Getting a "Good" Profile Photo | Professional Photos for Creative Businesses

Happy Tuesday, Lovelies!

So, what goes into a “good” profile photo?  After taking on a few of these projects, here’s what I recommend…

For Facebook and LinkedIn, I recommend a close up of your face.  People are trying to find y-o-u quickly, so unless you’re trying to hide, your business Facebook profile photo and your LinkedIn photo should feature you, and just you.

Photos from a recent engagement session... double as great profile photos!

Secondly, take a cue from the Selfie Sunday movement.  If you are looking slightly up at the camera, your wrinkles will be less noticeable, your cheekbones will pop, and light will be able to catch the “catch lights” in your eyes.  Everyone loves catch lights.

Avoid duckface.

Via Wikipedia 

Another photographer tip is to shoot “wide open.”  When a photographer shoots wide open, are shooting with a very narrow depth of field.  This is a trick that requires the viewer to focus on your eyes because most of the photo (like the background) is out of focus.

Finally, avoid a cluttered background.  Clean backgrounds allow you to be featured.

You’re probably saying, “Hey, but look at your photo!  This isn’t a close up, it’s not of you, and you’re not even looking at the camera!”

 

Yes, yes, yes.  There are always good reasons to break the rules.  I’m with my husband because I’m selling you a romantic and personal photography experience.  I’m in an antiques store because that’s my style.  I love lovers who love antiques and redesign.  Love-love-love. I’m selling a message.

My LinkedIn, is much more of a traditional profile photo.

As we see the end of 2013 and the beginning of 2014, I'm sure many of you are like me.  Planning on advancing our career in 2014.  A new profile photo might be a step in a great direction!