Choose a Friendly Profile Photo
Eighteen easy tips to choose a friendly profile photo, so people trust you before they read a word.
A smile says hello. Look like you.
27 tips that really help
These ideas come from Show Your Work! (Austin Kleon), Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi), So Good They Can’t Ignore You (Cal Newport), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Why your photo matters
People decide quickly if they feel comfortable. A friendly, clear photo builds trust before you say anything.
Pick a good one.
Use natural light
Stand near a window and face the light. Soft light is kind to every face.
Face a window.
Choose a simple background
A plain wall or soft outdoor view keeps the focus on you. Messy backgrounds distract.
Clear the background.
Fill the frame with your face
People see tiny photos, so your head and shoulders should fill most of the picture.
Move closer.
Look straight at the camera
Eye contact feels warm and honest. It makes people feel you are looking at them.
Look at the lens.
Smile gently
A real smile shows you are open and friendly. Think of someone you like to get a natural smile.
Smile softly.
Wear something you like
Wear clothes that match your work but also feel like you. Solid colours work well.
Choose solid colours.
Use a recent photo
People should recognise you at an event. Update your photo every two or three years.
Update it.
Script: asking a friend
Could you take a few photos of me by the window? Say it lightly.
Use it.
Script: describing your goal
I want a friendly and professional photo that looks like me. Say it clearly.
Use it.
Script: thanking
Thank you for helping, I really appreciate it. Say it warmly.
Use it.
Mistake: using a group photo
People cannot tell which one you are, so use a solo photo.
Crop to you.
Mistake: using sunglasses or heavy filters
They hide your face, so keep it natural.
Show your eyes.
Mistake: using an old photo
It confuses people when they meet you, so use a recent one.
Update it.
Troubleshoot: when you hate photos of yourself
Take many shots and choose the one that feels kind. Ask a friend to help.
Get a second opinion.
Troubleshoot: when you have no good camera
A modern phone is enough, so use the back camera and good light.
Use your phone.
Drill: take twenty photos
Take twenty photos and choose three, then ask two friends to vote.
Take twenty.
Drill: swap your photo
Change your profile photo today and notice how it feels to show your real smile.
Swap it.
Wear a colour that suits you
A colour you love lifts your face and mood. Avoid busy patterns.
Pick a colour.
Keep the camera at eye level
A camera held high or low changes your look. Eye level feels honest.
Set eye level.
Crop to head and shoulders
A close crop shows your smile. Far shots hide your face.
Crop closer.
Use a plain, clean background
A blur or a plain wall keeps the focus on you.
Clean the background.
Example: the window photo
Kia sat near a window and smiled. The photo got her three new messages.
Use window light.
Example: the outdoor photo
Ben stood in a park with soft evening light. It felt warm and kind.
Try soft light.
Mistake: using a heavy filter
Filters hide your real face, so keep it natural.
Skip filters.
Troubleshoot: when you feel shy in photos
Ask a friend to chat while you shoot. Laughing gives natural smiles.
Ask a friend.
Drill: ask three people to vote
Show three photos to three friends. Pick the winner.
Ask three.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.
“A warm smile helps.”
“Good light shows my face.”
“A simple background works.”
“Look at the camera.”
“Use a recent photo.”
“Looks like me.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Pick good light
Wear a simple outfit
Choose a plain background
Look at the camera
Smile with your eyes
Take many shots
Choose the friendliest
Further reading
- Show Your Work! (Austin Kleon)
- Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi)
- So Good They Can’t Ignore You (Cal Newport)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
