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A good LinkedIn headshot that stands out is possibly the most critical factor in getting someone to stop and notice your profile. That’s true whether you’re looking to network, grow your personal brand, or get noticed by recruiters.
However, obtaining a quality headshot for your LinkedIn profile could require more time and effort than you expect. In addition to capturing the photo, you have to consider these factors:
- Figuring out the color and style of your backdrop
- Creating optimal lighting conditions for your close-up
- Editing and retouching the shot to produce studio-quality results
In this guide, we’ve broken down each step of the process so you can successfully secure the best LinkedIn headshots for yourself or your entire team. We’ll explore planning, expenses, and real-life examples so you can update your headshot(s) as soon as possible.
Why Your LinkedIn Headshots Are So Important
You can’t overstate the power of a polished, professional LinkedIn photo. Remember, your LinkedIn profile picture is objectively your first impression when messaging people, networking, or being seen by recruiters combing through profiles. So we think it’s best to avoid a selfie and opt for a more professional looking photo.
The best way to understand a good headshot’s importance is to see it yourself. Let’s take a look at this headshot example:
This LinkedIn headshot does a lot of things right. The image is clear, and the subject wears a friendly smile and appropriate attire. However, the background is rather distracting and lacks an aura of professionalism.
Now, let’s compare it to this LinkedIn headshot:
While the first headshot was good, this one is great! This photo checks all the boxes with professional attire, a strong pose, a polished appearance, and a neutral background. These details can make all the difference when you seek a new position.
How to Get Professional Headshots for LinkedIn (For You or Your Team)
Whether you want LinkedIn headshots for yourself or your entire team, there are typically two common paths you can take to get the job done…
The Traditional Way (A Challenging Path)
1. Preproduction
Before approaching professional photographers, choose a few blocks of available time to pitch them. Many photographers book several weeks in advance, so you might have to wait longer than anticipated to receive your final headshots.
If you’re planning LinkedIn headshots for an entire team, you need to coordinate schedules and find a session time that works for everyone. Keep in mind that splitting a photo shoot into several days can be costly.
Another factor to consider is what you’d like your backdrop to look like ahead of time. Share that with your photographer as well.
3. Securing a Photographer
Once you find a photographer who can work with your schedule, it’s time to iron out the contract around the shoot’s scope and budget. Be sure to factor in the cost of studio equipment, rentals, and time away from your job.
You should also speak with your team regarding wardrobe and punctuality to ensure your photo session runs smoothly.
3. Shoot Day
The big day is finally here! Though your photographer helps direct poses for each headshot, having a reference image in mind to get the great photos you want is helpful.
Ensure everyone dresses professionally, uses good posture, and has a big smile in their pictures.
4. Postproduction
After the shoot, expect some back-and-forth communication between you and your photographer during the editing process. Generally, you can expect your finished photos within 2–3 weeks, though additional edit or retouch requests may cost extra and delay delivery of the final product.
Once you get your headshots back, you can update your LinkedIn profile photo accordingly.
Headshots.com (A Simple Solution)
Rather than working through the traditional, multi-step process, use our virtual headshot service instead. We handle the process from start to finish, allowing you and your team to take your own photos with the tools you already have. Then, we transform your pictures into studio-quality headshots within days.
Headshots.com is a 100% remote service, making it easy for teams in multiple locations to secure cohesive headshots. We shepherd you through the photo-taking process, help you select a backdrop that aligns with your branding, and hand-edit every photo to perfection.
Using our service means you don’t have to take valuable time away from your clients. Plus, we deliver results within 3 business days of receiving your photos. You can quickly download your stunning headshots from our online portal, update your LinkedIn and other social media profiles, then get right back to business.
But don’t take our word for it; our happy customers are the best reflection of our business:
What to Wear for Your LinkedIn Headshots
Before striking a pose, you want the perfect wardrobe to compliment your dazzling smile! Here are some general guidelines to help you score a great first impression.
Men’s Headshots
Men’s LinkedIn headshots should incorporate a dark, solid-colored wardrobe without overly distracting patterns. You can wear glasses, ties, and other accessories, but be sure they represent your day-to-day look.
Remember, LinkedIn headshots often kick off your digital first impression, so your headshot should be an accurate yet polished version of yourself.
Women’s Headshots
Women’s HeadshotsWomen’s headshots can be more flexible with wardrobe, but simple necklines and solid, dark colors that don’t wash out your skin tone are best. You can also create a layered look by adding a cardigan, blazer, or jacket over a lighter base layer.
Light jewelry and makeup are fine, but opt for a natural look that doesn’t distract from the focus of the photos—your smile!
Examples of How to Pose for LinkedIn Headshots
Preparation is power when it comes to having a successful headshot photo shoot. Dazzle on shoot day with these proven headshot poses.
Front and Center
When in doubt, opt for this tried and true classic! Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and stand tall. Focus your gaze directly on the camera, and let your smile do the talking with your arms relaxed by your sides.
On an Angle
Want a power pose? This one does the trick! Frame yourself at an angle so that one shoulder is closer to the camera. Turn your head to gaze directly at the camera and complete the look with a confident grin.
Perfectly Playful
A picture is worth a thousand words, and your LinkedIn headshot is a great opportunity to visually communicate your passion for your career! Pose with a themed backdrop or props (or, in this case, furry friends) and good posture, with a focused yet relaxed gaze toward the camera.
Typical Cost of LinkedIn Headshots
A professional LinkedIn headshot may be more expensive than you think. After all, you’re not just paying for a single photo. For a traditional photo shoot, you have to factor in costs for equipment, studio rentals, the photographer’s time, and putting together a suitable backdrop.
The fees can add up fast, especially if you live in an in-demand area, with single headshots retailing hundreds of dollars:
Approximate Price Paid per Finished Headshot
| Traditional Photo Shoot* | Headshots.com |
| $100 to $1,000 per headshot | $25 to $50 per headshot |
*Not including pre-planning or opportunity costs due to the logistics involved with a traditional photo shoot
Traditional photo shoots come with significant opportunity costs, too. Time spent away from your work can be a disservice to your customers, and you have to work around your photographer’s busy schedule.
Instead, you can opt for a completely remote service like Headshots.com. We provide professional portraits at a fraction of the cost, with finished photos costing as low as $25 per picture.
Our process is 100% virtual, and our team guides you through the entire process from start to finish. You snap your own photo on your own time, using just a cell phone, making it incredibly convenient for individuals and teams alike.
Best of all, our photos are backed by our Happiness Guarantee, so you can confidently invest in updating your headshot.
Next Steps: Get Affordable, Studio-Quality Headshots for LinkedIn in a Fraction of the Effort
Transform your obligatory profile picture into a polished, professional headshot designed to stand out on LinkedIn. Learn more about our entirely virtual headshot services.
Our skilled team walks you through the process from the planning stage to receiving your final hand-edited photo. Get top-notch LinkedIn headshots in just a few clicks.
