How to take a professional headshot
Lighting
Natural window light is the most flattering and forgiving light source for a headshot. Face the window so the light falls evenly across your face, and avoid overhead lighting that casts shadows under the eyes and nose. If you shoot indoors at night, position two soft lamps at 45-degree angles on either side of the camera.
Framing and pose
Frame from roughly mid-chest up. Angle your shoulders slightly away from the camera and turn your face back toward it for a natural, engaged look. Keep the camera at eye level or just above it. Leave a little headroom, and center your face because platforms crop to a circle.
Background and wardrobe
Choose a plain, uncluttered background: a blank wall, a softly blurred room, or a solid neutral color. Wear a solid, mid-tone top that contrasts with the background. Avoid busy patterns and logos that pull attention away from your face.
Export size for LinkedIn
LinkedIn recommends a profile photo of 400x400 pixels as the minimum, with a 1:1 square aspect ratio; 800x800 pixels displays sharper on modern screens. Keep files under 8 MB and export as PNG or JPEG. Center your face because LinkedIn crops profile photos into a circle.
Skip the studio
If a photographer, studio time, and retouching are out of budget, an AI headshot tool turns a handful of ordinary selfies into studio-quality results in minutes for a one-time fee. Upload 8 to 15 clear, front-facing selfies in good light and pick the styles you want.
Frequently asked questions
What size should a professional headshot be for LinkedIn?
LinkedIn recommends at least 400x400 pixels in a 1:1 square ratio, and 800x800 pixels for a sharper display. Keep the file under 8 MB and save it as PNG or JPEG, with your face centered because LinkedIn crops profile photos into a circle.
How many selfies do I need for an AI headshot?
8 to 15 clear, front-facing selfies in good lighting give the best results. Avoid sunglasses, hats, and heavy filters so the model can preserve your real features.
What should I wear for a professional headshot?
Wear a solid, mid-tone top that contrasts with your background. Avoid busy patterns, bright logos, and anything that distracts from your face.