Elevate Your LinkedIn Headshot: My Honest Review of LinkedIn’s Top Voices in Marketing and Social

As a professional photographer specializing in corporate headshots, I know how crucial it is to have a LinkedIn profile photo that truly represents you. Recently, I took the time to review the LinkedIn Top Voices in Marketing and Social, and I’m excited to share my thoughts and tips on what makes a standout headshot. If you’ve ever wondered how to do a good LinkedIn headshot, watch my Youtube video and consider subscribing for more headshot photography tips.

In this video I review LinkedIn’s Top 10 Voices in the Media and Social category and review them based on the 10 tips for a good LinkedIn headshot by LinkedIn.

Why Your LinkedIn Headshot Matters

Your LinkedIn profile is often the first impression potential clients, employers, or colleagues have of you. A professional headshot isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential. It communicates who you are, your professionalism, and even your personality—all in a single image. Learning how to do a good LinkedIn headshot can make a significant difference in how you’re perceived online.

My Honest LinkedIn Headshot Reviews

I went through the LinkedIn Top Voices for Marketing and Social, analyzing each headshot with a critical eye. Here’s what I found:

1. Tai Tran:

Tai’s headshot had a bit of a distracting background—a bush that took away from the focus on his face. His photo was also slightly blurry and seemed to have a filter, which isn’t ideal for a professional setting. A good headshot should have a clear, focused image with the face filling about 60% of the frame. It’s all about making a strong first impression.

2. Glenn Liebowitz:

Glenn’s headshot had a nice depth to it, but the bright lights in the background were a bit distracting. However, his face filled the frame well, and his wardrobe was on point—exactly what you’d wear to meet a new client or attend a conference.

4. Tom Goodwin:

Tom’s photo was professionally done with purposeful, harsh lighting. However, the image was a bit low in resolution, which could be improved by using a higher-quality version. Despite that, the photo communicated confidence and professionalism, which is key for a LinkedIn headshot.

5. Katie Martell:

Katie’s photo was editorial and high-end, which I loved. However, it was a bit too zoomed out for a LinkedIn profile photo. For LinkedIn, you want your face to fill 60% of the frame to ensure people can recognize you, even in a small profile picture.

6. Shama Hyder:

Shama’s headshot was very much in line with my photography style—clean, professional, and stylish. However, I’d recommend choosing a photo without a hand near the face and with direct eye contact for better audience connection.

7. Nathaniel Whittemore:

Nathaniel’s headshot had a bold, editorial style with Rembrandt lighting, which gave it a mysterious vibe. While it’s a great photo, it might come off as a bit cold. Depending on what you want to communicate, sometimes a warmer, more approachable image is better.

8. Barry Endicott:

Barry’s headshot was fun and approachable, but his smile was so big that it caused his eyes to squint too much. A slightly more subdued expression could help open up the eyes and make the photo more engaging.

9. Steve Blakeman:

Steve’s headshot was well done, with a shallow depth of field that made the background less distracting. His bright smile and confident eyes communicated approachability and professionalism, which are perfect for LinkedIn.

10. Amanda Mitchell:

Amanda chose a more stern expression, which I think worked well for her role as a digital product manager. It communicated authority and professionalism, but I would recommend zooming in a bit more to make it easier to recognize her in a small profile photo.

Key Takeaways For A Good LinkedIn Headshot

The main thing I hope you take away from this is that your headshot should not only look professional but also reflect who you are and what you want to communicate to the world. Whether it’s through a confident smile or a strong expression, your headshot is your digital first impression. Knowing how to do a good LinkedIn headshot can make all the difference.

Once you have a good headshot taken by a professional headshot photographer, you now have the knowledge of how to implement it for the most success on LinkedIn.

Want to Improve Your LinkedIn Headshot?

If you’ve read this and realized your headshot could use an upgrade, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many professionals and companies underestimate the power of a good headshot. If you’re ready to elevate your LinkedIn profile, feel free to reach out. I’d love to help you capture a headshot that truly represents you.

Take a look at my corporate headshot portfolio! All of these images would make a good LinkedIn Headshot