LinkedIn profile picture that attracts clients and other peers in the industry requires a warm and friendly expression. A wide or exaggerated smile might look less professional.

Image Quality

The image quality can directly affect your credibility, so a high-resolution photo shows that you care about how you present yourself. Any camera with a decent resolution should result in an image that’s sharp and clear. Whatever you do, avoid blurry or pixelated photos.

Keep in mind that heavily edited photos with filters look unnatural. It is enough to look like the best version of you—there’s no need to be a different person.

DIY vs. Professional Headshots

It’s up to you to take the image yourself or hire a professional portrait photographer.

When a DIY Photo Works (Tips for Taking One)

You can easily DIY your profile picture and look professional. You just need some tools and tips to have an appropriate headshot:

• Find a clean background with natural light
• Use a high-quality camera or a smartphone camera with high resolution
• Use a tripod or a stable surface; don’t hold the camera by hand
• Take multiple shots and choose the best one
• Use simple editing tools and adjust brightness and contrast

When to Invest in a Professional LinkedIn Headshot

If you aim for highly competitive roles or target well-known clients, it is recommended to opt for a headshot taken by a professional photographer. They know how to use lighting, angles, and backgrounds. They can also help you with your outfit, pose, and gestures. This would be a great investment in your career if you want big opportunities.

Conclusion

Your online profile picture, especially on LinkedIn, can impact how you’re perceived online and builds credibility. LinkedIn is a competitive place for hunting opportunities, and a polished profile picture helps you be seen as a professional and conveys that you take your work seriously and value your online presence. Investing in a highly polished image is not a must, but make sure you showcase the best version of you.

If your current LinkedIn profile image is not professional, now is the perfect time to update it. Consider the tips we shared, and take an approachable photo yourself. You can also hire an expert and let them take a perfect LinkedIn profile shot for you. Whatever you decide, a better profile photo will open doors to new opportunities, so it’s well worth doing.