Your LinkedIn photograph is often the first thing a prospective client, employer or recruiter sees. It appears next to your name in search results, comments, messages and connection requests, often at a small size. A clear, professional photo makes you easier to recognise and helps people decide whether to click through to your profile.
If you are looking for LinkedIn headshots in Manchester, this guide explains what a good profile photograph needs and what to expect from a session with Paul Currie Photography.
Why a professional LinkedIn headshot is worth having
LinkedIn profiles with a photograph get noticeably more views than those without, and a poor image can work against you. A cropped holiday picture, a group shot, or a dark phone selfie suggests a profile that hasn’t been cared for.
A professional headshot does three things:
- It shows you clearly, in good light, so people recognise you at meetings and events.
- It matches the tone of your work. A solicitor, a marketing consultant and a self-employed tradesperson will each want a slightly different look.
- It stays useful and current. You can use the same photograph on your company website, speaker profiles, email signature, and press features.
What works on LinkedIn
LinkedIn displays profile photos in a small circle so framing matters more than most people expect.
Frame tightly. A head-and-shoulders crop with your face filling most of the frame stays readable at thumbnail size. Full-length shots do not.
Keep the background simple. A plain or softly blurred background keeps attention on your face. Busy offices and street scenes become clutter when the image shrinks.
Choose clothing with care. Wear what you would wear to meet an important client. Solid colours usually work better than small patterns, which can look uneven on screen. Avoid anything you would not want to be remembered wearing.
Look approachable. A natural expression works better than a fixed smile. Paul talks to you throughout the session to keep you relaxed. The best frames tend to come once you stop thinking about the camera.
Use a recent photo. If people meet you and you do not look like your profile picture, it creates a small trust gap. Update your photo every few years or sooner if your appearance changes.
What happens in a session
Paul has been a professional photographer for nearly 30 years and has photographed corporate and private clients across Manchester and the Northwest. Before the shoot he will ask how you plan to use the images and what impression you want to give. He then guides your pose and expression during the session and checks images with you as you go.
Afterwards, you choose your preferred frames. Selected images are retouched to a natural standard and you receive files sized for LinkedIn as well as larger versions for your website or print. Paul can photograph you at a Manchester location that suits you, such as your workplace or a nearby spot with good natural light. Confirm the location and timings with him when you book.
Beyond LinkedIn
Many clients use their headshots elsewhere too. A consistent photo across LinkedIn, your website, your email signature and any directories or speaker pages makes you easier to recognise and gives your online presence a more settled feel. If your business needs photos for colleagues, see our guide to Team Headshots in Manchester.
Frequently asked questions
How many photos will I get? Ask Paul when you book. Most people choose one or two final images and he can advise on how many you will likely need.
Can I bring more than one outfit? Yes. A second top or jacket gives you options for different uses. For example, a more formal image for LinkedIn and a relaxed one for your website.
I do not like being photographed. Will it be awkward? Most people feel exactly the same. Paul keeps sessions short and conversational and has years of experience with sitters who are not used to or dislike being in front of the camera.
Book your LinkedIn headshot in Manchester.
To arrange a session or ask about availability, contact Paul Currie Photography via his enquiry form https://www.paulcurrie.co.uk/contact/.