Why are professional profile pictures important to have and to use? Ultimately, you are your brand. We are all highly attuned to reading images whether we are aware of it or not. You wouldn’t turn up to a networking event in your holiday clothes with a glass of wine so why would you put that on the internet? Why would you want that to be the first thing people see when they look you up online? There are lots of tips for improving your LinkedIn profile, but I have never seen one that doesn’t recommend a professional picture.
This is one of the most interesting and entertaining articles I’ve come across. Pictures don’t come up till number 20, but there are lots of other tips in ‘22 LinkedIn Secrets LinkedIn Won’t Tell You’. Here’s what he says about what your picture.
“Make sure your headshot is high quality, with good lighting and ultra-sharp focus. LinkedIn is not the place to run a casual snapshot. Also, make sure that you’re either facing forward or turned toward your left shoulder, in the direction of your content. If you’re looking to your right, gazing off the screen, this sends a subtle message that you don’t believe the content of your own page.” William Arruda, Forbes.
Your profile picture should represent you and make a connection with your prospective clients or employers. An image from a professional photographer should do that. So the only question left is…what does your picture say about you?
Claire Watson Photography 
So true. It’s also a lovely experience if you have been afraid of the camera. To find someone could actually make me look even vaguely attractive was a wonderful confidence boost!
Thanks for the comment Jen. It’s so true and a key part of my new portrait studio.