In this era of endless selfies and photos taken with yours or someone else's smartphone, you'd be forgiven for thinking that you have plenty of snaps to choose from when it comes time to update your profile picture on social media, company website or LinkedIn.
However, how many of those selfies or snaps taken by others are truly appropriate or ensure that you look your best? Is the lighting flattering? How do the colours look? Are they sharp? Do you look your best?
If you can't answer yes to all of these questions, then it's probably time to get a more professional profile picture taken. If you're not sure when the time is right, here are some of the event triggers to look out for:
Just commenced a new job, especially with a new employer
Started your own business
Significant change to how you look, especially hairstyle
You want to portray a different style...perhaps your previous profile picture was more serious and corporate, however you're now wanting a more relaxed and approachable look
Your employer may need a picture of you for their company website which has a specific look & feel that needs to matched
Profile pictures don't always need to have a stark white background, and sometimes shots taken in a nice natural environment such as a garden or park can be very flattering and help reinforce a more relaxed and less formal style.
When engaging a professional photographer, be sure to ask how many images are included in the price, different aspect ratios (eg you may want a traditional portrait/vertical shot as well as a square), will there be allowance for change of wardrobe on the day and if you prefer B&W, is this also included.
They don't need to cost the earth, but whilst you could get one of your friends to simply take a snap with your smartphone, just remember there is a lot that goes into taking a quality portrait over and above simply clicking the button and smiling!
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