Whether taking a quick selfie, working with a professional photographer, guesting on a video, or going live, these profile photo tips will help you avoid a pho(to) pas.
faux pas / fō ˈpä/ noun: an embarrassing or tactless act or remark in a social situation according to Oxford dictionary
pho(to) pas / fō ˈpä/ noun: a less than flattering image, pose or expression especially seen in social media; according to Extraordinary Photographer, Tina VaLant
Use a recent photo of you
Your profile image should be a recent portrait of you (not your family, child, dog, cat, logo, QR code, product, etc). Using an image that’s older than a year? It’s stale. Changed your hair, weight, look? Time to update. More attention, likes and comments result in more views, more business and can easily justify the cost of a professional photo session. Invest in yourself, you are worth it!
Not so cute
Just because kids’ cutesy poses look adorable, doesn’t mean we will look as adorable doing them; this includes:
- Pageant arming. Avoid putting a hand on your hip. This takes up more space, and makes you appear larger. Create a flattering vertical line. Both rectangles here are the same size, but the pageant-arm triangle appears larger.
- Duck lips. Elementary school-aged kids look adorable with duck lips. Adults do not.
- Hiding behind, well, anything. Create an unobstructed connection to your face in your profile image. Are you covering up a waddle (aka turkey neck)? Doing an impression of the thinker or cousin Itt? Avoid hands on or near your face because the eyes go where the hands show. This also applies to hiding behind your hair.
Remove distractions
Don’t be photographed holding a beverage. Remove your purse strap. Again, this helps to create that flattering vertical line.
Look at me!
Did you ever speak with someone, and they can’t or won’t maintain eye contact? They appear untrustworthy. Show your peepers and establish a strong connection. Avoid wearing sunglasses or reading glasses; this includes on top of your head.
Unfocused/blurry or overly filtered
Uncharacteristically made-up, cutesy animal faces filters images look unprofessional. The whole point of putting yourself out there is to show your authenticity; enhancing know, like and trust factors. Just do you. No one else does it better!
Don’t lean back
Leaning back adds mass, and often a double chin. Lean forward, tall neck, chin down. Nix the nose hair angle. Lens eye level or above. Be seated, if that’s an option. Going live or recording a video? Use a tripod or stack books under your monitor/laptop.
Avoid black, white or gray tops
Especially with a close neckline, these tones can wash you out, age you and make you appear haggard. Are you cool or warm toned? A solid color keeps attention on your face; no florals, dots, or stripes on your top. Sleeveless conveys a lack of authority.
Know which is your better side
Faces are asymmetrical. Nothing to do with your hair, it is about your facial musculature and light enhancing your bone structure. By knowing your better side, you stack the odds in favor of a more complimentary image. Speaking of hair, center parts accentuate our faces’ lack of symmetry. An off center or side part is more flattering.
If celebs had symmetrical faces, notice how with one side cloned, they look MUCH thinner?!
“But I’m just not photogenic”
Saying (and thinking) you won’t photograph well is a photographer’s biggest obstacle. What we think, we attract. Choose a lovely outdoor location. Wear a complimentary solid color top and bring a couple options. Know your your better side. Sit down, breathe, lean forward, and smile from your heart. You may not be a supermodel, but you will look fabulous. Now, soar!
Thanks to guest blogger Tina VaLant for these tips.
‘Serve, share, and shine’ is Tina’s motto. Serving as a speaker, photographer, columnist, and advocate, Tina shares her gifts, allowing her subjects to shine. She volunteers with numerous charitable organizations, spearheads mental health awareness, and raises & releases native butterflies. She is a life-long rescuer and animal advocate.
