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?