Key takeaways
- The best LinkedIn headshot is current, well lit and simple, and it looks like you on your best day.
- A relaxed, genuine expression reads as trustworthy, and direction from a photographer makes it easier.
- Dark, solid, muted wardrobe and an uncluttered background keep the focus on your face.
- LinkedIn crops profile photos to a circle, so frame with room around your head and shoulders.
The short answer
A good LinkedIn headshot is current, well lit and simple: a relaxed, confident expression, solid wardrobe, an uncluttered background and framing that works inside LinkedIn's circular crop. Most important, it looks like you on your best day. We direct your posing and expression throughout the session, so you do not have to figure it out yourself.
Here is what that means in practice.
1. Look approachable and confident
Your photo is often the first thing a client, recruiter or colleague sees, before your headline or a single word you have written. A relaxed, genuine expression reads as trustworthy. A stiff or forced smile does the opposite. The goal is not to perform or put on a persona. It is to capture your authentic expression and confidence, the same qualities that make a great impression in person.
2. Wear solid, muted colors
In general, dark, solid, muted colors photograph better than bright colors or busy patterns, and they keep the focus on your face. Neutrals like black, gray and brown work especially well, and a favorite piece that is authentically you is always worth bringing too. Make sure everything is well fitted and freshly ironed, and bring more than one option so we can find what works best on the day. For more detail, read what colors look best in headshots and whether your headshot should be casual or formal.
3. Keep the background simple
Nothing should compete with your face. A clean, uncluttered background in a soft or neutral tone, with good light on your face, is the safe choice for most professionals.
4. Frame it for the circle
LinkedIn crops profile photos to a circle. If the photo is framed too tightly, the crop can cut off your head or shoulders. Leave some room around the head and shoulders, and use a high-resolution file so the image stays sharp at small sizes.
5. Make sure it is current
A photo that looks like you today works better than a flattering one from years ago. Refresh your photo when your role or your look changes. Using the same portrait on your website, speaker pages and press materials also gives you a unified professional image.
6. What to avoid
- Snapshots and selfies. They are quick, but they rarely look polished.
- Cropped group photos. The lighting and framing were meant for someone else.
- Busy backgrounds and patterns. They pull attention from your face.
- Heavy filters or over-retouching. You should still look like you when someone meets you.
- An outdated photo. If people would not recognize you at a meeting, it is time for a new one.
How our LinkedIn session works
Our LinkedIn headshot session is built for exactly this. It is one all-inclusive session with professional grooming, expert direction and up to two looks, followed by a private online gallery and two professionally retouched high-resolution portraits. Plan on about 90 minutes to 2 hours. See what is included and what it costs, learn about our Executive Portrait Experience, or book your session.
Not sure how to prepare? Read how to prepare for a headshot session.
