LinkedIn is the gateway into your online professional persona.
As they say, first impressions matter - that’s why having a well-presentable LinkedIn profile picture is essential to getting job interviews, expanding your network, and engaging future career prospects.
In the following article, we will teach you how to curate a professional headshot that will impress potential connections and get invitations rolling in.
The Importance of Having a Great LinkedIn Photo
The perfect LinkedIn profile picture is more than just a picture—it’s your first professional impression in the digital world. In fact, studies show that profiles with a clear, high-quality headshot receive significantly more connection requests, profile views, and even job opportunities compared to those without one. Why? Because people connect with people—and a great profile photo helps you appear approachable, credible, and ready to engage.
In many cases, your photo is the very first thing recruiters, hiring managers, or potential collaborators see. It helps them put a face to your name and creates an instant sense of familiarity before they even read your summary or experience. A professional-looking photo signals that you take your career seriously and that you’re ready to represent yourself well in the workplace. It builds trust—and in the world of networking, trust is everything.
The Right Photographer
A selfie will not get you far on LinkedIn. Investing in hiring a professional photographer or asking a friend is a great way to help you find the perfect headshot. You should get multiple photos of yourself taken, preferably on a DSLR camera, to optimise both the photo quality and guarantee a professional photo out of the shoot. From there, you will have extra help handling all the camera equipment and directing you on how to pose more naturally. This will make all the difference. A second opinion is also more ideal, especially from either a professional or multiple friends/colleagues.
The right photographer will know how to frame you appropriately for a LinkedIn profile picture that is only the size of a small thumbnail. Your photo should be cropped from a couple of inches above your head to the top of your shoulders. Far shots of your full body will not make your face readable, and consequently, your profile will not be recognisable by your friends or colleagues. LinkedIn suggests your face should fill 60% of the frame for optimal reception of your profile image.
If You’re Taking the Photo, Read This...
If you’re going the DIY route for your LinkedIn photo, don’t worry—you can still capture a professional-looking headshot with just a smartphone and a few smart choices. First, find a neutral, uncluttered background and position yourself in soft natural light (ideally near a window) to avoid harsh shadows. Hold the camera at eye level and frame the shot from your shoulders up, leaving a little space above your head.
Dress in smart, solid-coloured attire that reflects your industry, and opt for a confident yet approachable expression (a slight smile works wonders). Keep your posture upright, avoid busy patterns, and skip the filters—authenticity counts more than perfection. Use a tripod or prop your phone up on a stable surface, and use the timer for a sharp, steady image. A little preparation can go a long way in presenting your best professional self.
A Realistic Image
It should go without saying, but your photo should represent how you look on a normal workday. Your LinkedIn profile viewers need a clear image of how you look in real life in a professional setting—not a photo of you five years ago, in casual clothing, or a candid from a party. If your photo is unreliable, people will be prompted to question your credibility.
An updated profile image needs to show the minor details that make ALL the difference, such as your latest eyewear, hair colour, or makeup style. An additional tip is to keep it consistent across your social media platforms. If you have scheduled a meeting with someone you have only contacted online, chances are they’ve had a little stalk of your profile to prepare them for seeing you for the first time.
Therefore, it is recommended to use similar images and themes on your professional and social networking profiles to make you more recognisable.
The Right Expression
The purpose of your profile image is to market your personality. From looking stern, friendly or aloof, there are many outcomes for how your photos turn out after the photoshoot. Generally, a warm smile works best to put people at ease and invite them to connect with you. LinkedIn suggests people are shown to be twice as likable and influential if they show teeth in their smiles, as opposed to a closed-mouth smile.
Be conscious of your body language because it is a nonverbal expression that represents you. Maintain eye contact with the camera so that you look straight at the profile viewer in your LinkedIn picture. Treat your photoshoot like you did the morning of a school photo day, and practice perfecting natural expressions in the mirror beforehand.
Dressing the Part
Replicate the professional and business-oriented focus of LinkedIn’s platform in your photo. You want to dress in business attire which reflects the manner of your field of work.
Typically, men’s profile images perform best if they are wearing a dress shirt, blazer or a tie, and blouses and blazers for women. Collared shirts are recommended because, in a photo cropped at the shoulder, the professional attire will still show through. Clothing with busy patterns, bright colours, and thin fabric is not suitable as it hinders your professional manner, so opt for neutral, solid colours. Wearing revealing clothes, distracting jewellery, or too much makeup is also undesirable.
Natural Lighting
Soft, natural lighting emphasises a warm, welcoming look and feel for your photo. This effect reduces the need for after-effects and over-editing because it brightens up your face and minimises shadows, which are flattering qualities. Therefore, avoid cloudy, overcast days because there is little direct sunlight to illuminate your face.
Adding Filters
LinkedIn has a photo editing feature that you can take advantage of. There are six filters to choose from so you can set a mood with your photo. Be careful not to oversaturate the image by turning up the filter to 100% opacity, as this may risk lowering the overall professional feel. There are also adjustments for brightness, cropping, contrast, and vignette to help tweak your image to be clearer and more attractive.
A Simple Background
Don’t take focus away from your photo by having a busy background or distracting subjects in the frame. Where the picture is taken is important because you must ensure you are the focal point. However, it’s best to avoid plain, boring backgrounds, too, like a blank white wall. Instead, experiment with taking headshots in various locations, such as in front of a building, in a park or in an office. The goal is to have an interesting but non-distracting background. Your profile is about you. Don’t include images of pets or children, for example, because you do not share the account with them.
The World of AI & The Perfect LinkedIn Headshot
We’re in the era of AI—and yes, it can help you look your best on LinkedIn. If you’re short on time, can’t afford a photographer, or just want to level up your current photo, AI-enhanced tools can give you a clean, polished, and professional headshot for LinkedIn in minutes.
When using AI or editing tools, make sure your headshot still looks like you. Authenticity, approachability, and clarity matter more than perfection.
Here are a good few examples of AI photo apps that can help you enhance your professional profile picture:
An Australian-based AI headshot generator designed for LinkedIn and professional use. Upload casual photos, and it returns studio-quality, realistic headshots—no photoshoot required.
Used globally, including across Australia, this platform creates AI-generated business headshots in various styles and backgrounds. It’s ideal for graduates and interns who need a polished photo fast.
A user-friendly mobile app available in Australia, Remini uses AI to enhance facial features, smooth skin, and sharpen images. Great for improving a DIY headshot—just avoid going overboard on retouching.
A free online tool that lets you upload a photo and remove the background, then choose from a variety of professional backgrounds. Simple, effective, and helpful for elevating your existing headshot.
While not AI-first, Canva is an Aussie favourite. Use their templates and photo editing tools to adjust lighting, crop ratios, and backgrounds. They also offer AI-powered background removal and photo retouching features in the Pro version.
A Few More Tips...
- Be the Only Person in the Frame
Avoid cropped group shots. Your photo should focus solely on you, with no distractions or extra shoulders sneaking into the frame. - Use Your Banner for a Group Photo or Contextual Images
If you want to showcase your team or work environment, use your banner image for that. Keep your profile photo clean and professional. - Avoid Heavy Filters and Over-Editing
A polished image is great—but over-editing can make you appear inauthentic. Stick with subtle enhancements that reflect how you look day-to-day in a professional setting. - Update Your Photo Regularly
Make sure your image reflects your current appearance. If your photo is more than two years old or no longer accurate, it’s time for a refresh. - Match the Mood of Your Industry
Finance, law, or consulting? Keep it polished and formal. Creative industries? A bit more personality and colour in your shot is acceptable—just keep it professional. - Name Your File Professionally
If you’re uploading the image elsewhere (e.g., to a resume or company bio), name your file clearly: e.g., Firstname_Lastname_Headshot.jpg. - Check Image Quality
Make sure the image isn’t pixelated or blurry, especially when viewed as a small thumbnail on both desktop and mobile. Sharp, high-resolution images leave a stronger impression. - Accessibility Counts
Use good contrast and lighting so your image is clear and inclusive to all viewers, including those with visual impairments.
In Summary
Your LinkedIn profile photo is your digital handshake—it introduces you, builds trust, and opens the door to opportunity.
Whether you’re a student entering the workforce, a graduate applying for internships, or a professional making your next career move, a polished and professional photo can make all the difference in how you’re perceived.
At Premium Graduate Placements, we believe in helping you present your best self—online and offline. From resume coaching to personal branding advice, we’re here to support every step of your career journey.
Taking the time to get your profile photo right is a small step with big rewards. So, take the shot—literally—and let your photo speak volumes before you say a word.
For more tips on internships and work experiences, take a look at our resources section. Otherwise, contact us for any questions or to book a work experience program with us.
