Today the internet is where most personal and professional networking takes place. Social media headshots humanize you online which is essential for genuine connections. An authentic headshot instantly connects in a way that an AI-generated profile photo doesn’t.
In this beginner’s guide, learn why pro headshots build trust, how to prep for authentic results (with checklists and outfit tips), how to tailor your profile photos for platforms like X or LinkedIn, effective styles for your industry, and key takeaways for real impact.
Key Takeaways
- Update Regularly: Refresh your headshots every few years to keep them current. People get weirded out when they meet you and there’s a mismatch in appearance.
- Match the Platform: Professional attire on a white background looks really good on LinkedIn. Creative headshots for Instagram can have more casual attire with natural backgrounds.
- Prioritize Quality: Better quality expressions and lighting will intrinsically communicate expertise and authority.
- Never Use Filters: Use the headshot checklist to get the best quality photos possible in camera. Excessively edited or filtered photos have lower interaction rates compared to real profile photos.
Why Your Social Media Headshots Matter
Having a professional headshot for your social media profiles can make a big difference in how you’re perceived online. Here are some key benefits of having your social media headshots captured professionally:
- Builds Trust Through Quality: A high-quality headshot shows you care about details and are committed to excellence. This helps potential clients or employers trust you, as it reflects your seriousness about your online presence.
- Enhances Personal Branding: Your personal brand makes you unique online. A professional headshot captures your personality and style, helping you connect with your audience and stand out in a crowded digital space.
- Stands Out: Anyone that’s ever driven a nice car or worn nice clothes knows that people treat you nicer based of signals like this. A nice headshot has this same effect online.
- Creates Lasting Impressions: People are bombarded with connections on social every day. A polished, professional headshot is a memorable way to help clients, employers, or connections remember you.
How To Get The Best Headshots
When it comes to getting the best social media headshot, preparation is key. I recommend you check out my headshot session checklist well before your session. It has a bunch of suggestions for things you should consider and when to do them leading up to your session.
Doing these simple things before your session will help you look better in camera, so we can use less Photoshop on your final images. This is a good thing as higher quality headshots are more the result of good lighting and posing fundamentals then photo manipulation.
Selecting The Best Outfit to Wear
Choosing the right outfit for your headshot session is crucial as your outfit says a lot about who you are. I recommend you dress like you would for a client meeting or job interview.
If you need a good place to start for a polished and professional look, you can check out my post about what to wear for male headshots or my post on what to wear for female headshots to get more detailed advice.
Tailoring Your Social Media Headshots To The Platform
When it comes to styling your social media headshots, there are several types of portraits that work well for different platforms. By considering the unique features of each platform, you can choose a headshot that will help you stand out and make a positive impression on your audience.
For example, if you use X frequently, consider getting a studio-style headshot on a white background to match the white background of the X app and website. This can help your profile photo blend seamlessly with the platform, making it look more professional and polished. Similarly, if you’re active on LinkedIn, consider a headshot that’s more formal and business-oriented, with a solid background and professional attire.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a headshot for your website with a black background, having your headshot captured on a black background could be the best choice. This will help your photo blend seamlessly with the dark background of your website and create a cohesive look and feel.
When choosing a headshot for social media, it’s also important to consider the audience of each platform. For example, Instagram is a casual platform, so you might choose a headshot that’s more creative and visually striking for a channel like this.
Effective Social Media Headshot Styles
High-quality, well-lit headshots are essential for personal branding. Here are three styles and where they work best:
- On Location: Environmental headshots are captured on location and are perfect if the background can add context to your headshot or if you’re on a budget. These work really well for platforms like Facebook, Instagram and TikToc.
- Professional and Polished: A clean, studio headshot, with a jacket and collared shirt against a plain white background works really well on LinkedIn, X or any other white background website or app.
- Bold and Refined: Ring light headshots and other creative techniques can work well for entrepreneurs and thought leaders. This style works really well for applications like black background websites, earned media, keynote profile photos and press releases.
Meet Social Media Headshot Photographer Jason Guy
My name is Jason Guy and I specialize in social media headshots that amplify your online presences. If you’re looking for a Sonoma County headshot photographer, Get in touch now by tapping the button below.
Tell me a little bit about what social platforms or websites you’d like to add your headshot to and I’ll help you come up with a game plan to get a profile photo you actually like.