Your professional photos represent your career. Here's how to get them right.
Test Your Photos Free →You try to look "professional" and end up looking unapproachable.
That stiff, serious corporate headshot makes you look robotic, not trustworthy. Modern professional photos balance professionalism with approachability. Here's how.
Modern professional = approachable, not intimidating. Genuine smiles make you look trustworthy and easy to work with. Save the serious look for courtroom dramas.
Finance/Law: Full suit. Tech/Startups: Business casual (no tie OK). Creative: Professional but expressive. Rule: Dress how you would for your most important client meeting.
Solid color wall (white, gray, subtle blue) or professional office setting. Avoid messy desks, busy backgrounds, or home settings that look unprofessional.
High resolution, not blurry or pixelated. Your photo quality reflects your professional standards. Use a good camera or modern phone with portrait mode.
Slight angle to shoulders (not straight-on). Relaxed posture. Confident but approachable expression. You are professional, not a robot.
Face a window for soft natural light. Avoid harsh overhead fluorescents or darkness. Natural light is flattering and makes you look more approachable.
Head and shoulders, from mid-chest up. Leave small margin above head. Not too close (claustrophobic), not too far (cannot see face clearly).
Look directly at lens. Creates connection and trust with viewer. Looking away or down makes you seem unconfident or disengaged.
Photo should be from last 1-2 years max. Using old photos when your appearance has changed is dishonest and hurts credibility when you meet in person.
Use the same professional photo on LinkedIn, company website, email signature, conference materials. Consistency builds recognition and professionalism.
Upload your headshots. Get instant scores. See which look most professional and approachable.
Analyze My Photos Free →Attire: Full suit, tie required. Conservative colors (navy, gray, black).
Style: Polished, confident, traditional. Slight smile OK but serious is acceptable.
Background: Solid neutral (white, gray, navy).
Attire: Business casual. Button-down shirt, no tie needed. Clean and put-together.
Style: Approachable, genuine smile encouraged. Modern and friendly.
Background: Can be slightly more casual - office, clean workspace OK.
Attire: Professional but expressive. Show personality while staying polished.
Style: Genuine, warm, authentic. Let personality show through.
Background: Can be more interesting - studio, creative space, urban setting.
Attire: Professional attire or white coat/professional uniform.
Style: Trustworthy, approachable, competent. Genuine smile important.
Background: Clean, neutral, or professional setting (office, clinic).
If you can afford it ($100-300), yes. Professional photographers understand lighting, angles, and how to make you look your best. But a friend with a good phone camera and these tips can also produce great results.
Absolutely! Modern professional standards favor approachable over intimidating. Genuine smiles make you look trustworthy and easy to work with. The "serious corporate headshot" is outdated.
Using an unprofessional or outdated photo. Bathroom selfies, photos from 5 years ago, poor lighting, messy backgrounds - these hurt your credibility more than having no photo.
Every 1-2 years or when your appearance changes. Your photo should look like current professional you. Outdated photos damage trust when you meet in person.
Follow these tips. Take new photos. Test them. Use the best ones. Advance your career.
Test Your Photos Free →