10 Tips for Taking a Good Headshot That Stands Out on LinkedIn
10 tips for taking a good headshot. Perfect for LinkedIn and resumes. Use Magic-Headshot's free tools to enhance your photo.
You've just landed an interview, and your LinkedIn profile needs a refresh. You don't have a professional photographer on speed dial, but you do have a smartphone and a few minutes. The good news? You can take a headshot that looks polished and approachable without breaking the bank. In this guide, we'll walk through practical tips for taking a good headshot—from choosing the right lighting to framing your face. You'll also learn how Magic-Headshot's free tools can help you remove backgrounds, adjust colors, and crop to perfect dimensions. Whether you're updating your resume or building your personal brand, these steps will make your photo work for you.
Who this guide is for
- Reader
- Job seekers and professionals
- Search intent
- Learn how to take a professional headshot at home
Combining simple photography techniques with free editing tools for a polished result
Find Natural Light That Flatters Your Face
The most important element of a good headshot is lighting. Avoid overhead lights that create harsh shadows under your eyes and chin. Instead, position yourself near a large window with indirect sunlight. If the light is too strong, use a sheer curtain to diffuse it. Angle your body so the light hits your face from the front and slightly to the side. This softens features and gives your skin a natural glow. Test different times of day—early morning or late afternoon usually offer the most flattering light. Remember, even a cloudy day can provide perfect, even lighting. Avoid mixing different light sources like overhead bulbs and sunlight, as this can create color casts.
Choose a Simple, Uncluttered Background
Your background should never compete with your face. A plain wall in a neutral color like white, gray, or beige works best. If you're at home, hang a solid-colored sheet or use a large piece of poster board. Avoid busy patterns, bookshelves, or doors with visible clutter. The goal is to keep the focus on you. If you're outdoors, stand in front of a brick wall or a natural backdrop like a hedge—but ensure nothing distracting is behind you. After taking your photo, you can use Magic-Headshot's free background removal tool to replace it with a clean, professional solid color or a simple gradient, giving your headshot a studio look.
Dress for the Role You Want
What you wear sends a message. For corporate profiles, a solid-colored blazer or button-down shirt works well. Avoid busy patterns, large logos, or bright neon colors that can distract. Choose clothing that contrasts with your background—if your background is light, wear something darker and vice versa. Also, ensure your outfit is ironed and fits well. Necklines should be simple; nothing too low or fussy. For creative fields, you can add a subtle accessory like a scarf or a simple necklace, but keep it minimal. The most important rule: wear something you feel confident in. That comfort will show in your expression.
Master Your Pose and Expression
Your pose should feel natural, not stiff. Stand or sit up straight with your shoulders relaxed. Turn your body slightly to one side at a 45-degree angle, then bring your face toward the camera. This slight angle is more flattering than facing straight on. For your expression, try a genuine smile that reaches your eyes—think of a happy memory or a person you love. Avoid a forced grin. Take a few deep breaths before each shot to relax your face. Practice in a mirror to see what angles work best. Remember, a slight head tilt can add personality. Take many photos and choose the one that feels most like you.
Frame Your Shot at Eye Level
Camera angle matters. Position your phone or camera at eye level or slightly above. Shooting from below can create unflattering double chins and make you look dominant. From above, you may appear smaller or less confident. Use a tripod or stack books to stabilize your camera, and set a timer or use a remote shutter. Frame your head and shoulders—your face should fill about two-thirds of the image. Leave a little space above your head, but don't cut off the top of your hair. Ensure your eyes are in the upper third of the frame. This classic composition works for LinkedIn, resumes, and business profiles.
Edit with Magic-Headshot's Free Tools
Once you have your base photo, use Magic-Headshot's free photo tools to polish it. Start by using the background remover to eliminate any distractions, then pick a clean solid color or subtle gradient. Adjust the brightness and contrast for a consistent look. Crop the image to a standard headshot ratio, such as 1:1 for LinkedIn or 4:5 for resumes. You can also tweak the color temperature if the lighting was off. The free tools are intuitive—no editing experience needed. They allow you to achieve a professional finish without expensive software. A well-edited headshot boosts your credibility and makes a strong first impression.
Final Polish and Consistency Across Profiles
Before you use your new headshot, check it on different devices and profile sizes. Make sure it looks good as a small thumbnail and when viewed full screen. Consistency is key—use the same headshot across all your professional platforms: LinkedIn, resume, email signature, and company website. This builds a recognizable personal brand. After finalizing, save a high-resolution version for printing and a compressed version for online use. With Magic-Headshot, you can generate multiple variations if needed, ensuring you have the perfect headshot for every context. A great headshot opens doors—so invest a little time to get it right.
Quality checks
Lighting
Ensure light is soft and even, with no harsh shadows on the face.
Expression
Capture a natural, confident smile that reaches your eyes.
Background
Confirm the background is clean, uncluttered, and not distracting.
Avoid
- Using direct flash, which creates harsh shadows and red-eye.
- Wearing busy patterns or logos that draw attention away from your face.
- Taking the photo from below eye level, which can add a double chin.
- Over-editing the photo, such as excessive smoothing or color changes.
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