How to Take a Headshot for LinkedIn

Lighting, framing, what to wear, how to take a professional LinkedIn headshot at home, plus a faster AI option that keeps you in control.

Your LinkedIn photo is the first impression most people get. A professional headshot helps you look credible before anyone reads your headline.

How to take a LinkedIn headshot, step by step

• Face good light:
  Stand near a window or a soft light source. Face the light, do not backlight yourself.
• Use a clean background:
  Light gray or white works for everyone. If you do not have it, you can replace it later.
• Set the camera at eye level:
  No angles from above or below. Keep the lens clean.
• Frame head and shoulders:
  Leave a little space above your head. Remember LinkedIn crops to a circle.
• Relax your expression:
  Gentle smile, neutral mouth, open eyes. Avoid “passport photo” stiffness.
• Take several shots:
  Small changes in posture or chin position can make a big difference.

How to take a professional headshot for LinkedIn

• Lighting first:
  Window light beats most lamps. If needed use a ring light set slightly above eye level.
• Tripod or a friend:
  Mirror selfies look unprofessional. Use a tripod or ask someone to shoot at eye level.
• Subtle editing:
  Adjust exposure and crop. Avoid heavy filters. You want to look like you.
• Consistency:
  Use the same headshot on LinkedIn, your resume, and your portfolio site.

How to take a professional headshot for LinkedIn at home

• Choose a plain wall or a tidy corner.
• Face a window. Turn off harsh overhead lights if they create shadows.
• Wear role appropriate attire. See the clothing guide below.
• Place the camera on a tripod at eye level. Use the timer or ask a friend.
• Take 10 photos. Change micro expressions and shoulder angle.
• Pick the most approachable and confident shot.

What to wear for a LinkedIn headshot

Your outfit signals your role before you type a single word. Match the attire to your industry and seniority.

• Corporate and consulting:
  Jacket or blazer, collared shirt, minimal patterns.
• Tech and product:
  Smart casual. Crew or polo, neat sweater, clean shirt.
• Creative roles:
  Clean lines, solid colors, light texture if it fits your brand.
• General rules:
  Neutrals beat loud prints, avoid big logos, press your clothes, keep accessories simple.

Small detail that helps wear the same glasses you use daily. People expect to recognize you.

How to take a good headshot for LinkedIn, quick checklist

• Look at the lens, not the screen.
• Stand tall, drop your shoulders, slight chin down.
• Keep hair off your face, fix small flyaways.
• Crop to head and shoulders, leave margin around your head.
• Update your photo every 2 to 3 years or after a big style change.

Where to get headshots for LinkedIn

Photo Studio

• 🐌 Speed: Days
• 💸 Cost: High
• ⚠️ Control: Limited after shoot

Freelance Photographer

• ⏳ Speed: Days
• 💵 Cost: Medium to high
• 📝 Control: Some revisions

DIY at Home

• 📅 Speed: Same day
• 🆓 Cost: Low
• 🛠️ Control: You do all the work

Overpriced AI Headshot Sites

• ⏳ Speed: Hours
• 💰 Cost: High for what you get
• 🔒 Control: Preset heavy, constant upsells

aiCarousels LinkedIn Headshot Generator

• ✅ Speed: Seconds
• ✅ Cost: Affordable
• ✅ Control: Choose background, type your role, download instantly

Studios look great but require time and budget. Many AI sites feel overpriced and slow.

With aiCarousels you upload a selfie, choose a background like neutral gray or blurred office, type your role, then download. No appointments, no upsell maze.

Faster route: LinkedIn Headshot Generator

Inside the Editor you will find LinkedIn Headshot Generator. Upload a selfie or casual picture, select background, type your role, generate, then download. Simple. You can test several backgrounds and keep the one that fits your brand best.

👉 Know more about the LinkedIn Headshot Generator

From Casual to Professional

Even your most casual photos can be transformed into sharp, professional-looking headshots.

👉 Know more about the LinkedIn Headshot Generator

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How do I take a headshot for LinkedIn?

Face a window, use a plain background, set the camera at eye level, frame head and shoulders, relax your expression, and take several shots to choose from.

• How do I take a good LinkedIn headshot at home?

Stand near a window with soft light, pick a light wall, use a tripod or a friend, keep the lens clean, shoot 5 to 10 photos, and pick the most confident one.

• How do I take a professional headshot for LinkedIn?

Prioritize lighting, avoid harsh shadows, shoot at eye level, wear role appropriate clothing, crop to head and shoulders, and do subtle edits only.

• What should I wear for a LinkedIn headshot?

Neutrals and solids work best. Suits for consulting and sales, smart casual for tech and product, clean blouse or shirt for most roles. Keep accessories minimal and clothes pressed.

• Where can I get headshots for LinkedIn?

You can book a studio, hire a freelancer, do it yourself at home, or use an AI LinkedIn headshot generator in aiCarousels if you want speed and control.

• Is this free?

No. This feature is part of the PRO ✧ plan in aiCarousels. It is priced to be more affordable than traditional studio sessions or typical AI headshot bundles.

• Is my photo safe?

Yes. Your image is used only to generate the headshot and then returned to you. Content sent to the API is not used to train models according to provider policy.

• Can I change the background and generate again?

Yes. Try neutral gray for a classic look, pure white for a clean profile, pastel blue for a friendly tone, blurred office for context, or a corporate gradient.

• Can I type my role to influence attire?

Yes. Enter your role, for example Marketing Manager or Software Engineer, and the generator adapts attire and polish to match expectations for that profession.

• Does this work for resumes as well as LinkedIn?

Yes. The output is ideal for LinkedIn, resumes, portfolios, and social media carousels.

• What image size or aspect ratio should I use?

A square 1:1 image works best for LinkedIn. Aim for a clear, high resolution head and shoulders crop with some space around the head for the circular crop.

• Should I wear glasses or remove them?

Wear what you use daily. Consistency helps people recognize you. Avoid glare by tilting slightly or using softer light.

• How often should I update my LinkedIn headshot?

Update every 2 to 3 years or any time your look changes significantly, such as haircut, beard, or new style.

Ready to upgrade your LinkedIn headshot?

Open aiCarousels.com, go to the Editor, click LinkedIn Headshot Generator, upload a selfie, choose your background, type your role, then download.