Corporate headshots: How to make a great first impression on LinkedIn

Studies show that LinkedIn profiles with professional photos receive up to 21 times more profile views and 9 times more connection requests than those without. Your headshot is often the very first impression you make — and first impressions happen in milliseconds.

Why Your Phone Selfie Isn't Enough

A selfie taken in poor lighting, with a distracting background, at an unflattering angle sends an unintentional message: this person hasn't invested in their professional image. In competitive industries, that subtle signal can matter.

A professional headshot communicates confidence, approachability, and attention to detail — qualities that are valuable in almost any professional context.

What Makes a Great LinkedIn Headshot?

• ◆Natural expression: Warm, approachable, genuine. Not a fixed grin — a real smile that reaches the eyes.
• ◆Appropriate attire: Dress as you would for an important meeting in your industry. Professional but authentic.
• ◆Clean background: Simple and undistracting — solid colour, soft bokeh, or a relevant professional environment.
• ◆Good lighting: Soft, even, flattering. Natural window light or professional studio lighting both work beautifully.
• ◆Sharp, high quality: Crisp and clear — nothing blurry, pixelated, or cropped awkwardly.

How to Prepare for Your Headshot Session

Choose Your Outfit

• Wear solid colours or simple patterns — nothing too busy or distracting
• Choose colours that complement your skin tone and look good on screen
• Dress for your industry and the impression you want to make
• Bring 2–3 outfit options to the session
• Avoid very bright whites (can blow out in photos) and very dark blacks unless styled thoughtfully

Groom and Prepare

• Get a haircut or trim 1–2 weeks before (not the day before — you want to look natural)
• Minimal jewellery and accessories
• Good night's sleep before the session — tiredness shows clearly in photos
• Stay hydrated — it genuinely shows in skin quality

During the Session

The key to great headshots is relaxation. Most people feel stiff and self-conscious in front of the camera — which is completely normal and something I work to overcome in every session.

We'll start with a brief chat and walkthrough of the shoot. I'll show you the images on the back of the camera as we go, so you can see how well things are looking. By the end of the session, most clients are genuinely surprised by how natural and confident they look.