Some things you need to know about getting a professional LinkedIn profile photo.

In this blog post we are going to look at some things you need to know about getting a professional LinkedIn profile photo.

When clients first approach us about getting a professional LinkedIn profile photo these are some of the most common questions we get asked.

How much does a LinkedIn profile photo cost? This varies depending on which corporate headshot photographer you select and where you have it taken. If you want to go to a London studio for your LinkedIn profile photo then you will be paying a premium as the photographer will have to factor in his high rent and rates with his own fees. The more affordable option is to ask the corporate headshot photographer to bring his studio set up to your London offices or home as this will be the same equipment that they would use in a studio and you will get a high-quality LinkedIn profile photo at a much reduced rate.

How long does a LinkedIn profile photo session last? Some people have the idea that the session should last a couple of minutes. This is not possible as when people arrive for their LinkedIn profile photo they are stood in front of studio lighting with a  large pro lens and camera staring at them. This is not a normal situation for most people and therefore they will appear uncomfortable and awkward in their first test shots. We would suggest a typical LinkedIn profile photo session last 20 mins giving the sitter time to relax in front of the camera and lights and we can capture a good varied set of headshots so you have plenty to choose from for your LinkedIn profile page.

Here are some more things you need to know about getting a professional LinkedIn profile photo. Where can I get it taken? At our studio at 45 Beech St EC2Y 8AD or at your London offices or home.

How many headshots do you capture? On average we capture 50 headshots. Plenty of variety which different stances and expressions as you want to get this just right as your LinkedIn profile is your online business shopfront and it needs to look professional.

Is editing included? Yes standard retouching and editing is included. We can change your background, remove any scars or spots and tidy up any fly away hairs.

How long does it take to get the finished LinkedIn profile photo to them? This can vary down to workload but on average once you have selected the headshot you want to use for your LinkedIn profile photo we can turn it around within 24 hours.

Some things you need to know about getting a professional LinkedIn profile photo.

Some things you need to know about getting a professional LinkedIn profile photo.

What makes a good LinkedIn profile photo?

Three tips we suggest when we are asked, what makes a good LinkedIn profile photo?

Firstly make sure your corporate headshot photographer is using a decent long or portrait lens. This is very important as either of these two lenses will compact your portrait, making your face look natural and flattering. A standard lens can be used for portraits but not for a profile photo, as the standard lens will not compact your facial expression. Never use a wide angle or fisheye lens for a LinkedIn profile photo, as this will distort your face making your nose, forehead, and chin look much bigger than they actually are and turning your profile photo into a Caricature.

The second suggestion for a good profile photo is to make sure your corporate photographer has professional studio lighting. You will need them to have a decent-sized softbox and a small flash for the catchlight in your eyes. This is essential as bad lighting can ruin a LinkedIn profile photo, so you need to get this right. The softbox will be the main light, and this provides a soft and even light which will not create any hard or harsh shadows on your face. The small flash will be positioned in front of you and will soften any shadows and provide the essential catchlight in your eyes.

The third suggestion, and often overlooked, is to get a decent background. What is behind you is still part of your profile photo, and a poor backdrop will distract from your profile photo. Get it right, and it will enhance your LinkedIn profile photo. Your background can be a solid colour which is very popular on LinkedIn. Get your corporate photographer to confirm they have a roll or colorama roll or pop-up backdrop so you can be sure they have the proper studio set up. Your background can also be an office setting so that your LinkedIn profile photo sets you in your work environment. Also popular is to have a cityscape background which immediately situates you in the city you work in.

What makes a good LinkedIn profile photo?

What makes a good LinkedIn profile photo?

 

How you should look in your LinkedIn profile photo.

Some tips on how you should look in your LinkedIn profile photo.

As we have discussed before, your LinkedIn profile photo is a very important part of our profile page. It will be the first thing potential clients and employers look at when they visit your profile page. So it is critical that you look your best. The question is how to do that. Remember, LinkedIn is a business social media tool, and therefore you need to appear that you are ready to do business. It is not important to look beautiful or handsome. It is very important that you look professional. Viewers visiting your page want to see one thing, that you look like you are good at your job and would be an asset to their business.

So how do you look professional in your LinkedIn profile photo? You need to find a professional corporate headshot photographer. You can search online or ask business associates if they have used a photographer they would recommend. Always check out the photographer’s portfolio, and if you have seen another person’s profile photo that you like, then ask the headshot photographer to replicate that style of headshot.

Wardrobe. This is important as you must dress according to your profession. Some IT and social media companies and freelancers dress in a very casual way which suits the nature of their business. If you are in the legal, accounting or financial sectors, then we would suggest you dress accordingly. In these professions, clients still expect to see smart traditional business attire. In this business sector, you have great responsibility for people’s money or legal problems, and you should appear professional at all times. Do not try and look trendy or that you follow a certain fashion style. You need to meet the traditional expectations of your client or future employee.

For any further ideas on what to wear in your LinkedIn profile photo please ping us an email.

How you should look in your LinkedIn profile photo.

How you should look in your LinkedIn profile photo. Financial sector sample headshot.

 

What you should wear in your LinkedIn profile photo.

Here are some tips on what you should wear in your LinkedIn profile photo.

Wardrobe Tips for Women.

In general, please avoid very bright colours and extremely bold or graphic patterns, as these can be distracting to the viewer. Also, these types of clothes are not a part of mainstream business attire and, therefore, will appear out of context on your LinkedIn profile page.

You should look professional with positive expressions, posture and stance. Ask your corporate portrait photographer to give you guidance on what is the best positions, standing or sitting, smiling or a serious face. Also, check your wardrobe for any stains or flecks of dust or debris.

For women, we suggest that jackets, suits, or dresses should be a solid colour, grey, white, or soft pattern. Shirts and blouses should not be over-dressy and again solid colours. Bold and busy patterns do not photograph well and distract the viewer. In most instances, a LinkedIn profile photo will not show the person below the waist, so there is no specific recommendation on trousers or skirts.

Hairstyles should be as you would do in most business settings. We are happy to give you variations with hair down/up so you can choose later when previewing your  LinkedIn profile photo.

When it comes to make-up, please do not go over the top. Keep it subtle and low-key. Any imperfections that you want to hide we can remove in Photoshop in post-production.

Jewellery should be kept to a minimum as again it can look too much for a normal business day.

Wardrobe Tips for Men.

Suits should be a solid colour, and please keep colours toned down. Avoid checks and large pinstripes, as these do not photograph well. Make sure your suit is well-pressed and freshly cleaned. Ties should be understated and of simple designs. If you are not going to be wearing a jacket, then wear a light colour shirt. You can wear a white shirt if you have a jacket on, but if you intend to be in shirt sleeves, then white is too bright and will reflect light up under your chin, and that is not a good look.

Here are further ideas on what you should wear in your LinkedIn profile photo.

What you should wear in your LinkedIn profile photo.

What you should wear in your LinkedIn profile photo.