Facebook logo
Instagram logo
Pinterest logo
Linked In logo
Tara Flannery Photography logo
Business Headshots
Actor/Model Headshots
Branding
Family Portraits
Senior Portraits
Book a free
consultation
HOMEtake me home
all the latestBLOG
get to know meABOUT
get in touchContact

LinkedIn Profile Photo Mistakes Professionals Should Avoid | Houston Headshot Photographer

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)  and Craftsman based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in corporate headshots and can tell you about LinkedIn Profile Photo Mistakes Professionals Should Avoid.  See more headshots in the gallery.  Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

LinkedIn Profile Photo Mistakes Professionals Should Avoid

LinkedIn can be a powerful platform for professionals looking for new career opportunities and those who want to network. Your LinkedIn profile picture is an integral part of the first impression you create – it gives people some insight into who you are and what your personality is like.

If you want to make sure your LinkedIn profile picture has the right effect, here are a few mistakes to avoid:

Mistake 1: You’re Using an Outdated Photo.

If someone wouldn’t be able to recognize you in person after seeing your LinkedIn profile picture, it’s time for an update. Whether you’ve changed your hair, style, or you’ve simply lost a significant amount of weight, it’s best to update your headshots.

Mistake 2: The Backdrop is Distracting

If your eye is drawn to the background of your photo instead of your face, it’s not the right image. Ugly, outdated, or distracting backdrops should be avoided for any and all headshots.

Mistake 3: You’re Wearing an Unprofessional Outfit

While it’s perfectly fine to wear something that represents your personality and creativity, you should always look professional. What are you currently wearing in your profile photo? Would a potential client or employer find it off-putting? If so, it’s time to update your LinkedIn profile photo.

Mistake 4: Your Profile Photo Lacks Personality

As much as you want to appear professional, your headshot should still tell some sort of story. Using a stiff and overly formal LinkedIn profile picture is a sure-fire way to blend into the background. If you want to stand out, bring a bit of personality into your headshot.

Mistake 5: Using a Poor-Quality Photo

The last mistake you want to avoid is using a low-quality LinkedIn profile picture. If you took it with your phone and the photo looks grainy and unprofessional, it’s time to invest in a headshot session with a photographer.

By avoiding these mistakes, you can upload a LinkedIn profile picture that stands out and tells your personal brand story.

Update Your Headshot

Here are some recent updated headshots…

LinkedIn Profile Photo

LinkedIn Profile Photo Professional

professional woman's headshot
medical professional doctor headshots
professional headshots for women in Houston
medical professional headshots doctor
doctor headshots medical professional headshots
Houston professional headshots

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)  and Craftsman 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!

- INSTAGRAM -

@taraflanneryphotography

When you show up like a pro, doors start opening.

We wrapped this session with a simple truth: “Kyle’s going to go off and do great things.”

And he will—because he’s putting his best foot forward, starting with how he presents himself. A high-quality headshot might seem like a small thing, but it can make a powerful first impression that opens doors to new jobs, clients, or collaborations.

When you look the part, you feel the part—and the world responds accordingly.

📸 Need to refresh your headshot? Send me a message and let`s make it happen!

#headshots

10 0
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18078568405767160
When you show up like a pro, doors start opening. We wrapped this session with a simple truth: “Kyle’s going to go off and do great things.” And he will—because he’s putting his best foot forward, starting with how he presents himself. A high-quality headshot might seem like a small thing, but it can make a powerful first impression that opens doors to new jobs, clients, or collaborations. When you look the part, you feel the part—and the world responds accordingly. 📸 Need to refresh your headshot? Send me a message and let's make it happen! #headshots

Ever wondered why your headshots look flat instead of flattering? 👀

It all comes down to lighting. In the studio, I use one main light source and strategically placed reflectors to bounce light and fill in shadows. This creates that soft, even glow that makes you look approachable and polished—while still keeping a touch of shadow to add shape and dimension to your face.

Flat lighting can make your features disappear. The right lighting makes you stand out. ✨

Ready to finally love your headshots?

📩 DM me or click the link in bio to book your session today.

#headshots #thewoodlandstxphotographer #headshotphotographer #headshottips

10 0
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18101432104594547
Ever wondered why your headshots look flat instead of flattering? 👀 It all comes down to lighting. In the studio, I use one main light source and strategically placed reflectors to bounce light and fill in shadows. This creates that soft, even glow that makes you look approachable and polished—while still keeping a touch of shadow to add shape and dimension to your face. Flat lighting can make your features disappear. The right lighting makes you stand out. ✨ Ready to finally love your headshots? 📩 DM me or click the link in bio to book your session today. #headshots #thewoodlandstxphotographer #headshotphotographer #headshottips

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

4 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

16 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.

4 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.

- STAY IN TOUCH -

Serving the Greater Houston, Texas Area

tara@taraflannery.com

713-412-5437

Facebook logo
Instagram logo
Pinterest logo
Linked In logo

FloDesk FREE STYLE GUIDE

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.