Want a professional headshot for Linkedin? Here's a DIY (with your phone):

You know how important a professional profile picture is right? Well, I hope you do! Because it could be a game-changer for your credibility, help you get more followers, and attract high-quality connections on LinkedIn.

It's so important in fact, that I would recommend you get a professional photographer to take them.

But I get it, not all of us can find someone qualified or are just shy to let someone else take pictures of us.

So here's a way you can do it by yourself, at home, even with your phone!

Let me share my simple, step-by-step process to create that perfect professional profile picture for your LinkedIn, Twitter, or any other platform where you'd like to be seen professionally. Using just your phone.

1. Find inspiration:

Start by creating a vision board or gathering inspiration for your shoot.

Look at LinkedIn headshots you like, or Instagram photos that fit your vibe and style.

I love using Pinterest - you can create a board with ideas especially look out for clothes, and poses you can mimic.

2. Choose your outfit:

Pick something that represents you professionally while still feeling true to your personal style.

Of course, you can also never go wrong with all-black. For women, blouses and light colors often work well for professional photos.

3. Decide on your pose:

Open your inspiration board as a guide and find a posture that makes you feel comfortable and confident.

Experiment with different angles, smiles, and hand positions.

Trust me, you're not "not photogenic" you just haven't found your angles yet!

4. Set the stage:

Choose a well-lit area with natural light, if possible.

Here are some guidelines:

• unclutter your background
• don't stand in direct sunlight
• don't shoot with overhead light

Set up your phone at eye level, either on a tripod or stacked on boxes.

If you have a mirror, position it behind your phone so you can see your pose before taking the shot.

Special hack: If you have an iPhone, connect it to your laptop and open "Quick Time Player". This way you can see yourself why you shoot even with the back camera.

5. Take the shot:

Before you start, get comfortable put on some incense or music whatever calms you down.

• Use the back camera of your phone. Because the selfie camera distorts your face and has lower quality.
• On your phone, select "Portrait mode". If you don't have that, zoom in slightly.
• Use the timer function to give yourself time to strike a pose. Keep clicking the plus sign to take multiple pictures.
• Alternatively: shoot a video and take screenshots

Check out this 1min video for more self-portrait tips!

6. Edit your photo:

Download 2 apps to your phone: FaceTune and Lightroom.

Use FaceTune to remove any blemishes, wrinkles in your clothes, or background distractions. Lightroom for color grading and sharpening.

7. Upload your new profile picture:

Once you're happy with your edited photo, upload it to your LinkedIn or other professional platforms.

Most importantly: have fun! We can see if you enjoy the process or not when we look at the picture. A nice smile can go a long way!

And if you want to elevate your professional photo-taking game, you can find a list of my favorite equipment and tools on my Amazon Storefront*. From tripods to lighting kits, you'll find all the essentials to make your profile pictures stand out even more. Check it out here

(*heads up, I might earn a commission if you buy through the links on my storefront, but at no extra cost for you!)

I hope this guide helps you create a stunning profile picture that represents your personality and your personal brand. If you know someone who could benefit from this advice, please share it with them!

-Sina

https://sinaport.com/links