14 Reasons Why You Should Use Professional Photographs For LinkedIn

Let’s face it. You only get one first impression, and half the time they’re not happening in boardrooms or client meetings anymore - they’re happening on LinkedIn. Whether someone’s checking out your profile before a job interview, a potential client’s giving your background a quick scan, or a recruiter’s comparing twenty candidates at once - your photo is doing a lot of talking. So, what’s it saying?

If your current LinkedIn photo is a blurry crop from a mate’s wedding, or worse, one of those AI-generated headshots that looks a bit too polished and doesn’t feel like you, it might be time to rethink. And that’s where professional photographs for LinkedIn come in.

I’ve been photographing headshots in London for years now, and if there’s one thing I’ve learnt - it’s that a strong, well-shot photo can do more than just make you look good. It can get you noticed. Trusted. Remembered. So in this post, I’m breaking down 14 real reasons why a professional photo for your LinkedIn profile is one of the smartest moves you can make (and not just if you’re job hunting).

Why Do People Use LinkedIn?

Most people think LinkedIn is just for finding jobs. But actually, it’s more than that - much more. LinkedIn is your way to get in front of the people you want to work with, and lets potential employers see a more in-depth side to your professional self than your CV alone. 

But this platform doesn’t just benefit those who are seeking a job. Everyone is on LinkedIn. It’s where business owners, consultants, freelancers and recruiters all hang out. It’s not just those who are hiring you who will stalk your profile. If you own a business you can bet that the first thing potential clients will do is go to your account to check your credentials before they decide to work with you. 

LinkedIn is kind of like your digital handshake. Except instead of a handshake, it’s a headshot. And instead of a conference room, it’s happening through a phone screen while someone’s sipping coffee at 7am. Your photo isn’t just filling space. It’s setting a tone. It’s helping people decide if you’re trustworthy, approachable, confident, and professional - in the span of a single glance.

Why Do Professional Photos For LinkedIn Matter?

Professional photos for LinkedIn matter because they’re the first thing anyone sees when they go to your profile. Especially in the corporate world - you always want to put your best foot forward. If you don’t look like someone who cares about how you're perceived then this could be the reason you lose that big job. Although we’re told to never judge a book by its cover; the reality is people do. All the time. So don’t let this small detail get in the way of an opportunity of a lifetime. Still not convinced? Here are 14 reasons why you should use professional photos for LinkedIn:

1. Authenticity 

People love to see people. Real people. Having a photo just isn’t enough, it needs to be of you - not some AI generated image that doesn’t look anything like yourself. The thing about a real professional headshot for LinkedIn is that people trust it if it’s done right - not too posed, not fake, just a real image of the person behind the profile. If you can show some of your personality off too then you’re really going to get people invested. You want to be seen as relatable to your audience, as that’s what’s going to make people want to choose you over the person with an inauthentic profile pic.

2. Personalisation 

Hiring a professional photographer to take your headshot for LinkedIn means they know how to capture you in a way that sets you apart from the sea of profiles on there. A picture is worth a thousand words, and since your photo is the first thing that people see, you want them to get a good idea of who you are and what you do. Someone who knows their way around the camera will be able to direct you and help you get the perfect shot - something that you may not achieve if you’re going to do it all by yourself.

3. Builds Trust And Credibility

If you’re someone who doesn’t have a profile photo, nobody will know who you are, so how can they trust you? But if you use a professional headshot for LinkedIn, this is the first step in establishing trust with your audience. It tells people that you take yourself (and your work) seriously. That you’ve invested time into showing up properly, and that’s a subtle signal that you’re probably worth investing in too. Seeing a face and not a grey icon makes you way more approachable; people know there is a real person behind the profile, they know what you look like and that builds credibility.

4. Emotional Connection

We’ve talked about trust and authenticity, but nothing gets people more invested than an emotional connection. It’s easy to forget that even in business, people buy from people. They hire people. They connect with people. Having a professional headshot for LinkedIn taken builds this emotional investment. Because when your audience can put a face to a name, they don’t just see what you look like; they can feel like they know you. When your audience establishes this kind of connection, they’re going to pick you over someone who has a faceless profile.

5. Creativity

One thing an experienced photographer can do that not even AI generated headshots can achieve is shining a light on your individualism. Professional doesn’t have to mean boring. In fact, some of the most memorable LinkedIn profiles are the ones that show a bit of spark. Whether that’s a more expressive pose, a unique backdrop, or just a headshot that feels full of character - working with the right photographer lets you inject some creativity into your personal brand without losing the professionalism.

6. Adaptability

One great thing about booking a photoshoot for your LinkedIn profile is the photos you get are versatile. One session can give you photos for LinkedIn, your email signature, your website, your press kit, your speaker profile, and more. If you’re someone who wears a few hats  (maybe you run a business, do freelance work on the side, speak at events, or are currently job hunting) having a set of high-quality images that you can use in different ways is a game-changer. You’ll never again have to scramble for a half-decent photo when someone says, “Can you send over a headshot for this opportunity?”

7. Quality And Consistency

Let’s be honest - blurry phone pics, random lighting, and inconsistent cropping don’t exactly scream “professional”. Professional photographs for LinkedIn are shot with consistency in mind. That means proper lighting, flattering angles, and a style that ties in with the rest of your personal brand. No shadows under your eyes. No weird colour casts. No “I think that’s them?” vibes. Instead, you get clear, clean, confident images that make you instantly recognisable and memorable across platforms.

8. Collaboration

You’re not left to figure it out alone. When you book a proper photoshoot for your LinkedIn profile, it’s not just you turning up and hoping for the best. A good photographer will guide you through the process - from what to wear, to how to stand, to choosing the best images at the end. It’s a collaboration. One where your ideas, goals, and insecurities (we all have them!) are taken into account and handled with care. So that the final product actually looks and feels like you.

9. Professional

This might seem obvious, but here it is anyway: professional settings call for professional visuals. Your LinkedIn photo might be the only thing someone sees before deciding whether to open your message or check out your profile. It’s your handshake. Your “nice to meet you”. Your pitch. And in the same way you wouldn’t turn up to a job interview in joggers and a hoodie (hopefully), you shouldn’t show up online in a way that undercuts the quality of your work.

10. People Take You Seriously

There’s a huge difference in how people perceive you when you’ve got a polished, intentional image. A professional headshot for LinkedIn helps position you as someone who’s worth taking seriously. Whether that’s for a job, a speaking opportunity, or a new client relationship - having a strong visual presence gives you that extra edge of credibility. Even if everything else on your profile is immaculate, if your photo doesn’t back it up? People notice. And they scroll on.

11. Supports Your Brand

Your headshot should feel like it’s part of the bigger picture. The colours, the vibe, the tone - it should all reinforce the story your brand is telling. If your brand is sharp and minimal? Then your photo should feel that way too. If it’s bold and playful? Let’s show that off. This is where working with a photographer who understands branding (not just photography) makes all the difference. Because you’re not just creating a photo, you’re creating an asset that supports your entire online presence.

12. Increase Connection Acceptances

This one’s simple: the better your profile photo, the more likely people are to hit “accept”. That’s not just guesswork either. Multiple LinkedIn studies have shown that profiles with professional photos get more views and more connection requests. People are more likely to engage, respond to messages, and trust the person behind the profile. It’s not vanity. It’s strategy.

13. Boost Your Own Confidence

Ever seen a photo of yourself and thought, “Is that actually me? I look great!” That’s what a proper headshot session can do. And that boost of confidence? It spills over into how you write about yourself, how you network, and how you show up online. Because it’s not just about having a nice picture. It’s about seeing yourself the way other people do - capable, credible, and completely yourself.

14. Recognition

If you’re doing work that puts you in front of people (speaking, pitching, leading teams, applying for roles) you want people to recognise you. A consistent, professional photo helps you build that recognition over time. You’ll start showing up in other people’s feeds more confidently. You’ll look familiar (in a good way). And your face will start to become associated with the kind of work you actually want to be known for.

Book A Photoshoot For Your LinkedIn Profile With Me, Andrew

If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably starting to think that it’s time to refresh your LinkedIn photo. Maybe yours is a few years old. Maybe it doesn’t really feel like you anymore. Or maybe it’s just time to take your online presence a bit more seriously. Whatever the reason, I’d love to help.

I shoot professional photographs for LinkedIn across London (including Wimbledon), and my whole approach is about making you feel comfortable, confident, and actually enjoy the experience. No weird poses. No corporate clichés. Just you - on a really good day. If you’re ready to update your headshot or book a full photoshoot for your LinkedIn profile, drop me a message here. Let’s create something that you’ll actually want to use.