The photo you use on LinkedIn is important because it will set the tone and initial impression for your profile. Check out these numbers and statistics that back up my advice. According to LinkedIn.com, you can get up to 21 times more profile views than members without a photo. As important as having a profile picture is, having the right picture means using a head shot.
You might ask, “What is a head shot?” My first response is that a head shot is most certainly not a selfie. Sorry.
In fact, in my career I have been surprised by the number of professionals who ask the same question: “What is a head shot?” The head shot for LinkedIn should be from your shoulders up and have a solid background. I recommend having a professional photographer take your photo, especially if you plan on using the photo for business cards, your professional website, brochures and any additional personal branding. A professional will also ensure your photo is low resolution which will create a pristine look for your web content.
And I’m excited to have my friend and professional photographer
Donna Coleman of DonnaColemanPhotography.com
share her tips to have your headshot stand out!
As she always says – Your Image Matters!
Guest Blogger, Donna Coleman –
Tips for Preparing for Your Professional Headshots
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Your headshot is the first impression you make on your LinkedIn Profile. Preparing yourself and your clothing is important so you can look your best for your headshots. Your confidence will show in your photos. Here are some tips to choose the right clothes and be prepared so you get the best results. |
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Clothing |
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Make sure your shirt is freshly ironed and wrinkle free. If you wear a suit jacket, make sure that it fits you well and consider a light or bright shirt under it to create some pop. Solid shirts work best.
For women wearing blouses without a jacket, I always prefer color. Jewell tones look great in photos and a vee neck can be very flattering. Jewelry creates a polished look, just avoid anything too big that will draw attention away from your face.
For men a tie with a small pattern looks better than one with a busy print. If you wear a button-down shirt without a suit jacket, I recommend wearing color, not white or black.
If you are having a full headshot session bring a couple of different looks -changing the color of your shirt or tie can make a big difference and it’s nice to have options.
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