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Mistake 1: You’re Using an Outdated Photo.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 Ugly, outdated, or distracting backdrops should be avoided for any and all headshots.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.

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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!

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Here's the truth 👇🏻

Your headshot has an expiration date. ⏰

If your current headshot is more than three years old, it's time for a refresh.

When someone looks you up before a meeting or collaboration, they're forming their first impression. If your headshot doesn't match who shows up on the Zoom call, it creates an immediate disconnect.

Your headshot should reflect who you are RIGHT NOW. Your current energy. Your current confidence. Your current professional presence. 

✨ THE 3-YEAR RULE:
Update your headshot every 2-3 years, or sooner if you've had a significant change in appearance, role, or brand positioning.

💡 PRO TIP:
If you're hesitant because you don't love being photographed, that's exactly why the right photographer matters. Your session should feel empowering, not vulnerable.

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Here's the truth—these three mistakes are quietly killing your credibility:

1️⃣ Inconsistent visuals across platforms

LinkedIn headshot ≠ Instagram profile ≠ Website photo

This creates confusion and distrust. Your audience needs to recognize YOU instantly, everywhere.

2️⃣ Outdated or low-quality photos

That 2019 selfie or grainy event photo? Not helping.

Professional imagery signals you take your business seriously—so clients can trust you with theirs.

3️⃣ Hiding behind logos or stock photos

People connect with PEOPLE, not faceless brands.

If they can't see the human behind the business, they're scrolling past.

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Investing in professional branding photography isn't just about pretty pictures—it's about building trust and credibility that converts.

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Here's what happens when you bring me to your next conference, team retreat, or company event:

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✨ Everyone leaves with a headshot they're actually proud to use

No awkward office lighting. No scheduling nightmares trying to coordinate individual sessions. Just a smooth, professional experience that makes your entire team look their best.

Your employees get images that elevate their LinkedIn profiles, email signatures, and company materials. You get a team that looks unified and professional across all platforms.

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Know a friend or loved one pouring everything into their small business?

A professional branding session is the kind of gift that truly gives back.

It’s more than new photos — it’s confidence, credibility, and content that helps her attract the clients she’s been dreaming of.

With both Basic and Premium Branding Packages available, there’s an option for every business and every budget.

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Let’s be honest 👇🏻

If you’re scaling your business in 2026, but your photos are still from 2021… something doesn’t align.

Outdated visuals do more than make your website look old — they quietly tell potential clients that your business hasn’t evolved.

📉 They can lower trust.
📉 Confuse your audience about who you are today.
📉 And make your brand feel disconnected from the level you’re actually operating at.

You’ve worked hard to grow your business — your visuals should reflect that.

Authentic, elevated, and aligned imagery shows that you’re confident in your direction and ready for new opportunities.

✨ Let’s create photos that position you where you’re headed, not where you’ve been.

📩 Click the link in my bio to start planning your next-level branding 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.