5 Tips for LinkedIn Headshots That Match Your Brand

Your LinkedIn headshot is your first impression. A great photo can increase profile views by over 300%. Here’s how to get it right:

Lighting: Use soft, natural light or a balanced studio setup to avoid harsh shadows.
Clothing: Dress professionally, matching your industry’s style with clean, well-fitted attire.
Background: Keep it simple with neutral tones or a slightly blurred work setting.
Expression: Maintain a natural, confident smile with eye contact that feels approachable.
Photo Quality: Opt for high-resolution, sharp images, whether professionally taken or DIY.

These tips ensure your photo reflects professionalism and aligns with your personal brand. Start now to make a lasting impression.

LINKEDIN HEADSHOT AT HOME | Professional Self Portrait ...

Tip 1: Get the Lighting Right

Good lighting makes a big difference in how your headshot turns out, highlighting your features and giving it a polished, professional feel.

Sunlight vs. Studio Lights

For natural light, shoot outdoors during the golden hour - about an hour after sunrise or before sunset. This soft, warm light helps reduce harsh shadows and creates a more flattering look.

For studio setups, try a three-point lighting arrangement:

Light Position	Purpose	Placement
Key Light	Main source of light	45° angle from your face
Fill Light	Softens shadows	Opposite the key light
Back Light	Adds depth and separation	Positioned behind you

This setup ensures balanced lighting and helps your headshot stand out.

Avoid Common Lighting Mistakes

Harsh Shadows: Use a large window with sheer curtains to diffuse natural light or softboxes for artificial light.
Uneven Lighting: Make sure both sides of your face are evenly lit. Adjust the distance of lights to maintain balance.
Overexposure: Stay away from direct midday sunlight. Indoors, keep artificial lights about three feet away to prevent your features from looking washed out.
Underexposure: Dark images can look unprofessional. If using natural light, face the window instead of having it behind you.

Experiment with different setups and review your shots on a larger screen to catch any small issues.

Up next, focus on clothing choices that align with your personal brand.

Tip 2: Pick the Right Clothes

What you wear in your LinkedIn headshot can shape how others view you. Choosing attire that fits your industry not only boosts your credibility but also ensures the focus stays on you. Let’s break down how your clothing choices can enhance your professional image.

Dressing for Your Industry

Match your outfit to the expectations of your field. For finance or legal roles, stick with classic business attire like suits and ties. If you’re in tech or a creative field, opt for a polished yet relaxed look that reflects the culture of your industry. Whatever you choose, make sure your clothes are clean, well-fitted, and free of wrinkles to project a professional image.

Choosing the Right Colors

The colors you wear can influence how others perceive you. Solid colors are a reliable choice - they help keep the focus on you while giving off a professional vibe. Avoid overly bright or distracting patterns, as they can take attention away from your face.

Tip 3: Keep the Background Simple

The background of your LinkedIn headshot plays a big role in highlighting your professional image. A carefully chosen background keeps the attention on you and subtly supports your personal brand.

Best Background Options

The best backgrounds for LinkedIn headshots are those that enhance, not distract. Neutral colors like light gray, soft white, or pale blue are excellent choices. A solid-colored wall in these tones keeps things clean and professional.

Stand about 4–5 feet away from the background to create a natural depth of field. This technique slightly blurs the background while keeping you in sharp focus. Avoid textured walls or busy patterns that might pull attention away from you.

Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:

Cluttered office spaces with visible paperwork
Outdoor scenes with too many distracting elements
Overly edited or artificial-looking backgrounds
Dark or shadowy areas that create harsh contrasts

If your work environment can enhance your professional image, consider the next section for tips on incorporating it effectively.

When to Include Work Settings

While simple backgrounds are usually best, some professionals can benefit from showing off their work environment. This approach works well when the setting highlights your expertise and adds credibility.

Here are a few examples of when a workplace background makes sense:

Medical professionals: A clean, clinical setting with subtle medical equipment in view
Architects or designers: A sleek office or design studio
Manufacturing leaders: A production area or factory floor in soft focus
Creative professionals: A studio or workshop that reflects your craft

If you choose a work setting, make sure the background is slightly blurred so it doesn’t overpower the image. Position yourself so the setting adds context without being distracting. The goal is to give a professional impression while subtly showcasing your expertise.

Any visible elements in your background should be tidy, organized, and reflect positively on your professional image. If your workplace doesn’t meet these standards, stick with a simple, solid background instead.

Tip 4: Show the Right Expression

Your facial expression in your LinkedIn headshot plays a big role in shaping your first impression. It should strike a balance between professionalism and approachability to help you build connections on the platform.

Make Eye Contact That Connects

Good eye contact in your photo helps create an instant connection with viewers. Stand about 3–4 feet from the camera, keeping it at eye level. Look slightly above the lens to soften your gaze and avoid appearing too intense.

Steer clear of looking off-camera, as it can make you seem distracted or disengaged. Instead, imagine you're engaging in a conversation with a trusted colleague - this helps you maintain a natural and inviting look.

Tips for a Natural Smile

Start with a neutral expression and ease into a genuine smile that involves both your mouth and eyes (often called a 'Duchenne' smile). Thinking about a recent professional achievement can help you achieve this balance of warmth and confidence.

Expression Do's and Don'ts

Do	Don't
Keep facial muscles relaxed with a natural smile	Force a stiff or awkward smile
Slightly lower your chin and let your eyes crinkle gently	Over-tilt your head or hold tension in your face
Exude calm confidence	Appear overly serious or uneasy

Your expression should align with your industry and personal brand. For instance, a friendly, open smile might suit a creative professional, while a more reserved look may be better for roles in law or finance.

Practice your expression in front of a mirror to find a natural and polished look. Once you're comfortable, focus on capturing a high-quality photo to complete your professional headshot.

Tip 5: Get High-Quality Photos

Your LinkedIn headshot plays a big role in shaping your professional image. Whether you hire a pro or take the DIY route, focus on creating a polished, professional photo.

Working with Professional Photographers

Hiring a professional photographer can make a big difference. Look for someone with experience in corporate headshots and a portfolio that matches the style you're aiming for.

What to Expect During a Professional Session

Professional sessions can vary based on duration, outfit options, and editing services. A basic session might include a short shoot, one or two outfit changes, and a few retouched images. More extensive sessions may offer longer shoots, multiple backgrounds, and additional photos. Some photographers also provide packages for corporate teams, ensuring a consistent look across your company. Before booking, discuss your goals, budget, and preferences during a consultation to ensure the session meets your needs.

Taking High-Quality Photos at Home

If hiring a photographer isn’t an option, you can still take a great headshot at home. Focus on these essentials:

Camera: Use a recent smartphone with portrait mode or a DSLR for sharper results.
Lighting: Position yourself 3–4 feet from a large window during mid-morning or late afternoon for soft, natural light.
Background: Choose a plain wall in neutral tones like white or gray, or use a professional-looking backdrop.
Setup: Place your camera on a tripod or stable surface at eye level.
Distance: Keep 4–6 feet between you and the camera.
Frame: Include your shoulders and leave some space above your head.
Technical Details: Shoot in landscape at the highest quality, then crop to a square format.
Focus: Ensure your eyes and face are sharp and clear.
Timer: Use a self-timer or remote shutter to avoid camera shake.

Take multiple shots and review them on a larger screen to choose the best one. Pay attention to lighting and exposure - avoid harsh shadows or overly bright areas. A well-lit, sharp image paired with professional attire will enhance your LinkedIn profile and leave a strong impression.

Conclusion: Next Steps

Key Takeaways for a Great LinkedIn Headshot

Here’s a quick recap of what makes a standout LinkedIn headshot:

Lighting: Use soft, natural light or studio lighting to avoid harsh shadows or overexposure.
Attire: Wear professional clothing that fits your industry and complements your skin tone and background.
Background: Keep it simple and free of distractions.
Expression: Look directly at the camera with a natural, confident smile.
Photo Quality: Ensure the image is sharp, well-framed, and high resolution.

Start applying these tips today to make a strong first impression.

Take It Further with LiSeller

LiSeller

Once your headshot is ready, it’s time to increase your visibility. LiSeller’s AI-powered tools can help you engage with industry leaders and potential clients by automating thoughtful comments and boosting your profile reach.

With plans starting at $47 per month for 300 comments, LiSeller also offers tracking tools to monitor your growth. Pair your polished headshot with LiSeller’s engagement features, and you’ll see a significant boost in profile views and connection requests on LinkedIn.