A Professional Guide for Professional Photo : A Guide for the not so bright

I had never in my wildest imagination thought that someday I shall have to write a LinkedIn post on such a preliminary topic?

In my capacity as the Founder of 2 marketing forums across India and UAE and as someone who has an Investment Banking firm that works with startups across the MENA region, I have observed that nearly 40% of the professionals (Salaried / Entrepreneurs / Professionals) don’t have a single professional photo worth being considered

I conduct award events and as part of the promotion I need to showcase the jury members, I also do startup events where I need photos from startups founders & jury alike and this is where the realization cropped up years ago but somehow, I thought that the trend might change but alas I was wrong

In today’s day and age where your LinkedIn profile reaches a prospective hiring company, a business prospect, etc before you it is imperative to have a good professional photo as part of your LinkedIn bio

Thus came this article and I have rightfully titled it as – A Professional Guide for Professional Photo : A Guide for the not so bright

1.???? Ditch the phone camera. I agree the phone camera is great but trust me walking into a professional photo studio has a charm of its own

2.???? Dress to Impress – Yes, you are a cool person, yes you are a traveler, yes you are a social butterfly BUT dress professionally

3.???? I am not implying that you dress in expensive clothes but what I mean is dress professionally

4.???? For Men it must be a Formal shirt and a Blazer – Black or Navy Blue

5.???? For Women it could be a Blazer or a Professional Dress – A Formal top with a Pencil skirt OR If Indian you could wear a Saree

6.???? Now that the most obvious too has to be unfortunately written above let us dwell into a few more important things

7.???? The Pose – Remember you are not a local passport office OR a jail thus a mug shot is not what is needed. Let me keep it simple, google this term - Poses for corporate photoshoot and view in Google Images. Select a few that you like and ensure you select the professional looking ones

8.???? If possible carry 2 blazers / dresses so at one go at the studio you can get photos clicked in at least 2 different blazers / dresses

9.???? Add accessories – Take a photo with a tie, then take it without a tie, use a bright coloured pocket square, women can use a neck scarf or change their hairdo

10. The background – Try and take the photos on neutral and solid background colours and avoid bright colours, design, patterns on the background

11. Lighting – Plays a large role so leave it to the photographer

12. Keep a High-Resolution copy and a low resolution copy for print & digital?

Have a nice day & I hope to see a movement towards having professional photos