Photo Tips and Guidelines
Here are some tips in preparing for taking a LinkedIn photo, although it can be applied to any professional shot you are trying to get.
What to Wear?
- You want to look approachable and consistent with your field of work.
- Wear what you would wear to work.
- Wear something that makes you feel good.
- Solid colors work best – I recommend darker colors to make you stand out.
Set Up
- Clean Background
- Don’t be right in front of the wall/background – take a few steps forward.
- Have someone else take it for you or use a self-timer/tripod – NO SELFIES.
- Make sure there is a light source in front of you and not behind you or above you (shadows).
- Try a cloudy day or shade or soft window light.
- Take test shots and adjust light as needed – not too harsh – no hot spots – even soft light.
Position
- As before, take a few steps forward away from the background.
- Do not stand straight on to the camera with shoulders squared off. I recommend turning your body facing at 20% angle (or whatever feel comfortable) and then turn your head to the camera.
- Be mindful of your head position, look straight at the camera, try not to be looking up.
- What to do with your hands? If you have pant pockets, take the arm closest to the camera and just put your thumb in the pocket. It doesn’t show up but it relaxes your shoulder.
Expression
- Again, you want potential employers to see you as approachable – not too big a smile, not too serious.
- Showing teeth is preferable if you can keep it from being too “cheese!”-like.
- Pretend you are at a job fair and meeting someone for the first time – that is the smile.
- Practice in front of a mirror.
- Take several shots and try different looks while shooting.
- You want to look like you.
Overall
- High quality images, not grainy, not blurry.
- Do not cut yourself out of a group photo and use that.
- Do not use filters to change your face – it is noticeable and again, you want to look like you.