Having a professional profile picture is crucial for establishing your personal brand and credibility, especially online. Your profile photo will likely be the first impression you make on new connections, so you want it to convey professionalism, approachability and authenticity. With some planning and effort, you can create a profile picture that presents you in the best possible light. Here are some tips for taking and choosing a professional profile photo.
Use a high quality camera
The quality of the camera you use will directly impact the quality of your photo. Using your smartphone’s camera may seem quick and easy, but smartphone cameras often distort colors and lack sharpness in the image. Invest in a digital camera, or borrow one, in order to achieve a crisp, high-resolution photo. Professional photographers suggest using a DSLR camera if accessible, but a digital camera over 12 megapixels will also work well.
Get the right lighting
Lighting can make or break a photo. Harsh direct flash can create unwanted shadows, while too little light leads to a grainy or dark photo. Ideally, you want bright, even, natural lighting. Position yourself facing a window on an overcast day. If outdoors isn’t an option, place lights in front and above you to avoid shadows. Diffuse the light by bouncing it off white surfaces or shining it through a white sheet.
Choose a simple background
You want the focus of your photo to be you, not your surroundings. Choose a relatively simple background without busy patterns or distracting objects. A solid colored wall, neutral curtain or greenery are good options. Make sure the background is neatly kept and not cluttered. You can also achieve a plain backdrop by taking the photo outside against a fence or brick wall.
Posing and composition
Posture
Stand or sit up straight to convey confidence. Roll your shoulders back slightly and lift your chin. Aim for a posture that looks poised and at ease, not overly rigid. Your body should be angled partially towards the camera rather than straight on. Keep your hands relaxed at your sides for full body shots.
Facial expression
A friendly, authentic smile is your best bet for looking approachable and sincere. A closed lip smile is the most universally appropriate option for professional contexts. Avoid showing too much teeth or laughing. Keep your expression warm yet reserved. Relax your jaw and eyes to appear natural.
Eye contact
Direct your gaze straight towards the camera lens as if looking at the viewer. This builds a sense of trust and connection. Tilting your head down slightly and lifting your eyes up can also create a nice image. Avoid looking off to the side.
Head angle
Turning your head slightly rather than facing directly forward prevents a mugshot appearance. Angling your head creates a more dynamic portrait. Shift your face about 20 to 30 degrees towards the shoulder that is closer to the camera. Adjust the angle to find your most flattering perspective.
Cropping
A close up from your shoulders up or waist up is ideal for a profile picture, as it places emphasis on your face. Full body shots can work for some contexts, but avoid cropping at joint areas like your elbows or knees. Leave some space around your head rather than zooming too close.
Outfit and styling
Attire
Dress professionally as you would for work or an interview. Solid colors and relatively muted patterns tend to look crispest on camera. For men, a suit jacket and button-up or polo conveys polished style. Women might opt for a blazer over a blouse or sheath dress. Make sure your clothing fits well and is neatly pressed.
Makeup
Light makeup can help you look natural yet polished in photos. Apply powder to avoid shine. Add neutral eyeshadow and black mascara for subtle definition. Fill in and shape your eyebrows. Finish with tinted lip balm or nude lipstick. Less is more, so stick to minimal enhancement.
Hair
Style your hair cleanly and neatly, however you most often wear it. Have your usual cut trimmed prior to photos so it looks fresh. Your part should be clear and straight. Use anti-frizz serum for a sleek look. Opt for simple, professional styles like leaving hair down or an updo.
Accessories
Minimize accessories for a classic professional look. Small stud earrings are appropriate, but avoid large statement jewelry. Hide visible body piercings or tattoos. Take off sunglasses and hats. A watch, wedding ring or simple necklace can work nicely.
Backdrops
Here are some ideal backdrops for professional profile photos:
Solid wall
A blank wall in a neutral color like gray, beige or light blue makes a foolproof backdrop that puts the focus on you. matte finish helps avoid glare. Position yourself a few feet in front so the wall doesn’t blend into your shoulders.
Office setting
If photographing in your workplace, choose a tidy, on-brand spot like your desk, a conference room or lobby. Make sure no sensitive documents or information are visible.
Outdoor
Standing in front of an outdoor wall,pillar or tree subtly communicates your industry and personality. For example, an accounting firm member might choose a structured cityscape, while a creative type opts for a brick alleyway.
Greenery
Position yourself in front of lush bushes, trees or a hedge for an eye-catching yet professional backdrop. Avoid distracting elements like people or buildings. Blurred nature backgrounds work especially well.
| Backdrop | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Solid wall | Simple, neutral, clean | Can seem boring |
| Office setting | Communicates your work environment | Messy offices appear unprofessional |
| Outdoor | Interesting textures and scenery | Lighting can be more challenging |
| Greenery | Eye-catching, natural | Allergies may be a factor for some |
Posing tips
Head and shoulders
Your head and shoulders should be perpendicular to the camera, not facing straight on. Lean your upper body slightly towards the front shoulder. Support your weight evenly on both feet with heels aligned. Lift your chin parallel to the ground and gaze straight ahead.
Seated
Sit upright near the edge of a stool or chair. Place your feet firmly on the floor, crossed at the ankles. Rest your hands on your lap or armrests. Align your upper body facing the camera with shoulders dropped and head high. Crossing your legs conveys confidence.
Full body
Stand with weight even on both feet, grounded through your heels. Distribute most of the weight to your back foot. Relax your knees slightly. Lift your chin and gaze directly at the camera. Clasp your hands loosely in front or place one hand in a pocket.
Editing the photo
Cropping
Once you’ve selected the best original image, crop it according to the platform guidelines. A square crop works on most sites. Cut out distracting background elements. Frame your face symmetrically, leaving more space above your head. Zoom to 100% to check image resolution.
Brightness and contrast
Adjust the levels to find the right balance of light and dark tones. Avoid over-exposed hot spots in the background. Boost contrast moderately for additional vividness. Take care not to blow out highlights or block up shadows.
Color correction
Enhance the color palette for a vivid yet natural look. Many cameras capture cooler tones, so gently warm up the photo. Boosting vibrance can make your clothes and eyes pop while keeping skin tones realistic. Ensure colors complement each other.
Retouching
Subtle retouching like evening out skin tone, filling thinning hair and whitening teeth can elevate your look. Avoid going overboard with filters and airbrushing. The goal is to look polished yet authentic. Err on the side of less retouching.
Choosing the final image
Facial expression
Narrow options down to photos with natural, relaxed smiles where your personality shines through. Avoid awkward or forced expressions. A slight smile generally comes across as most approachable.
Eye contact
Select a photo where your eyes are open, bright and clearly focused on the camera. Avoid glancing off-camera or closing your eyes. Direct eye contact engages the viewer.
Composition and angle
Look for images where you are positioned slightly off-center for the most dynamic framing. Your head should tilt at a flattering angle. The camera angle should be relatively straight on.
Lighting and color
Evaluate the lighting quality, avoiding harsh shadows and bright overexposed areas. Your face should be well-lit and evenly exposed. The color balance should look natural yet vibrant.
Ask others
Solicit unbiased feedback from professional connections, colleagues and friends. Ask which photos look most professional, approachable and representative of you. Compare their choices against your own.
Tips for specific platforms
Tailor your photo selection to fit the platform it will be used for:
For business networking, choose a more formal headshot in professional attire against a conservative backdrop. Portray leadership and competence.
A casual head and shoulders shot relates well to friends and family. Show your vibrant personality. Background is less important.
Opt for a friendly yet professional vibe. Look directly at camera in a crisp medium shot showing head and torso.
Creative backdrops like streetscapes or nature can complement your brand’s aesthetic. Convey your unique perspective.
YouTube
Appear approachable and engaging in a waist-up shot. Balance professionalism with personality depending on your niche.
Tips for video calls
Many of the same tips apply to selecting a profile photo for video call platforms:
Framing
Shoot from your shoulders up for the most natural perspective. Leave some space around your face. Position camera at eye level or slightly above.
Background
Choose a plain, solid colored backdrop. Face a blank wall or use a virtual background feature if available. Remove clutter.
Lighting
Sit facing a window for flattering natural light on your face. Avoid backlight from bright windows behind you. Add lamps for a soft, even light source.
Appearance
Dress as you would meeting colleagues in person. Check your grooming and remove distractions like headphones. Mute notifications to prevent disruptions.
Angle
Mount your camera directly in front of you. Look into the lens when speaking. Keep your device stable and angled slightly down towards your face.
Expression
Smile naturally and make eye contact with the camera often. Nod in response to others and avoid looking elsewhere. Convey warm energy through your facial cues.
Conclusion
A professional profile photo makes a vital first impression online and establishes your personal brand. With careful planning and preparation, you can showcase yourself in the best possible light. Pay attention to image quality, framing, expression, background, lighting, retouching and other photographic elements. Ask for objective feedback to select your best option. Taking the time to craft an impressive profile photo signals professionalism and creates a strong sense of your unique identity and expertise that will serve you well in expanding your career opportunities and connections.