What does your LinkedIn Profile Photo say about you?

 

When it comes to making a strong first impression in the professional world, LinkedIn is the go-to platform. With over 1 billion members worldwide, LinkedIn provides business professionals, recruiters, and decision-makers a space to network, build their brands, and advance their careers.

Research has shown that we make decisions about someone’s competence, trustworthiness, and professionalism in as little as 100 milliseconds—just by glancing at their profile picture.

LinkedIn is a space for professionals to network. So whether it’s a recruiter looking for potential candidates, or a potential client considering your services, your profile picture can be the thing that either invites them to learn more about you and what you do, or puts them off.

LinkedIn’s own published data states that profiles with professional headshots received 21 times more profile views and a massive 36 times more messages than those with casual or no photo at all.

Your first impression these days is almost certainly going to be made online. Make it count!

 

No Photo!

Even in this very visual age, this is still a fairly common issue. We all like to do business with people we know, like and trust. That starts with your first impression and that first impression these days is almost always made online. You need a LinkedIn headshot.

Unprofessional Photos

Holiday snapshots, photos from a night out, your wedding portraits… they’re all lovely and are surely fun and valuable memories for you. But LinkedIn is a professional space and you should look like the professional you are.

Outdated Images

How old is your LinkedIn profile photo? When did you last change it? We all change with age (like a fine wine, I try to tell myself!) and you really should update your profile photos every 2-3 years. Or more often if you change your style and appearance regularly. It sounds incredibly obvious, I know, but you should look like your LinkedIn profile photo!

Poor Quality or Bad Lighting

This is a very common error. Your LinkedIn headshot is a relatively small piece of the screen. It should be sharp, clear, and well-lit image ideally on a plain or simple background. It should also be a fairly tight crop, showing mainly your face.

Unaligned Personal Brand

Your profile picture should be a reflection of your personal brand. If for example you’re a partner at a law firm specialising in corporate work, a very casual style probably isn’t best. On the other hand, if you’re a graphic designer at creative studio, a three piece suit and tie is probably not going to work for you!

Your picture should align with how you want to be perceived by colleagues, clients, and potential employers.

Reduced Profile Views

You might not notice your profile headshot much, but LinkedIn’s algorithm does and it’s one of several factors taken into account when determining how often to show your profile in search results.

Humans are naturally drawn to images, and if your picture doesn’t inspire confidence or credibility, visitors may not feel compelled to click on your profile to learn more.

Professional headshots on LinkedIn leads to more profile views.

More profile views leads to more opportunities.

Perceived Lack of Professionalism

A poor photo can create the impression that you lack attention to detail or don’t take your career seriously.

In fact, LinkedIn surveys show that recruiters are more likely to skip over candidates with an unprofessional or no profile picture at all, which can significantly reduce your chances of landing a job or securing a business deal.

Missed Networking Opportunities

LinkedIn is all about connections, and people are more likely to connect with someone who looks approachable, competent, and confident. A bad profile photo or worse, no Linkedin headshot at all, can create barriers, preventing others from reaching out. In a world where so many opportunities come from networking, you don’t want to miss out because your photo is sending the wrong message.

Professionalism

Your LinkedIn photo should reflect your professional side. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to wear a suit and tie, but it does mean you should look polished, well-groomed, and, most importantly,  appropriate for the industry you’re in.

Authenticity

Your photo should look like you—ie your current self! The key here is to be authentic. Authenticity in headshots is all about getting past that fake “camera-smile” expression you probably default to when someone points a camera your way. Your headshot photographer should be able to helpfully and effectively coach you when it comes to expression and presentstion.

Confidence

A confident expression can go a long way in making a positive impression. Direct eye contact, a natural smile, and a strong, upright posture all signal that you’re capable and self-assured, qualities that are highly valued in any professional setting.

In my experience, people often confuse “photogenic” for confidence. A person you may think is photogenic (which really doesn’t exist!) is probably just very confident and not phased at all by cameras.

Photogenic doesn’t exist. Confidence can be taught.

Alignment with Personal Brand

Your LinkedIn profile photo is an extension of your personal brand, and it should align with the message you want to convey. For example, if you’re in a creative field, your photo should be slightly more casual or creative. If you work in a corporate environment, you’ll want a photo that reflects that level of professionalism. Consistency across all your professional platforms is crucial to building a strong personal brand.

Professional Photography is a Valuable Investment

A professional photographer understands how to capture your best angles, use flattering lighting, and create a photo that truly represents who you are. They also know how to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera, which often results in a more genuine, confident expression.

Go Beyond the First Impression

The advantages of a professional headshot go beyond just looking good. A high-quality photo signals that you’re serious about your career and that you value your professional image. It can help you stand out from the crowd and make a lasting impression on those who view your profile.

Build Trust and Credibility

A high-quality headshot demonstrates professionalism, which is crucial in building trust with potential clients, employers, or business partners. It shows that you value your online presence and are committed to presenting yourself in the best light.

Are you ready to up your game on LinkedIn?

Fill in the form below to find out more about how we can help.

Your headshot is often the first impression you make—whether on LinkedIn, your website, or a business card—so choosing the right photographer is crucial.

A professional headshot can significantly impact your personal brand, career opportunities, and how you are perceived in your industry.

Selecting the right professional for this task isn’t just about finding someone with a camera; it’s about choosing a specialist who understands the nuances of headshot photography and can deliver a final product that truly represents you at your best.

Seven things you absolutely should consider when choosing your headshot photographer are:

1 – Make Sure they Specialize in Headshots

Choosing a photographer who specializes in headshots rather than a generalist can make all the difference. You’ll come cross countless websites of photographers who do it all. Weddings, family, kids, dogs, food, commercial work, cars, sports and headshots.

You really should avoid “Jacks of all Trades” when it comes to your headshots.  Your headshots are too important.

Book a specialist and get someone who has:

• Expertise in Capturing Professionalism: Specialists in headshot photography understand the subtleties of lighting, angles, and expressions that convey a polished and professional image.

• Understanding of Industry Standards: Whether you’re in a corporate environment, a creative field, or building a personal brand, headshot specialists are familiar with industry-specific requirements and expectations.

• Client Coaching Skills: This is a huge part of headshot photography. A good headshot isn’t just a photograph of the front of your head! You should look confident, professional, approachable and trustworthy. Most of us don’t like being photographed for all sorts of reasons – but a specialist headshot photographer will be able to coach you on facial expressions and show you how to convey these qualities. So be sure to review the photographer’s portfolio. Do the expressions look authentic? Or are people just giving their default fake smile for a camera? We can all spot fake smiles, and the last place you want one is in your headshot.

2. Consider What Experience They Have

The value of experience in headshot photography cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to understanding and meeting diverse client needs.

• Years in the Industry: A photographer with several years of experience in headshot photography likely has honed their skills and developed a deep understanding of what works.

• Diverse Clientele: Photographers who have worked with a wide range of clients—from executives to creatives—bring a wealth of experience in tailoring their approach to suit different personalities and industries.

• Problem-Solving Skills: An experienced photographer is better equipped to handle any challenges that arise during the shoot, such as nervous clients, tricky lighting conditions, or wardrobe malfunctions.

3 – Carefully Review Online Portfolios

Reviewing a photographer’s portfolio is essential to ensure their style aligns with your personal brand and the image you want to project.

• Consistency in Quality: Look for a portfolio that demonstrates consistent quality across a number of shoots, indicating that the photographer can reliably produce excellent results. Again – look at the facial expressions of people on the website. Are they authentic?

• Style Alignment: Consider whether the photographer’s style—be it formal, casual, or creative—matches the image you wish to convey.

• Diversity of Subjects: A strong portfolio will showcase the photographer’s ability to work with individuals of different features, skin tones, and personalities, highlighting their adaptability and skill.

4 – Find Out About Their Process

The photographer’s personality and approach play a significant role in how comfortable and confident you feel during the session. Do they have a studio process that’s designed to help you to relax, feel comfortable and confident? Specialist headshot photographers will use special software during the shoot to make sure you can see and review the images in real time, rather than waiting for an online gallery after the session.

• Professionalism and Communication: A photographer’s professionalism and clear communication can greatly impact your overall experience and the final results.

• Comfort Level: Feeling at ease with your photographer is crucial for capturing authentic expressions and relaxed poses.

• Collaborative Approach: A photographer who listens to your needs and collaborates with you to achieve your vision will likely produce a headshot that truly represents you.

5 – Read Online Reviews and Testimonials

Checking reviews and testimonials is an important step in gauging the experiences of past clients.

• Positive Feedback: Consistent positive feedback is a strong indicator of a photographer’s strengths in quality, professionalism, and customer service.

• Success Stories: Pay attention to specific examples where the photographer’s work has significantly benefited a client’s personal or professional brand.

• Handling Criticism: How a photographer responds to any negative reviews can reveal their level of professionalism and commitment to client satisfaction.

6 – Review Pricing Options

Understanding the photographer’s pricing structure and what’s included in their packages is crucial for making an informed decision.

• Transparency in Pricing: A good photographer will be transparent about their pricing and the services included, helping you avoid hidden fees or unpleasant surprises. Pricing should be clear on the website.

• Think in terms of Value for Money: Investing in a specialist may be more expensive, but the long-term value of a high-quality headshot can outweigh the initial cost. You’ll probably only refresh your headshots every 2-3 years, but they’ll be out in the world representing you and creating first impressions every single day.

• Customizable Packages: Look for photographers who offer customizable packages tailored to your specific needs, whether you require a single headshot or a full branding session. Every client is different. You might need 1 headshot or 10. Look for pricing packages that offer flexibility and don’t exist just to encourage you to spend more than you want to.

7 – Find Out Where They Are, and How to Book

Practical considerations such as location and convenience can influence your overall experience with the photographer.

• Studio vs. On-Location Shoots: Decide whether you prefer a controlled studio environment or the dynamic setting of an on-location shoot, and ensure the photographer can accommodate your preference. Shooting on location can be great, but you’re at the mercy of the elements. Even moderate wind can cause issues with hair, let alone rain… and we do live here in Newcastle!

• Accessibility and Scheduling: Choose a photographer whose studio is easily accessible and who offers flexible scheduling to suit your availability. Look for easy online scheduling to save time with email communications. 

• Post-Shoot Services: Consider the photographer’s post-shoot services, such as retouching, and delivery options, to ensure they meet your needs. How soon will you get your final images?

Choosing the right professional headshot photographer is crucial for creating a powerful and effective personal brand image. By considering factors such as specialization, experience, portfolio, personality, reviews, pricing, and location, you can ensure that you select a photographer who will deliver results that truly represent you at your best.

Take the time to research and evaluate potential photographers, ensuring you choose someone who aligns with your vision and needs. After all, your headshot is more than just a photo—it’s a reflection of your brand. Invest in a photographer who can capture you at your best.