Among many of the questions clients ask us before a LinkedIn profile commission, one of the most common is how long does it take to get a professional LinkedIn profile photo?

People assume a good LinkedIn profile photo can be taken in minutes. They say we just want a quick snap taken against a white background. But it is not that simple. When people first get in front of a large portrait camera and lens with studio lights shining on them, they are not in their natural relaxed state. People feel awkward and do not know what to do with their hands or how to stand. We have to guide them through various tricks we know to make people relax and feel confident in front of the camera. This all takes time, and only when we have spent 15 minutes with someone can we start to capture a range of quality LinkedIn profile photos.

On our sister site, we have added a blog post which we direct people towards to answer the question, how long does it take to get a professional LinkedIn profile photo?

Our LinkedIn profile photo sessions are all 30-minute bookings either at our 45 Beech Street EC2Y 8AD studio or at London client’s offices. Not all the 30 mins are dedicated to taking photos. When we arrive, we need to do a quick recce of the offices to locate the best room to set up our background, professional lighting and tripod. Once located, it takes approx 5 to 10 mins to set up the kit, and once we have finished the LinkedIn profile photo session, we need 5 mins to break down the kit.

So if you are commissioning a LinkedIn profile photo, please allow the professional corporate portrait photographer time to set up and be fully prepared prior to your arrival for your profile photo session.

Professional LinkedIn profile photo taken in London offices.

How to decide what is the best kind of LinkedIn profile photo depends on what kind of profession you work in.

If you work in the legal or financial sector you need to look professional and that you take your work seriously. Potential clients will be looking at your LinkedIn profile photo and asking themselves do you look like the right kind of person to help them with their legal and financial businesses. We would suggest a slight smile or a studious expression. Do not grin at the camera. Look like you take your job seriously and dress in business attire. Nothing too flashy. Remember, this is not about portraying your personality in a photo it is about giving off the first impression that you are a business professional. Keep your background simple. A plain white or dark backdrop or a company logo.

Working in sales and marketing your LinkedIn profile photo will need to make you appear approachable to potential clients. Obviously your working attire needs to reflect your business sector and a busy working environment as the background can make it appear that you are a professional at work. Things can be a little more casual in how you appear and a warm smile and always looking to camera and inviting the viewer to get to know you. Bright colours attract attention so think how you can add some with a distinctive tie or some in the background. Lots of our clients request that we capture their LinkedIn profile photo with jackets on and off also with a tie on and off. This way they review after the shoot and see what images works best for them on their LinkedIn profile page.

If you are working in the social media sector then you have to appear engaging and interesting in your LinkedIn profile page. Social media is a growing sector but still relatively new and many clients struggle with it. We suggest that you look dependable and interesting. Your headshot needs to catch the eye so try something that is going to grab the viewers attention. Their are websites that allow you to upload a headshot and get feedback on what people think it says about you. Well worth a try as it could get you a new client or a better career position.

Typical clean cut and professional LinkedIn profile photo.