Free guide

Headshot Dos & Don'ts

Five categories. Ten rules. Everything you need to take a selfie that turns into a flawless AI-generated professional headshot.

Lighting

Use soft, natural light

Face a window or shoot in open shade so light falls evenly across your face. Overcast days are ideal — they eliminate harsh shadows under your eyes, nose and chin.

Avoid overhead or harsh flash

Direct overhead light creates unflattering shadows. A bare flash pointed straight at your face washes out skin tones and adds a flat, amateur look.

Framing

Frame head and shoulders

Fill roughly two-thirds of the frame with your head and upper shoulders. Position your eyes in the upper third of the image for a balanced, professional composition.

Don't crop too tight or too wide

Cutting off the top of your head looks accidental. Including your full torso or scenery makes your face too small — especially on mobile or in a circular profile crop.

Background

Keep it simple and uncluttered

A plain wall, soft gradient or gently blurred background keeps all attention on you. Neutral tones (white, light grey, soft blue) are safe for any industry.

Avoid busy or distracting scenes

A messy office, crowded café or patterned wallpaper pulls the eye away from your face. Even a beautiful landscape can compete with you for attention.

Expression

Smile naturally with your eyes

A genuine smile with slightly squinted eyes (a "Duchenne smile") conveys warmth and confidence. Practice in a mirror — think of something that actually makes you happy.

Skip forced smiles or blank stares

A wide, forced grin looks uneasy. A completely neutral expression can seem stern or unapproachable. Aim for a look that says "I'm glad to meet you."

Attire

Wear solid, professional colors

Solid jewel tones (navy, emerald, burgundy) and neutrals photograph well. Pick something you would actually wear to an important meeting — it should feel like you.

Avoid loud patterns or logos

Busy prints, stripes and large logos create visual noise that distracts from your face. Very bright neons can cast color onto your skin and throw off white balance.

Quick reference checklist

Always do

Face soft, even light (window, open shade)
Frame head and upper shoulders
Keep background simple and uncluttered
Smile naturally with your eyes
Wear solid, professional colors
Start with a high-resolution original

Never do

Use overhead or harsh flash lighting
Crop too tight (cut off head) or too wide
Shoot in front of busy backgrounds
Force a grin or stare blankly
Wear loud patterns, logos or neons
Upload blurry, pixelated or tiny images

Frequently asked questions

What resolution should my headshot selfie be?

At least 400 x 400 pixels for LinkedIn, though starting with a larger original (1000 px or more on the shortest side) gives you room to crop without losing sharpness.

Can I use a phone camera for a professional headshot?

Yes. Modern phones shoot at high enough resolution. The key is good lighting, a clean background and a steady hand or tripod — the camera itself matters less than technique.

Should I look directly at the camera?

For most professional headshots, direct eye contact with the lens feels confident and personable. A slight angle works too, as long as your eyes still engage the viewer.

How often should I update my headshot?

Every one to two years, or whenever your appearance changes noticeably (new hairstyle, glasses, significant weight change). People should recognize you when they meet you in person.

What file format is best for uploading?

JPG or PNG under 8 MB covers almost every platform. WEBP also works for most modern services. Avoid RAW or HEIC unless you can convert them first.

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