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How to take a good headshot photo
Face a window, stand in front of a plain wall, put the camera at eye level, and keep your face clear of hats and sunglasses. Take a few shots and pick the one that looks most like you.
The checklist
Light
- A well-lit room, with your face toward a window. Even light is softer than light from above or from behind you.
- Avoid a lamp or the sun behind you. It darkens your face.
Background
- A plain wall about a metre behind you. A smooth, calm wall keeps attention on you.
You
- Style your hair the way you want it to look.
- No hat or sunglasses. Glasses are fine if there is no glare on the lenses.
- A solid colour top you would wear to the job, with no logos or busy patterns.
- A relaxed smile, looking at the lens. Take a breath, drop your shoulders, and take your time.
The camera
- Camera at eye level. Prop your phone on a stack of books, or ask a friend to hold it.
- Your face should fill at least a third of the frame. Leave a little space around your head and shoulders.
- Keep the phone steady so the photo is sharp.
- Only you in the photo.
- Turn off beauty filters. A plain photo looks more like you.
Shots
- Take three to five and pick the one that looks most like you today. Use a recent photo.
Common problems and fixes
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Face looks dark | Turn to face the window, or put a lamp in front of you |
| Shine on your forehead | Step away from direct light, or blot with a tissue before the shot |
| Glare on glasses | Tilt your head a little down or turn slightly from the light |
| Looks stiff | Take several, shake out your arms, and look just past the lens, then at it |
| Blurry | Rest the phone on something steady and let it focus on your face |
| Busy background | Move to a plain wall, or choose a background in the tool |
Then make the sizes
The free headshot maker makes the sizes for LinkedIn, your email signature and your own page from one photo, in your browser. Your photo is not uploaded.
If you want a studio look, Pro look makes a new version of your real photo with AI. Adults in the United States (not available in Illinois, Texas and Washington yet). Who our service providers are.
Questions
What should I wear?
A solid colour you would wear to the job, with no logos. Avoid very busy patterns.
Can I wear glasses?
Yes, if there is no glare on the lenses.
Should I smile?
A relaxed smile works. Look at the lens.
Does it have to be a new photo?
Use a recent photo that looks like you today.
Do I need a professional camera?
No. A phone is enough, if the light is good and the camera is at eye level.
How many photos should I take?
Three to five. Pick the one that looks most like you.
Is it okay to use a filter?
We suggest not. Beauty filters change how you look, and a plain photo looks more like you.