David Koonar, professional photographer, offers tips to LinkedIn users and job applicants for a top-notch LinkedIn profile or resume photo.
JULY 27, 2021 – The COVID-19 pandemic and work-from-home flexibility are leading to major shifts in the workplace with more workers seeking both greener and happier pastures. With a job change on the horizon, applicants need an updated LinkedIn profile and resume. According to professional photographer David Koonar, a new headshot is also a great way to refresh your image.
David Koonar says choose your light
The basics are extremely important when taking your headshot, per David Koonar. You want a centered, high-quality picture capable of fitting into various profile photo frames, circles and squares across the internet. The higher the resolution of your base image the better as your profile photo will appear clearer in previews and easily translate to other uses, such as an introductory post on Slack at your new job.
According to David Koonar of Windsor, light is essential to a crisp, professional headshot. If an outdoor photo is appropriate to your industry, consider taking your headshot a few hours after sunrise to maximize sunlight. For indoor photos, crank up the lighting or pick a bright backdrop. For scenarios where the indoors is too dark, look for an outdoor location with a neutral backdrop, such as a plain building wall, to snap a neutral photo with the benefits of sunlight.
Embrace your personality
David Koonar recommends incorporating your personality into headshots as much as possible. With work, you never want to go overboard, but a headshot is not a school photo. It isn’t necessary to completely neutralize your unique spark with a yearbook picture pose and no ambiance.
If hair clips are your thing, wear a hair clip. Love loud ties? Embrace it in your photo. Show all your teeth if you always smile big, but pull a Mona Lisa smile if it fits your personality.
Avoid big changes specifically for photos
One thing to avoid, according to David Koonar, is making big changes specifically for your photo. A new haircut or investments in new wardrobe pieces destined to live in the back of the closet can impede even an impromptu photoshoot. You are more likely to display confidence in a photo when you are not fidgeting with your hair or itching in a new shirt.
Pick wardrobe pieces that fit your career but make you feel good for best results. And the hair? If you need to change something, opt for an easy trim of your current style and leave the dye jobs or makeovers for another day.
Not all photographers are good at their specialties. Rest assured not all photographers would give you photos suitable for your industry accepted corporate headshots. However, find the one specializing in headshot photography would be more efficient. It could cost you less in the future by assisting you getting the right photos in the first attempt.
