How to Headshot: Tips for Taking Your Best LinkedIn Profile Photo

Take Pics Like A Pro

(FFT Edition)

Trying to pinpoint the vintage of your LinkedIn profile picture? Have a soon-to-be college grad (who might have been two when yours was taken) who might need a LinkedIn pic of their own?

Or perhaps you’ve read the ninetythousandmillionth article on clutter cleanout and need captivating shots of your castaways?

Luckily you don’t need to wait until your favorite photographer can shoot within six feet of you. With a little guidance from photographer, designer and all-around good guy Lee Seidenberg, you can do this. (For the first f’ing 30 Verse readers who send their photos to lee@seidenbergphoto.com Lee will retouch them free of charge. Told you he was a good guy!)

Work It

Start by getting out of those sweats and into an outfit that represents you and is consistent for your industry. Something simple that fits well and flatters. Textures are great, but avoid busy prints or excessively bright colors—they may not read right and the focus should be you. Minimize jewelry (Lee prefers foregoing it entirely so you’re the sparkle), and don’t overdo makeup. Pro tip: Now is not the time to try that plum eyeshadow they assured you looked great when you left the store (been there). And don’t sweat the desperation trim your teenager just gave you—headshots are about your personality, not your COVID coiff.

Lights

A good portrait is only as good as the quality of light. The most accessible option happens to be Lee’s favorite: natural light. Diffused, even light on your face is better than any skincare regimen or botox sesh. On a bright day, turn off any interior lights and face a (large) window—but make sure you’re not in direct sunlight. We don’t want you squinting…but we do want you squinching (see below). 

Camera (AKA Your Phone)

Do not, repeat, do not use the selfie camera side of your phone—the wide angle distorts the face. It’s best to have another person take your photo, but if you’re solo, try this tripod (in stock and ready to ship) and use the timer. Make sure your camera lens is clean and have the camera around 4 feet away, and zoom in (you can use portrait mode if available). You want your head (plus collarbone) taking up most of the frame. You can always shoot a little wider and crop in later. 

Action

You’re ready for your money shot. Stand in front of a wall or hang a sheet behind you to create a solid background. Lee suggests keeping this white or grey—but go ahead and have fun if you want to add color (you deserve it). Play some mood music to get you in the zone. Lee personally loves an 80s playlist, or you might try the latest from The Verse on Spotify.

Strike A Pose

To convey authority, keep the camera lens at chin level. Stand tall, straighten your spine, roll your shoulders back and open your collarbone. Feel powerful. Steer clear of a double chin by keeping your shoulders back (imagine trying to touch the camera with your forehead, jamming your jaw forward like a turtle sticking its head out of the shell). It feels awful, but it does wonders. Practice this in a mirror first.

The qualities Lee aims to capture in a professional portrait are likeability, approachability and confidence. This comes from a warm, slight smile (turn that music up) and the eyes. To avoid those deer-in-headlights eyes, go with a half squint—or “squinch,” as Lee’s mentor Peter Hurley calls it. Think of doing something sneaky. Don’t overdo it—you’ll look like you’re cocky or you misplaced your glasses.  

Say Cheese

Now’s the time: Look at the camera and take some photos. Dial-up and down the expression. Keep your head straight and take some more photos. Rotate your face left to right keeping your eyes on the camera. Take a break and see how they’re coming out (snacks allowed on set). You may be surprised that your good side is not, in fact, your good side. Adjust. Shoot again. Repeat.

Did I mention: Have fun? Once you’re done, you can easily adjust brightness, contrast and temperature.

Now, About Your Epic Pandemic De-Clutter

To shoot that stuff you cleaned out, you’ll also want broad window light. Stand with your back to the light, but watch out for any shadows cast by you or your hands while holding the phone. Keep the background as simple as possible. Place the table next to a wall to simplify the scene. If you want a uniform background, bend a piece of large paper or cleanly drape a piece of fabric for a seamless look. Try photographing the object from several camera heights and rotate the object in every direction. Adjust brightness, contrast and color temperature afterwards.

Most of all, enjoy the process (it’s your FFT, after all). When this is all over, your local professional photographer will be there for you. Pinkie promise.