How to Get a Great LinkedIn Headshot
When it comes to business meetings, it’s important to make a great first impression. The same goes for your LinkedIn profile picture (or “headshot”). Think of it as the visual equivalent of a handshake: you want to achieve the right balance of friendliness and professionalism, and a good way to reflect this is in your personal brand.
Certain colors, fonts and other details, including your LinkedIn headshots are all individual parts of your brand identity that should (ideally) work in harmony to create a consistent visual representation of your business, whether that’s irreverent and quirky, or more serious.
One Headshot, Two Options
Prior to social media and image sharing apps like Instagram, photographers were the go-to resource for professional shots. Fast-forward to the present day, and despite the fact everyone now carries a camera in their pockets, photographers are still very necessary.
Even if you are reasonably confident in your own photography skills, a professional guarantees flattering lighting and all the right angles. Before booking, do your research to check whether it’s their niche: generally specialists tend to be a safe bet but if you do find a “jack of all trades' ' check their portfolio first to see how well previous headshots turned out.
Do It Yourself
Another ongoing phenomenon that rose out of social media was the selfie, but if you are taking this particular route, it's best to avoid using the front camera of your phone as this tends to create a distorted mirror image. Where possible, try to get someone else to assist, or if you are quick on your feet, there’s always the timer function. For optimal natural lighting, wait for a slightly overcast day when the light tends to be more muted.
As far as possible, try to dial down any visual “noise”. Choose an unobtrusive, neutral background. For indoors, open-face brickwork or a plain solid-color wall. For outdoors, dappled leaves or somewhere beside a body of water are good options so long as the background remains somewhat blurred. Harsh indoor lighting is notoriously unflattering , while head-on natural light can be harsh.
Put Your Best Face Forward
Your profile should be of you and no-one else, so avoid group shots and keep yourself front and center, Using the rule of thirds takes this concept to a new level: if you choose the crop option on your phone settings and you see a grid appear, making sure your eyes are aligned with the bottom of the top-center square will keep you perfectly-proportioned.
In terms of expression: a natural, easy-going smile is best, although in some cases it can be challenging. You may have heard all sorts of advice, from smizing and squinching to saying certain words. You can try these techniques, but overall, try to keep yourself relaxed to avoid a fixed grin or a wide-eyed, deer-in-headlights look, and look into the camera rather than gazing off to the side.
It’s true what they say about dressing for the job you want. For formal positions, you can’t go wrong with some sharp tailoring. For business-casual, button-downs are best. If the role is casual, avoid graphic prints. Add in a little color theory by choosing an outfit that pops against your background, and you’ll have a shot that’s head and shoulders above the rest.
Maximize your resources by mastering the art of planning. Find out how better organization can lead to significant time and cost savings.
Achieve true freedom by streamlining your service business. Explore effective methods to enhance efficiency and boost your overall success.
Uncover the benefits of challenging your comfort zone. Find out how embracing discomfort can lead to significant life changes and personal development.
Master the art of balancing a writing routine with a demanding business schedule. Explore practical techniques to enhance your writing discipline and focus.
Explore the connection between workplace fairness and employee productivity and learn strategies to create a fair environment that boosts morale and performance.
Transform your side hustle with Microsoft Word. Find out five practical ways it can replace specialized tools, boosting your productivity and creativity.
Delve into the complexities of multi-generational family businesses, learning how to navigate challenges and foster collaboration for lasting success.
Discover how smart facility management can drive long-term growth for your business. Optimize operations and enhance efficiency with innovative solutions.
Transform your product development with proven techniques to boost productivity and streamline processes, ensuring timely and successful launches.
Unlock the potential of your contracting and land-clearing business with smart equipment investments. Drive success and efficiency with our expert insights!
Stop leaving your business success to chance! Learn how to create a solid plan that ensures growth and stability in your entrepreneurial journey.
Equip your new business with vital knowledge on managing digital risks. Explore best practices to enhance security and drive growth in the digital world.
Elevate your property buying game with essential assessment skills. Find out how to spot smart investment opportunities in the real estate market!
Master your personal finance milestones with our guide on future-proofing. Safeguard your wealth and ensure financial stability for years to come!
Explore actionable ways for small businesses to assist employees in health crises. Enhance your workplace culture and show your commitment to your team.
Transform your business with a professional app! Explore the benefits of increased visibility, customer interaction, and operational efficiency.
Explore effective vehicle security strategies that fortify your business resilience, ensuring safety and continuity in challenging times.
Learn why effective management skills are key to increasing team productivity. Explore strategies that foster collaboration and elevate performance in your workplace.
Navigate financial hurdles like a pro! Our guide empowers solopreneurs to overcome setbacks and thrive with confidence. Start your journey now!
Protect your investment with our Beginner's Guide to identifying and preventing termite damage, helping you avoid expensive repairs and time loss
Future-proof your business operations with proven strategies for growth. Equip your company to navigate challenges and seize new opportunities.
Uncover the advantages of durable assets as a long-term investment. Secure your business's future with smart strategies that drive growth and sustainability.
Thinking of changing brokerages? Uncover the 30-day test that can help you assess your current broker and ensure a smooth transition!
Elevate your business efficiency by making informed equipment choices. Explore strategies that lead to smarter investments and improved performance!
Master the art of converting difficult interactions into positive outcomes. Elevate your customer service skills and create memorable experiences now!
Transform challenging interactions into positive customer experiences with our expert strategies. Discover how to enhance satisfaction and loyalty today!
Discover how to reclaim your free time without the pressure of productivity. Learn simple strategies to enjoy life more and stress less!
Stand out from the competition with creative promotional products that resonate. Learn how thoughtful branding can enhance your visibility and customer loyalty!
Elevate your first impression with stunning design! Explore essential strategies to create impactful visuals that leave a lasting mark on your audience.
Share in the comments below: Questions go here
Learn how implementing quality tools can transform your project management approach, leading to increased success rates and improved team performance.