Headshots, Expressions, and your LinkedIn Profile

Truth be told, when we first see someone’s image we have an initial “gut” reaction – it happens in as little as 80 msec, and that reaction comes from our own life experience combined with how the person looks in the image. And while we can’t control how someone reacts, we can control the image/impression we convey in LinkedIn Profile images, website, social media, marketing materials, etc..

In addition to the technical details around lighting, camera angle, color, etc., the number one element that creates an impression is expression. And different expressions create different first impressions – which one is right for you depends on what your brand is, who your target audience is, what message do you want to send about you/your business. For example, the look/impression you’ll likely want to create if you’re a criminal attorney is different if you were a career coach. A skilled headshot photographer understands this and can coach you to create the best expression for your brand (and they won’t ask you to say “cheese” – or at least they shouldn’t….).

This short video discusses the importance of expressions for LinkedIn profiles and shows some examples of how different looks create different first impressions. What is the first impression you want people to have when they see your LinkedIn profile picture?