Following Jessie's topic about the importance of profile pictures, I thought I'd take it a step further and ask:

When is the last time you updated your profile photos? 

One of the comment's in Jessie's discussion really stuck with me! Seona said that she met someone who didn't look anything like their LinkedIn photo anymore. That nearly feels like a bad blind date! Unfortunately, it is also more common than you'd think... Someone else said the same thing on a networking call yesterday. Do you have a similar experience? 

I recommend my clients to have their photos updates at least every 5 years. If you have changed quite a lot, i.e. grown a beard or shaved a beard, changed hair colour, etc. you'll want to think about a new profile photo more often. 

Go on, have a look at your profile photos across all business platforms and your website, do they still look like you? If not, perhaps it's time for a new one!

Of course, I'd love it if you booked me for a headshot session, or perhaps even a more comprehensive Personal Brand Photo Session, but if that's not an option you can also take your own profile photo.
Here are a few tips for you:

  • Get someone else to take the photo, or put your camera on a tripod and set a timer, selfies are not really the best profile pictures.
  • Find a good light source with natural light to light your face (not bright sunlight though), windows and open doors work well. Watch for shadows on your face.
  • Have a plain background behind you. You don't want a very busy or cluttered background.
  • Turn your body at a slight angle to the camera and look straight into the lens.
  • Get someone to make you laugh, that way your smile will look very natural and not forced.

Some food for thought! :-) 

Give me a shout if I can help in any way. I'm always happy to have a chat. 

Thanks, Iska

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Replies

  • Great follow on post here Iska. I think especially after a year locked down - many of us look more different than we would on the average year gap! 

    • Thanks, Jessie! That's a good point! Speaking for myself, I've certainly changed - although parts of the change are fixable by my hairdresser, haha! 

  • It’s almost like the business version of cat fishing. Haha

     

    Great tips Iska, I am certainly looking forward to working with you! 😊

    • Haha! Yes very true. 

      Thank you! I very much look forward to working with you as well and creating images that represent you and your passion for your new business. :-) 

  • Good post Iska! I think that's 4 years for me so must be needing new ones soon. Can you turn grey and white hairs back to brown?? Ha ha

    • Thanks, Andrew! You are coming up for 'my' 5-year deadline... ;-)

      I sure can, that's an easy fix in Photoshop, but it would kind of defeat the purpose, haha. I just go to the hairdresser and let her work her magic. Which reminds me that I have to give her a call.

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