What Makes a LinkedIn Photo Work?

There are more than a billion users on LinkedIn.

90% of them don't really care about a profile picture.

9% use a photo that was probably made on purpose using professional or semi-professional equipment, but it stays there because they don't have anything better.

Only 1% use a headshot made by a headshot photographer. It seems pretty obvious: if you want a proper profile picture – just hire a headshot photographer to make one for you!

But if you want to get the maximum from your future headshot, keep reading. Because not every professionally made headshot actually works on LinkedIn, and I'll explain why and what a few simple rules you need to follow to get one that does.

First Rule – Proximity: Head and Shoulders Only.

A LinkedIn photo is small on the desktop and even smaller on a mobile. That's why proximity is important.

If it's too far – you lose eye contact, just because the eyes are even smaller; too close – you lose the sense of gravity, getting a "floating head."

The ideal proximity is head and shoulders, centered vertically. Imagine two horizontal lines separating the image into three equal parts – the eyes should be at the top line level. That's your best position.

Second Rule – Background: Just White.

This one is short: the background for a LinkedIn photo should be white.

White makes your headshot blend seamlessly with the LinkedIn interface as it belongs there, makes your dark outfit visible, and – if you have dark hair – prevents it from disappearing into the background.

Also, a good white background is difficult to shoot right, and that's why most photographers will avoid doing it at all costs.

Third – Light: No Drama.

The light for a LinkedIn headshot should be as pleasing as possible: the face evenly lit but not flat.

The reason is simple and is the same as before: there is no space to play with shadows. Also, it helps minimize skin imperfections or aging without heavy makeup or skin softening retouching. It's still you, at your age, just in a better light.

Dramatic light is great for art portraits, for actors, for bigger resolution headshots. The primary function of a LinkedIn photo is to be recognizable on a small portion of the screen, and that's what you need this light for.

Fourth – Eye Contact: Eyes to the Camera.

I often hear this question from my clients stepping in front of the camera: "Where should I look?"

My answer is "ALWAYS straight to the camera. We might do a slight head turn – not more than 5 degrees to the left or right – but eyes always should look at the camera. Eye contact is important."

Imagine you meet someone for the first time and want to make a good impression and show good manners – where are you looking? Same with the headshot. It's simple, but for some reason many people still think their photo can greet page visitors by looking sideways.

That's it. Four rules. Follow them, and your LinkedIn profile picture will do what it's supposed to – make people want to talk to you.