how to make an impact with your profile picture

Is your profile photo really that important? Why yes, yes it is. Do you want to know why? Well, because you never get a second chance to make a first impression, as they say. But it’s true, isn’t it?

Right now your online identity is just as important as your living, breathing in-person identity. Many people say that the most important photos you put on the internet are the pictures that represent YOU, like your profile photo. It doesn’t matter whether it’s for job hunting, dating, networking, or just being social, your photo is one of the first things people see. So make it count!!

Knowing that this image represents you to the entire world (it really does, think about it), it’s worth putting a little thought into it and making sure you’re saying what you really want to with your profile photo.

So, what does your current profile picture say about you? Here are a few tips that might help you make the best choice.

1. Your photo should represent who you really are. Sounds easy, I know. Just crop the boyfriend out of the vacation photo. Or, better yet, use that photo you took in your car when you were having a good hair day. Right? Well, no, those aren’t the best options. Your photo should represent what you want people to think or know about you. Are you  confident and professional, friendly and warm, cool and artistic, outgoing and adventurous? Spend a few minutes and give this some thought before you select a photo.

Need I mention that your photo should be up to date? People want to be able to recognize you and know what you’re like NOW. Keep your photos fresh, updating them often and using only photos of yourself taken within the past year (maybe two).

2. Make sure you use a high quality photo. It’s important that your picture is sharp and easy to see, not blurry and ambiguous. Save the vacation photos for your personal feed and use a dedicated shot of yourself for your profile portrait. Even camera phones can take high quality photos and when used with photo editing apps they can look pretty good. Just be sure to use a clean, uncluttered background and find a nice shady spot with even lighting to position yourself in. If you are traditionally a do-it-yourselfer, I would recommend enlisting the help of a friend here instead of taking selfies.

3. Consider having professional photos taken.  This way you don’t have to worry about the specifics of composing a great shot, especially if you’re not really into that or don’t want to spend the time taking 100 photos to get the right one! A pro photographer can make sure your photo shows you in the best possible way. Professional portraits or headshots don’t have to be stuffy or boring, unless that’s the image you want to portray. (I hope not!) They can have style and flare, be in the studio or outdoors, be formal or laid back, and more. I always encourage my clients to smile, have fun and be themselves. This way you get a photo that really tells people who you are. I also use the most flattering lighting and backgrounds to make sure each person looks their best.

So, take a look at your profile photo on your social media and networking sites. Does it match the image you want to portray to your friends, your boss, your donors, your students, your clients, and the rest of the world?

If you’re interested in finding out more about getting some professional portraits taken, please contact me. I’d love to give you more details.