How to Take Professional Headshots for LinkedIn: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Choose the Right Background

Select a simple, neutral background that won't distract from your face. A plain wall, soft gradient, or clean office setting works well.

Avoid busy backgrounds with lots of visual elements. If your background isn't ideal, Scale Headshots can automatically remove and replace it with a clean, professional alternative.

Step 2: Dress Appropriately

Wear well-fitting, polished clothing that reflects your professional identity. Suit up for corporate roles, go business casual for creative and tech positions.

Solid colors photograph best. Avoid distracting patterns, large logos, and very bright whites. Your clothing should support your face, not compete with it.

Step 3: Get the Lighting Right

Lighting is the single most important factor in headshot quality. Natural light from a window is ideal — position yourself facing the light source.

Avoid overhead fluorescent lighting (creates under-eye shadows) and direct sunlight (creates harsh shadows). Overcast days or indirect window light are perfect.

Step 4: Frame Your Shot

Compose a head-and-shoulders shot with your face centered and in sharp focus. Leave some space around your head for LinkedIn's circular crop.

Your face should fill roughly 60% of the frame. Too far away and you lose impact; too close and it feels invasive.

Step 5: Nail Your Posture and Expression

Stand or sit with confident posture. Angle your body slightly while turning your head toward the camera. Make direct eye contact.

A natural smile is almost always the right choice for LinkedIn. You want to look approachable, confident, and genuinely engaged.

Step 6: Take Multiple Shots

Don't stop at one photo. Capture various angles, expressions, and slight variations. The more options you have, the better your final selection will be.

Ask a colleague or friend to take the photos for you. It's nearly impossible to get a truly professional headshot with a selfie — the rear camera on your phone is significantly better quality.

Step 7: Edit and Finalize

Adjust brightness, contrast, and sharpness for a polished result. Keep editing subtle — authenticity is key on LinkedIn.

Scale Headshots handles all of this automatically. Submit your photo and receive a professionally enhanced headshot with consistent quality, ready for your LinkedIn profile and every other platform.

Ready to upgrade your team's headshots?

Set up your studio in minutes. Your first 3 credits are on us.

Start free Learn more