DIY vs Pro: Who Should Take Your LinkedIn Photo?What You Really Get from a Professional Photographer
- Isabel Del Rey
- May 20
- 3 min read
Updated: May 20
Your LinkedIn profile is often your first impression—and your photo plays a huge role in that. Whether you're job hunting, networking, or building a personal brand, your headshot is one of the most-viewed elements on your profile.
So, should you take it yourself? Ask a friend with a “good camera”? Or hire a professional photographer?
Faith Liversedge, Fractional Chief Marketing Officer for financial services firms
Let’s break down the real differences between DIY and pro—and what you actually get when you invest in a professional session.
DIY LinkedIn Photo: The Pros and Cons
Pros:
It’s free. A DIY photo saves money if you're on a tight budget.
It’s fast. You can take one today and upload it within minutes.
You have full control. You can shoot as many times as you want, try different outfits, and choose your favourite shot.
Cons:
Lighting challenges. Natural light is unpredictable, and indoor lighting can cast odd shadows or give a dull tone to your skin.
Limited composition. Selfies, webcams, or friend-taken shots often suffer from awkward angles, distracting backgrounds, or poor framing.
Amateur results. Even with filters or editing apps, a DIY photo often looks like… a DIY photo. And people notice.
Professional LinkedIn Photo: More Than Just a Picture
Hiring a photographer is about strategy, not vanity. Here’s what you actually get when you work with a pro:
1. Direction That Makes You Look and Feel Like “You”
Pros know how to bring out your best expressions. You won’t be left wondering where to look or how to smile. A good photographer will coach you through posture, angles, and micro-adjustments to make you feel confident and look authentic—not stiff.
Peter Holmes, Master Upholsterer
2. Lighting That Works For You
Professional photographers use lighting to highlight your best features and eliminate unflattering shadows. Whether it's natural light or studio setup, the difference in quality is instantly visible.
Samuel Verdin, Editor, Copywriter and Content Manager
3. Composition That Tells a Story
From background choice to framing and crop, pros make intentional decisions based on how you want to present yourself—executive, approachable, creative, trustworthy, etc. It's more than a headshot; it’s brand storytelling.
Brendan Morton, Fashion Designer
4. Subtle Retouching
Retouching isn’t about changing your face—it’s about polishing the final result. A pro will remove temporary blemishes, soften harsh shadows, and enhance the image without making you look over-edited.
Hugo Barclay, Art Curator
5. A Strategic Visual Asset
A professional photo isn’t just for LinkedIn—it becomes a key piece of your personal branding across platforms: email signatures, speaker bios, website “about” pages, or press features.
Edward Hamill, Writer and content creator
Ask Yourself: What’s the Cost of a DIY Photo?
It’s easy to focus on saving money with a DIY shot—but what’s it costing you in missed connections, lower perceived credibility, or being overlooked by recruiters?
If your image looks unprofessional or outdated, it can unintentionally signal:
You’re not serious about your career
You’re behind the times
You’re less confident or capable than you actually are
On the other hand, a pro-quality photo signals:
Professionalism
Attention to detail
Confidence and clarity in your identity
Not Just a Photo—A First Impression
Ultimately, it’s not about having the “most beautiful” photo. It’s about having a photo that works: one that aligns with your goals, attracts the right attention, and supports your personal brand.
If you’re applying for new roles, launching a business, or building your reputation—investing in a professional photographer could be one of the smartest and most visible career moves you make this year.
Need a photo that helps you get noticed for all the right reasons? Let’s create an image that reflects where you’re going—not just where you’ve been.
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