Our LinkedIn photo is usually one of the first things people see on your profile. Before they get to your experience or accomplishments, they see your face.
That doesn’t mean you need a complicated photoshoot. A good LinkedIn Headshot comes down to a few basics: decent lighting, a clean background, the right crop, clothing that fits your work, and an expression that actually looks like you.
And yes, you can get a lot right in 15 minutes.
Here’s what to pay attention to.
What Makes a Good LinkedIn Headshot?
A good LinkedIn Headshot should look professional without looking stiff or overly edited.
Think about the impression you want to leave. You want to look confident and approachable, but still like yourself.
A strong headshot usually has:
- A clear view of your face
- Even, flattering lighting
- A simple background
- A natural expression
- Clothing that fits your profession
- A head-and-shoulders crop
- A sharp, high-quality image
- A current appearance
The last one gets overlooked. If your LinkedIn photo is several years old and you look noticeably different now, it’s probably time for a new one.
Your photo also appears fairly small on LinkedIn. So there’s no real benefit to putting yourself halfway across the frame. Your face should be easy to recognize at a glance.
The 15-Minute LinkedIn Headshot Formula
You don’t need an entire afternoon for a headshot. If you know what needs attention, 15 minutes can be plenty of time to get a solid image.
Minutes 1–3: Get Yourself Ready
Take a minute to check the small things.
Fix your hair. Straighten your collar. Check your clothing for anything distracting. Nothing complicated.
Your outfit should make sense for the kind of work you do.
Someone in a corporate role might go with a blazer or dress shirt. An entrepreneur might choose polished business-casual clothing. Someone in a creative field may want a little more personality in what they wear.
Try to avoid large logos, very busy patterns, or anything that pulls attention away from your face.
Minutes 4–6: Look at the Background
The background doesn’t need to be fancy.
A plain wall, neutral studio backdrop, or softly blurred office can all work. What matters is that it doesn’t compete with you.
Clutter, random objects, people walking behind you, or a visually busy setting can make an otherwise good photo feel messy.
And a professional background doesn’t have to mean a white wall. Depending on your work and personal brand, a simple environmental background can work just as well.
Minutes 7–10: Fix the Lighting
Lighting can make a bigger difference than the camera you’re using.
Soft, even light tends to be much more flattering than harsh light from directly overhead. If you’re taking your own photo, standing near a large window can be a good starting point.
Watch out for strong light directly above you. It can create dark shadows around your eyes and other parts of your face.
With professional headshot photography, the lighting can be adjusted for you instead of making you figure it out while you’re also trying to pose and take the photo.
Minutes 11–13: Keep the Pose Simple
You don’t need a complicated pose for LinkedIn.
Relax your shoulders. Turn your body slightly instead of standing completely square to the camera. Keep your head upright and look toward the lens.
A small lean forward can help you look more engaged.
That’s really it.
The more comfortable you are, the better the photo usually looks. A forced pose tends to look forced.
Minutes 14–15: Work on Your Expression
Your expression changes the whole feel of the photo.
A natural smile can make you look more approachable. A relaxed, confident expression may work better if you want a more serious professional look.
Don’t feel like you have to get it right on the first shot. Take a few variations.
One trick is to stop thinking about the camera for a second. Imagine you’re talking to a client or colleague instead. It can help your expression feel much less posed.
How Should a LinkedIn Profile Photo Be Framed?
Your LinkedIn profile photo appears in a small, circular format, so framing matters.
A head-and-shoulders crop is usually a safe choice. Your face should take up enough of the frame to be recognizable, but you don’t want your head pressed against the edge.
Try to avoid:
- Full-body photos
- Photos where your face is tiny
- Extreme close-ups
- Group photos cropped down to one person
- Images where your head is too close to the edge
Keep it simple. Someone should be able to look at the photo and immediately know who they’re looking at.
What Should You Wear for a LinkedIn Photo?
There’s no single outfit that works for everyone.
Start with your profession and the way you normally present yourself at work. Then choose something that looks polished but still feels comfortable.
For example:
- Corporate professionals: A blazer, suit, dress shirt, or other business attire
- Entrepreneurs: Polished business-casual clothing
- Creative professionals: Professional clothing with some personal style
- Sales professionals: Approachable, confident business attire
- Executives: Refined clothing that fits the industry
Solid colors and subtle patterns tend to photograph well. Really busy designs can pull attention away from your face.
One simple rule: dress professionally, but don’t wear something that feels completely unlike you.
Common LinkedIn Headshot Mistakes
A good camera won’t fix everything. Some problems have nothing to do with the camera.
Using a Casual Selfie
Selfies are convenient. They can also make your profile look less polished, particularly if you’re using LinkedIn to find work, connect with clients, or build your business.
Using a Vacation Photo
A great vacation photo isn’t necessarily a good professional photo.
Sunglasses, casual clothes, distracting scenery, and unusual lighting can all take attention away from you.
Using an Old Photo
Your LinkedIn photo should look like you now.
If your appearance, hairstyle, or professional style has changed quite a bit since the photo was taken, it’s worth updating.
Editing Too Much
A little retouching is fine. Heavy smoothing and filters are another story.
You should still look like yourself. The goal is a polished photo, not a completely different face.
Choosing a Distracting Background
If people notice what’s behind you before they notice you, the background is doing too much.
Looking Uncomfortable
This one’s easy to spot.
A stiff posture or forced smile can make even a technically good photo feel awkward. Relax your shoulders, take a breath, and give yourself a few chances to get a natural expression.
DIY vs. Professional Headshot Photography
You can absolutely take a usable LinkedIn photo with a smartphone.
Good light, a clean background, decent framing, and a capable camera can go a long way.
The harder part is often everything happening in front of the camera.
A professional photographer can help you figure out where to stand, how to position your shoulders, what to do with your expression, and when something just doesn’t look right. That’s especially useful when you’re not used to having your picture taken.
Professional photography can make sense if you’re:
- Applying for competitive jobs
- Building an executive presence
- Growing a personal brand
- Meeting clients regularly
- Running a business
- Updating your company’s team profiles
If you’re searching for where to get headshots for LinkedIn, look for someone who regularly photographs people for professional use. General portrait photography and business headshots aren’t always approached the same way.
Get a Professional LinkedIn Headshot in 15 Minutes
If you need a professional headshot but don’t want to spend an hour or two at a photoshoot, you can get a focused headshot session at the Biloxi studio in about 15 minutes.
Sessions are available on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month, making it easy to fit a professional photo update into your schedule.
It’s a good option if your LinkedIn photo is outdated, you’ve started a new job, you’re looking for work, or you simply don’t have a professional photo you’re happy with.
The session is short, but you won’t be left guessing what to do. You’ll get guidance with lighting, posing, expression, and framing so you can walk away with a headshot that feels professional and still looks like you.
Ready to update your LinkedIn photo? Book your 15-minute headshot session at the Biloxi studio.
How to Choose Your Best LinkedIn Headshot
Don’t just pick the photo where you think you look the best.
Think about how you’d want a potential employer, client, colleague, or business connection to see you.
Ask yourself:
- Do I look approachable?
- Do I look confident?
- Can I clearly see my face?
- Is the image sharp?
- Is anything distracting in the background?
- Does my clothing make sense for my profession?
- Does the photo look current?
- Would someone recognize me from this photo in person?
The best LinkedIn headshots aren’t necessarily dramatic. They just feel right. You look professional, but you don’t look like you’re trying too hard.
For professionals looking for a focused headshot experience in Biloxi, DP Photography LLC offers The 15-Minute Headshot Clinic for quick professional profile updates.
Final Thoughts
A good LinkedIn Headshot doesn’t need to be complicated.
Take a few minutes to get your clothing and appearance right. Use good light. Keep the background simple. Pay attention to your framing. Relax when you’re in front of the camera.
That’s most of the job.
And if you’d rather have someone handle the lighting, posing, and little adjustments for you, a professional session can make the process much easier.
If you’re in Biloxi and want a quick way to update your professional photo, The 15-Minute Headshot session is available at the studio on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a LinkedIn Headshot look like?
It should be clear, well-lit, current, and professionally framed. A head-and-shoulders crop, simple background, appropriate clothing, and natural expression are good choices.
Is a professional headshot worth it for LinkedIn?
It can be, especially if LinkedIn plays an important role in your career, networking, recruiting, or business. A photographer can help with lighting, posing, framing, and expression.
Can I use a smartphone for my LinkedIn Headshot?
Yes. A smartphone can work well with good lighting, a clean background, proper framing, and a good camera. The main challenge is usually getting the posing and expression right.
How often should I update my LinkedIn photo?
Update it when your appearance has changed noticeably or when your current photo no longer looks like you. A current photo also makes it easier for people to recognize you in person.
What are the best LinkedIn photo tips?
Use good lighting, look toward the camera, wear something appropriate for your work, keep the background simple, relax your posture, and choose an expression that feels natural.
Where can I get a 15-minute LinkedIn Headshot in Biloxi?
The 15-Minute Headshot session is held at the Biloxi studio on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month. It’s designed for professionals who want a focused, short headshot session.