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Headshot Cropping: How to Make Your Photo Work Everywhere

Tara Flannery is a  Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), Photographic Craftsman, and Master of Photography based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in corporate headshots.  See more headshots in the gallery.  Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

Headshot Cropping 101

Your headshot is more than just a nice photo—it’s your first impression on nearly every digital platform. Whether you’re showing up on LinkedIn, Facebook, your website, or a business card, one thing is certain: how your image is cropped can make or break your presence.

In fact, even the most stunning image can lose impact—or even work against you—if it’s not cropped intentionally.

In this post, we’re covering why headshot cropping matters more than ever, how trends are evolving in 2025, and tips for making sure your headshot is working hard for you across every platform.

Why Cropping Matters More Than You Think

Your headshot doesn’t live in just one place. It shows up:

  • As a tiny circle on LinkedIn
  • In an email signature bar
  • Full-width on a homepage
  • Printed small on a business card

Each of those platforms treats your photo differently—especially when it comes to cropping and formatting.

headshot cropping
Too Far

The Frame Is Tighter Than You Think

Social media platforms often crop headshots into circles or tight squares. If your image is too wide or has too much background, your face may end up tiny—or worse, cut off entirely.

Tip: Leave a little space above your head, center your face, and crop just below the shoulders for a strong, balanced look.

Pro Tip: A 400×400 pixel image works great for LinkedIn and fits most platforms that require smaller sizes.

The 2025 Approach to Headshot Cropping

Photography styles and platform needs evolve. In 2025, here’s what’s trending in headshot cropping:

What’s In:

  • Negative space for text overlays (especially for personal brands and speakers).
  • Wider crops for banner images and email headers.
  • Asymmetrical framing to add visual interest and brand personality.
  • Clean, centered crops for profile images (think LinkedIn and Instagram).

What’s Out:

  • Overly tight crops that feel generic or stiff.
  • Crops that cut off key features (like the top of your head).
  • “One-size-fits-all” images with no flexibility for different uses.
Too Close

Platform-by-Platform Guide: How to Crop Your Headshot

LinkedIn

  • Best crop: Square or vertical, with your face centered.
  • Leave space above your head—LinkedIn displays images as a circle, so avoid anything too tight.
  • Facial recognition matters here. A clear, confident headshot = instant credibility.

Instagram

  • Profile photo: Same rules as LinkedIn—keep it centered, with breathing room.
  • Feed posts: Use vertical (4:5) for best visibility. Include negative space if you’ll add captions or graphics.
  • Carousel tip: A mix of close-ups and wider crops keeps people engaged.

Your Website

  • Homepage or hero banners: Wider, horizontal crops with room for copy/text overlay.
  • Bio or About pages: A mid-close crop—show your face clearly, but leave some space for balance.

Business Cards

  • A small space demands clarity. Use a clean, mid-close crop that shows your head and shoulders clearly.
  • Avoid full-body shots or excessive background.
Just Right

How I Help Clients Prepare for Multi-Use Headshots

When I photograph headshots, I always shoot with flexibility in mind.

That means we capture:

  • Tight, mid, and wide crops
  • Horizontal and vertical formats
  • Backgrounds that allow for breathing room or cropping flexibility

Whether you’re refreshing your LinkedIn, updating your website, or printing marketing materials, your photos will be ready to adapt—not just sit still.

You’re not just getting a headshot that looks good—you’re getting one that works hard across platforms.

Tips to Maximize the Power of Your Headshots

Want to get the most mileage out of your images? Keep these in mind:

  • Communicate where your photos will be used before your shoot.
  • Ask your photographer (me!) for multiple crops and formats.
  • Plan ahead for future branding—consider your site colors, marketing needs, and business card layout.
  • Dress with flexibility in mind—neutrals or brand colors work great across platforms.

The Bottom Line: A Great Crop Creates Connection

Headshot cropping isn’t just a detail—it’s a strategy. When done right, it enhances your brand, builds trust, and helps people recognize and connect with you instantly.

You’ve got one tiny space to make a big impact—let’s make it count.

Need a headshot that’s professionally cropped, formatted, and ready for every platform?
I’d love to help! Book your session HERE.

Tara Flannery is a  Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), Photographic Craftsman, and Master of Photography based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in corporate headshots.  See more headshots in the gallery.  Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

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@taraflanneryphotography

Here’s why 👇🏻

Most people wait for the “perfect” moment—when they’ve lost a few pounds, changed their hair, or finally feel more confident. But here’s the truth: there will always be something you’re waiting on.

Your headshot isn’t about some future version of you—it’s about showing up confidently in the season you’re in today. Because this version of you? The one leading your team, meeting clients, building your business—that’s the version people want to connect with.

When your photo feels authentic and current, it builds instant trust. Outdated or staged images can actually do the opposite, making it harder for people to recognize the real you.

So don’t wait for “someday.” The right time to show up as your best self is always now.

📸 Ready for a refresh? Let’s create a headshot that feels true to you.

DM me to book your session.

#headshotupdate #headshotphotographer #thewoodlandsheadshots #professionalheadshots

3 0
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18098257465620095
Here’s why 👇🏻 Most people wait for the “perfect” moment—when they’ve lost a few pounds, changed their hair, or finally feel more confident. But here’s the truth: there will always be something you’re waiting on. Your headshot isn’t about some future version of you—it’s about showing up confidently in the season you’re in today. Because this version of you? The one leading your team, meeting clients, building your business—that’s the version people want to connect with. When your photo feels authentic and current, it builds instant trust. Outdated or staged images can actually do the opposite, making it harder for people to recognize the real you. So don’t wait for “someday.” The right time to show up as your best self is always now. 📸 Ready for a refresh? Let’s create a headshot that feels true to you. DM me to book your session. #headshotupdate #headshotphotographer #thewoodlandsheadshots #professionalheadshots

🚫 Let’s talk wardrobe no-nos for headshots.

I want you to look polished, confident, and distraction-free in your photos—and sometimes that means skipping certain outfit choices.

For men:

❌ No undershirts peeking through

❌ If you’re wearing a tie, make sure your shirt buttons all the way up

❌ If it doesn’t, we’re ditching the tie

For women:

❌ Skip the sleeveless tops—your arms will compete with your face for attention

✅ A sleeve (even short) helps keep the focus where it belongs—on YOU

The goal? A clean, intentional look that draws people in and keeps their attention right where it should be—your face.

📸 Save this before your session so you can show up ready and confident.

#headshots #headshotphotography #HoustonHeadshots #whattowearforheadshots

15 0
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18082817308920860
🚫 Let’s talk wardrobe no-nos for headshots. I want you to look polished, confident, and distraction-free in your photos—and sometimes that means skipping certain outfit choices. For men: ❌ No undershirts peeking through ❌ If you’re wearing a tie, make sure your shirt buttons all the way up ❌ If it doesn’t, we’re ditching the tie For women: ❌ Skip the sleeveless tops—your arms will compete with your face for attention ✅ A sleeve (even short) helps keep the focus where it belongs—on YOU The goal? A clean, intentional look that draws people in and keeps their attention right where it should be—your face. 📸 Save this before your session so you can show up ready and confident. #headshots #headshotphotography #HoustonHeadshots #whattowearforheadshots

Let`s talk... ⬇️

If your headshot isn’t working on your website, LinkedIn, or social media...

👉🏻 it’s probably not the image.

👉🏻 it’s the crop.

Yep, even the most beautiful photo can fall flat if it’s not framed for the platform it’s on.

Here are 3 common cropping mistakes I see all the time (and how to fix them):

1️⃣ Too Close – When there’s no breathing room, the image feels cramped and overly intense.

2️⃣ Too Far – If we can’t clearly see your face, we lose the connection instantly.

3️⃣ Wrong Shape for the Platform – That rectangle you uploaded to LinkedIn? It just became a circle... and cut off half your head.

✨ The fix? Intentional cropping before you upload—so your headshot looks polished, professional, and approachable everywhere.

Want a headshot that works across all platforms? Let’s create one that does just that.

📩 DM me to plan your session or visit the link in bio to learn more.

3 0
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18033514481698346
Let's talk... ⬇️ If your headshot isn’t working on your website, LinkedIn, or social media... 👉🏻 it’s probably not the image. 👉🏻 it’s the crop. Yep, even the most beautiful photo can fall flat if it’s not framed for the platform it’s on. Here are 3 common cropping mistakes I see all the time (and how to fix them): 1️⃣ Too Close – When there’s no breathing room, the image feels cramped and overly intense. 2️⃣ Too Far – If we can’t clearly see your face, we lose the connection instantly. 3️⃣ Wrong Shape for the Platform – That rectangle you uploaded to LinkedIn? It just became a circle... and cut off half your head. ✨ The fix? Intentional cropping before you upload—so your headshot looks polished, professional, and approachable everywhere. Want a headshot that works across all platforms? Let’s create one that does just that. 📩 DM me to plan your session or visit the link in bio to learn more.

Do you wear glasses all the time? Then they should absolutely be in your headshot.

Because here’s the thing—your headshot should look like you.

If you wear them only sometimes, it’s up to you. But if they’re part of your everyday look, don’t leave them out just because you’re worried about glare.

There are plenty of ways I can minimize reflection—and yes, I’ve got a few creative tricks up my sleeve if needed. 😉

Let’s keep your session real, honest, and true to how you actually show up in the world.

📸 Ready for a headshot that actually feels like you? Send me a message and let’s talk about your session.

7 0
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18058961921344219
Do you wear glasses all the time? Then they should absolutely be in your headshot. Because here’s the thing—your headshot should look like you. If you wear them only sometimes, it’s up to you. But if they’re part of your everyday look, don’t leave them out just because you’re worried about glare. There are plenty of ways I can minimize reflection—and yes, I’ve got a few creative tricks up my sleeve if needed. 😉 Let’s keep your session real, honest, and true to how you actually show up in the world. 📸 Ready for a headshot that actually feels like you? Send me a message and let’s talk about your session.

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Serving the Greater Houston, Texas Area

tara@taraflannery.com

713-412-5437

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Tara is a member of the Professional Photographers of America PPA.
Tara is a Certified Professional Photographer.
Tara is a member of TPPA Texas Professional Photographer's Association.
Tara has earned her Master of Photography degree.
Tara has earned her Photographic Craftsman certification.
Tara is a member of the Professional Photographers Guild of Houston PPGH.