005. Picture Perfect: Your Complete Guide to Snapping a Standout Profile Photo

Your guide to taking a professional profile photo using your smartphone

Part 5 of the Freelancing Series

A Virtual Handshake

In the world of freelancing, your profile photo is your virtual handshake — a first impression that can make or break potential client connections. With the right image, you not only show your professionalism but also convey your personality. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to capture a professional photo that will make your freelancing profile shine.

Professional vs. Non-Professional Photo

In this article, professional photo means a headshot that makes the person appear like a professional to impress clients and get hired. It doesn’t mean a photo taken by a professional photographer although it’s better if you could invest in a photoshoot.

This blog is for you if you want to DIY your professional photo using a smartphone camera.

It’s easy to spot the differences between a non-professional and a professional photo but sometimes we need to point out the obvious.

1. Your ID photo is not a professional photo.
2. Your graduation pictures might have been taken by a professional photographer. They are perfect for your bedroom wall but not for your freelancing profile. You probably overused them already so give it a rest.
3. You don’t have to wear a suit for your professional photo. Your outfit depends on your profession and the impression that you want to convey.

Here’s a side by side comparison:

Which one of these 2 photos is a Professional Photo? My answer is not what you think. I’ll explain at the end of this blog.

In the meantime, here’s a checklist to differentiate a professional and a non-professional photo:

How to take a professional photo for your freelancing profile

1. Choose the Right Setting: Start by selecting a clean, clutter-free backdrop. Opt for a neutral background that won’t distract from your face. A tidy and well-lit space ensures that you’re the focal point of the photo.

Avoid busy backgrounds like plants and people especially if you’re not using a professional camera.

Noisy background

Background is distracting

Opt for a plain white wall to be safe. Your bedroom wall is perfect. No white wall? Hang a curtain or a bedsheet.

2. Dress for Success: Select an outfit that reflects the level of professionalism in your field. Whether it’s a t-shirt or business formal, choose something you’d wear when meeting a client in person.

If you’re a freelancer, I suggest that you present yourself in a professional yet friendly manner. Choose a casual top, “clean girl” make-up and a neat hair style.

Choose colors from your brand’s color palette. If this is not possible, choose neutral colors that would blend into your brand’s graphics.

Don’t wear black or dark colors. It could make your photos flat and somber in tone. Choose lighter and brighter hues. It results in lighter and brighter photos.

Blue is a good option because it conveys trust and stability. Search for the psychology of colors and choose a color combination that supports the message that you want to convey. For example, blue means trust and loyalty, white means humility and yellow means warmth and happiness. A combination of blue and yellow can give off an impression that you’re trustworthy, loyal and happy.

3. Mind Your Lighting: Natural light is your best friend. Position yourself facing a window to capture soft, flattering light. Avoid harsh shadows by staying away from direct sunlight.

If natural light isn’t an option, invest in soft, diffused artificial lighting to achieve a well-lit, professional look.

Your bedroom’s overhead light is not flattering. Buy or borrow a ring light. You could also use a lampshade. If you have many friends, ask them to use their phone’s flashlight feature. Don’t use your camera’s flash.

Take several test photos and adjust until you are satisfied with the lighting.

4. Frame Yourself Appropriately: Compose your photo with your face as the focal point. Ensure that your head and shoulders are in the frame, leaving some space around your face.

You could pose directly facing the camera or at a 45 degree angle.

Position the camera at eye level to create a balanced and approachable angle. You can also edit your photo on Canva later but to be safe, make room for error. Make sure there’s a space above your head and half of your torso is visible.

An obvious selfie is not a professional photo. Use a 10 second timer and position yourself accordingly inside the frame.

5. Express Confidence and Approachability: Your expression matters. Aim for a friendly and approachable demeanor while maintaining a level of confidence. A genuine smile can go a long way in establishing a connection with potential clients, but don’t show all of your teeth. Practice giving an “80% smile” like this:

Don’t cross your arms. It might send a different signal. You want to be open and approachable.

Don’t put your hands on or near your face. Instead, create angles with your arms like in the photo above.

6. Opt for High Resolution: Upload a high-resolution image to showcase your professionalism. A crisp, clear photo not only looks more appealing but also communicates attention to detail and quality — a crucial aspect for freelancers.

If you’re using your smartphone, adjust your camera settings to take the highest resolution possible.

In your iPhone, open Settings > Camera > Formats > Resolution Control > 24MP or 48MP.

For Samsung, open your camera app > Camera Ratio > 3:4 64MP

Use the back camera for better photos. Use a tripod and remote control to prevent shaking.

7. Show Personality: While professionalism is key, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Consider your target audience and industry; a subtle touch of personality can make you more memorable. However, keep it professional and aligned with your freelancing niche.

Embrace your uniqueness. Show off that poofy hair. Highlight that mole. Ditch the foundation and show off your freckles. Our differences makes us become memorable.

8. Test and Iterate: Take multiple shots to experiment with different angles, poses, and expressions. Review the images and choose the one that best represents your professional image. Don’t be afraid to seek feedback from peers or friends for an outside perspective.

9. Edit with Purpose: Use photo editing tools judiciously to enhance rather than alter. Adjust lighting, contrast, and sharpness to ensure your photo looks polished and professional. Avoid heavy filters that can distort your appearance.

If you want to change the background, you may use Canva’s Background Removal Tool. If you don’t have Canva Pro, you may use Remove.bg.

10. Keep it Current: As you evolve in your freelancing journey, so should your profile photo. Aim to update your image periodically to ensure that it accurately reflects your current professional identity.

Canva Frames for your Profile Photo

Make your profile more noticeable with these Canva frames. It’s a Canva Template with 20+ frames to choose from, complete customizable to fit your brand’s color palette. You can use it whether you have free Canva or Canva Pro.

Download it here.

Summary

1. Choose the right setting
2. Dress for success
3. Mind your lighting
4. Frame yourself appropiately
5. Express Confidence and approachability
6. Opt for high resolution
7. Show personality
8. Test and Iterate
9. Edit with purpose
10. Keep it current

Sooooo….

Which one of these photos is a professional photo?

The easy answer is: the one on the right is the Professional Photo, if you’re applying to be a bank employee.

But you’re a freelancer, so take a photo that reflects that.

For example, if you’re a virtual assistant, convey a more casual look to seem appoachable and easy to work with. If you’re a Designer, add a little creativity to your outfit. I see a lot of Graphic Designers use Greyscale image and photos that don’t look at the camera. Research the trend in your niche and upload Profile Photos that makes you stand out yet part of the industry.

Smile!

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to capturing a professional profile photo that speaks volumes about your expertise, approachability, and dedication to your freelancing craft. Remember, your photo is more than just an image; it’s a visual representation of the exceptional services you offer. So, smile, click, and make that first impression count!

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Happy freelancing!