Professional LinkedIn Profile Photo

Do you need a professional LinkedIn profile photo?

LinkedIn is an online worldwide database of professional business people. Used by companies and individuals, it is a very useful tool to help your business. You can create a LinkedIn profile at no cost and use this profile as a showcase for your business skills and experience. Potential clients or employers can view your LinkedIn profile so you need to ensure that it is as professional as it can be.

Why you need a professional LinkedIn headshot?

When a viewer looks at your LinkedIn profile the very first thing that will catch their eye is your profile photo. You do not get a second chance to make a good first impression so if your profile photo is a poor standard then this will reflect on you.

How do I get a professional LinkedIn headshot?

If you decide to get a professional LinkedIn profile photo or headshot then let us discuss the options and the process. Firstly you will need to find a portrait photographer who has experience with corporate photography. After a few searches, you will need to check out their portfolios and check they are within your budget. Make sure whoever you pick has past experience in corporate portrait photography and is used to working in a business environment. The photographer needs to understand that you do not need a nice smiling photo for a dating site but a professional portrait for business.

What should I expect after I commission a professional corporate photographer?

After the shoot, you should receive the full selection of all the headshots captured on the day. You would be asked to make a selection of your preferred headshots and these will be retouched and airbrushed to make you look your best. Be careful to only make subtle changes to your headshots. Removing spots, scares and reducing wrinkles is acceptable. Remember your LinkedIn profile photo needs to resemble a current version of yourself.

What type of LinkedIn headshot should you get?

A great way to make sure you get the ideal professional LinkedIn profile photo is to show the photographer headshot samples you like. Ideally, these are headshots from their portfolio or samples you would like them to replicate. Another factor to look at is what style of headshot best represents my business sector. If you work in the Financial or Legal sectors you want a headshot that shows you as a responsible and professional individual. On the other hand, if you work in the media or creative sectors you can be more relaxed and quirky.

Professional LinkedIn headshots that show a range of different styles.

The above headshot samples were captured in business offices. This gives the impression of a working environment that fits with the image of a busy professional.

Here we have two corporate headshots which have been captured using a studio setup. This means you have the benefit of soft lighting and a plain solid background. Clean crisp and professional.

Above we have samples of LinkedIn profile photos captured in London showing that the individual lives and works in the City.

Natural and unposed corporate reportage photos are becoming more popular for use as LinkedIn profile photos.

Using post-production processes these headshots have been captured on a plain background and then a City backdrop has been added to give a sense of London.

If you have any further questions please visit my LinkedIn profile page and we can discuss your requirements.