#1) Good lighting is essential.

According to Welch, bad light is the most common mistake he sees when looking at LinkedIn pictures. You can have the best camera in the world (or even a smartphone with a good camera), but the color and clarity won’t shine if your lighting sucks.

Avoid direct overhead lighting or harsh lighting, as these features will detract away from the photo. (Imagine those white, bright fluorescent lights in your high school cafeteria.)

Good Lighting Example:

Bad Lighting Example:

(Bad lighting makes it more difficult to recognize unique features and will reduce the sharpness of the photo.)

#2) Dress to Impress.

Ever been told that you should show up to an interview wearing what you would wear on the job? We recommend the same for your LinkedIn profile. (When in doubt, go more formal than you would otherwise).

Employers want to see that you are a good fit for the position, and whether you like it or not, they will judge you based on your attire.

An additional tip: Don’t wear busy patterns and try to wear dark tones, because dark tones will make your face pop! You want people to remember your face, not your clothes!

Good Attire Example:

Bad Attire Example:

(We might drink a beer with this guy… but would we expect him to be a good hire if this is how he presents himself on LinkedIn?)

#3) Smile! (Or at least look welcoming!)

As much as you want to show you are a serious professional, Welch recommends smiling in your LinkedIn profile. (Plus, who says that you have to look like a Looney Tunes character by letting a little sunshine come through your photo?)

The theory is this: would you rather meet an intimidating, serious person or a friendly, smiling person? Recruiters will see that your smile could positively contribute to the workplace!

Good Facial Expression Example:

Bad Facial Expression Example:

(I don’t care if you want to show off how tough of a negotiator you are — this does not work well as a first impression.)

#4) Avoid Busy Backgrounds

If you look at Nat’s photos, you will notice that he chooses a clean grey or white background to provide enough contrast with his subject. LinkedIn gives very limited room to display your profile picture (thumbnail sized), so it’s important that you place as much emphasis as possible on, well you. 

Good Background Example:

Bad Background Example:

#5) Use the Appropriate Crop

LinkedIn gives so many pixels to display that wonderful face of yours. For that same reason, you will need to make sure and crop your photo well. Do not take the picture too far away.

Your LinkedIn photo should range from the middle of your torso to the top of your head. (Too much torso in the photo means you will be less visible when recruiters are scrolling through a list of candidates).

Good crop example:

Bad crop Example:

(It’s important to leave enough head space at the top for LinkedIn’s additional “circle crop.” This seems like a great photo on the surface, but when imported into LinkedIn, the circle will also eliminate the top of the photo.)

Should you consider a professional photographer?

I will be flying out to New York City sometime in the next year or so. When that time comes, I will be sure to use Nat’s services, because I understand how good of an investment a professional headshot is. When it comes to your personal brand, your headshot is incredibly important — especially when everything is online.

Therefore, if you have the means, I highly recommend teaming up with a professional photographer.

If you are interested in working with Nat, please contact him here.

Strapped for cash? While no one can beat a professional, you can still manage a good LinkedIn photo on your own (and a photo you take is still way better than nothing!) Learn how to take a decent headshot with only an iPhone on our Career Warrior Podcast.