The Professional Guide to Good Profile Pictures

4. Eye Contact

Said to be the windows to the soul, your eyes can show intensity, playfulness and emotion. Craig insists, “The biggest thing that makes any photo stand out from another are the eyes.” Eye contact can be just as engaging in a photo as it is in person. Hold the camera at eye level to capture that mesmeric gaze. You don’t need to look directly into the lens for a stare down, as it’s just the level that matters. A coy look, smiling eyes or an introspective black-and-white all capture emotion with the eyes. You may also want to accentuate your peepers with a complementary color to make your baby blues pop.

5. It’s Time for Your Close-Up

Zoom on in to show off your stuff. Present at least one profile photo that just highlights your face. Up close, you can reveal telling details, like a mischievous smile, a sprinkle of freckles, or flecks of gold in your eyes. These close-range shots don’t necessarily have to feature you at the bull’s-eye of the picture.

For a little interest, try peeking from a corner, using a different color wash or experimenting with a reflective surface. Avoid zooming in too close, or your photo might turn out blurry. One focused shot can make it seem like the visitor and you are eye to eye and that you have nothing to hide.

6. The Whole Shebang

While up-close-and-personal shots are interesting, throw in some other angles for good measure. To give visitors a good idea of what you look like all over, include a minimum of three or four shots. Craig recommends including “a headshot, a close-up of the face, a three-quarters shot that includes the head down to the torso, and a full-body shot that includes the entire body from head to toe.” After all, he says, “this is just good advertising.” It’s common to highlight yourself from the neck up, especially if you are worried that you don’t have the perfect brick-house figure. However, honesty goes a long way and starts a possible relationship off on the right foot.