How to look better in profile photos

I get asked How to look better in profile photos all the time.

It always suprises me on LinkedIn when people use holiday snaps for their profile photo. In fact last week I was talking to a client about this and they were saying that they take people less seriously when the profile photo is poor.

Obviously I could just say get a professional to take your photo, . They’ve got the equipment, the know-how and the editing knowledge to do it. But not everyone has the time or money for it.

So here are my top tips for how to look better in profile photos if you’re going to take your own.

Face a window or open doorway. Having natural light on your face can make a huge difference to eliminating harsh shadows and wrinkles. Especially if the window is north facing and it’s a bright but overcast or cloudy day.
Put on a bit of lippy (I like the way lipgloss looks in photos ) and do your hair. Sounds obvious but you’ll look and feel better.
Stand or sit side on to the light then turn your head towards the light (and the camera)
If you want a more natural look and a less formal look. Try pulling different faces. Yes you’ll feel stupid but keep clicking away as you’re doing it and you’ll probably catch yourself laughing naturally. My favourite is to try a fake laugh. The idea isn’t to get a photo of you doing the fake laugh but to catch the natural laughter afterwards, as you realise how daft you look.
Use your hands. Lean on them. Touch the side of your face, or maybe rest your chin on them. Brush your hair off your face.

And please whatever you do, don’t use flash. Especially if you’re using your mobile phone.

And if you still can’t get it right, give me a shout!

And when you’re ready, here are three ways that I can help you:

1) Visit my blog for tips on VISIBILITY.

Every week I discuss strategies to improve your visibility, get over your fear of visibility and my latest shoots. Read here

2) Plan a bespoke photoshoot.

We can plan a shoot based on what you actually need (read more) or you could join me at a Branding Day.

3) Join ‘Visibility School’.

Visibility school is a membership group where you get 12 months of photoshoots, a fab little Facebook group and a Visibility Toolkit (new for 2023 members) . Read

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Hi There!

Meet Maryanne

I’m a 40 (ahem something…) year old Yorkshire woman.

I’ve been self employed for 10 years (and a photographer for 18) and I totally understand how difficult it is to be visible in business.

Whether that’s because of a lack of self confidence, feeling a bit frumpy or the physical side effects of peri-menopause (hot sweats and forgetfulness anyone) – I promise you I’ve seen it all and still get great photos at every photoshoot.

I honestly feel so honoured when people book me, because they believe that I really want the best outcome for you. There’s no point having a fancy photoshoot if it doesn’t feel authentic to you.

My aim for every shoot is to get photos and video that you actually want to share… and I’ll be there in the side lines cheering you on!