LinkedIn Headshots vs. Professional Portraits: Key Differences

Want to make a great first impression online? LinkedIn headshots and professional portraits are two key options to showcase your professional image. Here's a quick breakdown:

• LinkedIn Headshots: Simple, polished photos designed for LinkedIn profiles. They boost visibility (21× more views, 9× more connection requests) and credibility for job seekers, corporate professionals, and networkers. Cost: ~$250 per session.
• Professional Portraits: Versatile photos for broader branding needs like websites, marketing materials, and public appearances. They allow for creative backgrounds, poses, and styling. Cost: $500–$2,000 depending on features.

Quick Comparison:

Choose based on your goals: LinkedIn headshots for professional networking or portraits for broader brand storytelling.

Main Uses and Goals

LinkedIn Profile Photos

A LinkedIn headshot helps create a professional and approachable image, making it easier to connect with others in your field. These photos are essential for:

• Job hunting and career growth
• Expanding professional networks
• Establishing credibility within your industry
• Adding a polished touch to your online resume

"Headshots are the first thing people notice when they Google your name, look you up on LinkedIn, pull up your website or are looking to learn more about you. First impressions are important." [3]

While a LinkedIn headshot enhances your profile, full professional portraits can tell a broader story about your personal or business brand.

Full Professional Portraits

Unlike LinkedIn headshots, professional portraits are versatile and can be tailored to fit a variety of branding and marketing needs. These images allow for more creativity and are used in diverse professional settings.

"A headshot for a yoga instructor will differ from one for a fashion stylist, investment banker, start-up founder, or interior designer." [3]

"Your image on LinkedIn will quickly become associated with other aspects of your brand." [2]

Professional portraits should be updated when:

• Your appearance has noticeably changed
• Your current photos are 3–5 years old
• You've shifted industries or adjusted your brand messaging
• You're exploring new career paths [3]

Photo Setup and Layout

LinkedIn Photo Requirements

LinkedIn headshots come with specific guidelines to ensure they look professional and fit the platform's design. Since LinkedIn uses a circular crop, your head and upper shoulders should fill about 70% of the frame [4].

Here are the key technical details to keep in mind:

• Minimum dimensions: 400px by 400px [4]
• Use natural, even lighting
• Position the camera at eye level
• Rotate your torso 15–25 degrees for a more engaging look

"A good LinkedIn headshot is one that is a flattering and accurate representation of you, your brand and your reputation. It conveys certain aspects of your profession and industry. Beyond that, it is well-lit, professional and sharp." - Eddie Hernandez [4]

Portrait Photo Styles

Professional portraits, on the other hand, allow for more creativity in their setup and composition. While LinkedIn headshots focus on a simple head-and-shoulders layout, professional portraits can include more storytelling elements.

Studio portraits deliver reliable results, while outdoor sessions can add personality with natural backdrops. However, outdoor shoots come with extra considerations like:

• Handling harsh sunlight
• Managing wind
• Scouting suitable locations
• Weather unpredictability [4]

For both types of photos, lean slightly forward to reduce the appearance of extra skin between your neck and chin - this small adjustment makes a big difference.

If you're taking photos yourself, skip the front-facing camera on your phone to avoid distortion. Instead, use the back camera with a tripod or selfie stick for better results [4].

Headshot vs Portrait (what's the difference & why it matters for ...

Image Elements

The visual elements of your photos play a big role in shaping how you're perceived professionally.

LinkedIn Photo Standards

When it comes to LinkedIn photos, several key factors can make a difference:

• Background Choice: Stick to clean, simple backgrounds that don't distract and allow you to stand out.
• Professional Attire: Wear clothing that fits your industry and enhances your professional image.
• Expression: A natural, friendly smile can make you appear more approachable.

"Your headshot should reflect what you would like if someone met you in person." - Eddie Hernandez [4]

When choosing what to wear for a LinkedIn photo, steer clear of:

• Plain white shirts without any accessories like a tie, jacket, or scarf
• Bold patterns or prints that can draw attention away from your face
• Shiny fabrics that might reflect too much light
• Turtlenecks, which can feel outdated

On the other hand, professional portraits allow for more creative freedom.

Portrait Photo Options

Professional portraits give you the flexibility to align with specific branding goals. These photos can include elements that go beyond LinkedIn's more formal requirements.

To get the best results from a portrait session, consider the following:

• Environmental Integration: Choose locations that align with your personal or professional brand.
• Lighting Variation: Use both natural and artificial light to create depth and interest.
• Posing Flexibility: Opt for relaxed, professional poses that feel natural.

"A great photographer can improvise with surroundings and environments like wind, sun, crowds, etc., whereas studio photographers prefer controlled, generic environments." - Eddie Hernandez, Professional Photographer

Price and Time

When choosing a photography option, think about both the cost and the time commitment to find what works best for your budget and schedule.

LinkedIn Photo Sessions

LinkedIn headshot sessions are quick and straightforward, designed to highlight your professional image. In larger cities, these sessions usually cost between $200 and $300 [5]. They typically last 15–30 minutes and include one retouched photo, posing tips, professional lighting, and a single background option.

If you want extra retouched photos, be prepared to pay an additional $45–$150 per photo [5]. For businesses needing team photos, corporate packages generally range from $500 to $1,500 per hour [5].

Portrait Photo Projects

Professional portrait sessions offer more variety and flexibility, with pricing and session length depending on your needs. Here's a breakdown of common options:

Portrait sessions often come with extra services that can influence the final cost, such as:

• Makeup and styling consultations
• Outfit changes
• Various background choices
• Advanced retouching

For specialized portraits, like actor headshots, prices typically range from $249 to $1,500, with experienced photographers starting around $700 [5].

If you're on a tighter budget, AI-generated headshots offer a cheaper alternative, costing $20–$50 for 50–100 images [5]. However, these lack the personal touch and customization of traditional photography. Choose the option that best reflects your professional image and goals.

Making Your Choice

Pick the option that aligns with your career goals by matching the photo style to your professional needs. Your intended use will help determine the most suitable choice based on the details below.

Best Uses for LinkedIn Photos

LinkedIn headshots are designed to enhance your professional presence on the platform:

Job Seekers and Career Professionals
A polished LinkedIn headshot can greatly improve your profile's visibility [4]. This increased visibility is especially helpful during job searches and when building your professional network.

Corporate Team Members
In fields like finance, consulting, or law, a LinkedIn-specific headshot supports a consistent and professional image that fits industry expectations.

Networking Professionals
For roles like sales, recruiting, or business development - where connecting with new contacts is a regular part of the job - a LinkedIn-optimized photo helps you appear approachable and professional, much like you would at an important yet informal meeting [1].

While LinkedIn headshots are ideal for networking, they may lack the flexibility needed for broader professional applications.

Best Uses for Portraits

Professional portraits are ideal when you need versatility and the ability to convey a personal or creative story.

Creative Industry Professionals
For those in creative fields like design, architecture, or fashion, portraits showcase your personality and style, making them a better fit than standard headshots.

Multi-Platform Needs
Professional portraits work well across various platforms and materials, including:

• Company websites
• Marketing materials
• Press releases
• Speaking engagements
• Business cards
• Media appearances

Personal Brand Building
If you're focused on creating a strong personal brand, portraits offer flexibility in terms of backgrounds, settings, outfits, poses, and overall composition.

The table below highlights the key benefits of each photo type:

Summary

This section highlights the key differences to help you choose a visual strategy that aligns with your career goals. Did you know LinkedIn profiles with professional headshots get 21× more views, 36× more direct messages, and 9× more connection requests? [2]

Here's a quick breakdown to guide your decision:

• LinkedIn Headshots

  • Tailored for LinkedIn's platform to boost engagement
  • Typically cost around $250 nationwide [2]
  • Great for networking and job hunting

• Professional Portraits

  • Offer flexibility for broader branding needs
  • Help build a cohesive professional image
  • Work well across multiple marketing platforms

"Professional headshots are surprisingly affordable given their value and will enhance first impressions, get you noticed, and improve your credibility."
– Sam Fatima, Visual Media Creator [2]

Choose the option that fits your specific career goals. LinkedIn headshots are perfect for growing your professional network, while professional portraits provide more adaptability for branding across various channels.

Select Headshots makes finding the right photographer simple. With tools like transparent pricing, verified reviews, and location-based searches, you can confidently choose a style that matches your professional needs.