Have you ever scrolled through LinkedIn and paused on a profile because the person’s face seemed to leap off the screen?
A great headshot can feel magnetic. It speaks before you even read a name or title. It can inspire trust, spark curiosity and invite connection.
A headshot that stands out will set you apart.
At the heart of every memorable headshot is genuine expression. A slight lift of the eyebrows, the suggestion of a smile or the calm confidence in your gaze will tell viewers more about you than any job title can.
When you relax and connect with the camera as if it were a colleague, rather than an intrusive device, the warmth and authenticity of your personality will shine through. This simple change in mind-set can transform a stiff portrait into one that feels alive and engaging.
Lighting is another essential ingredient. Soft, natural light will flatter most faces, bringing out skin tones and creating subtle shadows that add depth.
Many photographers seek out large windows or open shade on bright days to achieve this effect. Such light helps avoid harsh contrasts and unflattering lines.
If you work with artificial light, diffusers and reflectors will help you create the same gentle illumination, allowing your features to appear clear and approachable.
Colour choices in clothing and background also make a significant difference.
A headshot with a plain, subdued background will keep the attention on you. Simple backs such as pale grey, soft blue or even a gentle creamy white will work with most corporate colour schemes.
Your outfit should complement rather than compete with your face. A single block of colour, perhaps a deep teal blouse or a navy jacket, can add character without distraction. Avoid busy patterns, logos or bright neons that draw the eye away from you.
Framing and composition guide the viewer’s gaze.
In a typical LinkedIn headshot, your face should fill most of the frame, leaving just enough space around your head and shoulders for balance. Too much room above your head can leave you feeling distant, while cutting too close at the chin can feel cramped.
The camera should sit at eye level so that you engage the viewer directly. When your eyes are near the upper third of the image, the composition feels natural and pleasing.
Attention to detail will set a professional headshot apart from a just-ok snapshot.
Hair and makeup that reflect your everyday style will look polished without appearing overdone. Small adjustments such as smoothing flyaway hair or ensuring your collar sits neatly can make you appear more put-together.
If glasses are part of your personal brand, ask the photographer to angle the lenses to avoid glare. These finishing touches show that you care about presenting yourself thoughtfully.
Beyond technique, a headshot that stands out tells a story about who you are.
If you specialise in environmental causes, a hint of greenery in the background can underscore your passion for nature. For a creative professional, subtle props or a colour accent that speaks to your work can hint at your unique flair.
These storytelling elements must remain subtle so that they enhance rather than overwhelm. A single leaf, a hint of a bookshelf or the soft blur of a studio environment can communicate context without pulling focus.
Consistency across your online presence will reinforce your personal brand. Using the same headshot on LinkedIn, your website and other professional networks helps people recognise you quickly.
When someone meets you after seeing your photograph online, they will feel a sense of familiarity that builds trust. This consistency need not be rigid.
If you update your headshot, choose a moment that feels natural to all platforms and revise them together.
Finally, investing in a professional photographer will pay dividends.
A photographer with experience in corporate and personal branding will guide you through relaxing, styling and posing in ways that a handheld selfie cannot match. They will have the skills and equipment to manage light, composition and retouching so that you look like your best self.
Think of the cost as an investment in your professional image. When your headshot attracts attention and opens doors, it will more than repay its price.
A headshot becomes truly memorable when it captures who you are at your best, with flattering light, thoughtful composition and a touch of personal storytelling.
When these elements come together, you draw the viewer in and invite them to learn more about you.
If you would like a headshot that stands out on LinkedIn and beyond, get in touch. I would love to help you create a portrait that works as hard as you do.
