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Mistake 1: You’re Using an Outdated Photo.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 Ugly, outdated, or distracting backdrops should be avoided for any and all headshots.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

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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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@taraflanneryphotography

Your face is the star of your headshot — and how your hair frames it makes all the difference. ✨

Here's what most people miss: hair should frame your features, not compete with them.

✨ Thicker hair? Pull it back to highlight your face. 

✨ Thinner hair? Bring it forward for balance and dimension.

Small adjustments like this help your headshot truly reflect you — confident, polished, and professional.

The goal is simple: when someone sees your photo, they see YOU. Your personality, your confidence, your energy — all in one image.

📩 Want guidance on how to make your headshot look and feel its absolute best?

 📲 DM me to schedule a consultation and let’s create a photo that works for you.

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In Part 3 of our mic’d-up series... 👇🏼

— we’re taking you even deeper behind the scenes. 📸

The posing cues, lighting tweaks, and real-time direction aren’t just “nice touches” — they’re what turn great shots into professional branding assets you’ll actually use.

Branding sessions aren’t just about photos. They’re about creating a library of content that elevates your website, social media, and marketing materials — all while staying true to your personality and brand energy.

My clients are always surprised by how effortless it feels when guidance, strategy, and personality come together on camera. 

You don’t need to be a model — you just need to show up. I’ll handle the rest.

✨ Ready to create a visual story that actually works for your business?

Book a FREE CONSULTATION with the link in my bio!

#BehindTheScenes #ContentStrategy #BrandingTips #MarketingContent #BusinessContent #BusinessGrowth #WomenInBusiness #EntrepreneurLife #MarketingMadeSimple #ShowUpOnline
Here's why a branding session should be on your 2026 business to-do list:👇🏼

Fresh professional photos aren't just about looking polished (though that's nice too). 

Think about it: Your website needs updated imagery. Your social media needs consistent visuals. Your email signature needs a current headshot. Your speaking proposals need professional photos. Your media kit needs variety.

Without a strategic branding session, you're either:

❌ Using the same 3 photos on repeat (hello, stale feed)

❌ Scrambling with last-minute iPhone selfies that don't match your brand

❌ Wasting time every month trying to create new content

A solid branding session gives you dozens of professional images you can pull from all year long. Different backgrounds, different outfits, different vibes—all ready to go when you need them.

Stop recreating the wheel every time you need a visual. Get it done once, use it everywhere.

Ready to stock your content vault? Let's talk strategy.

🔗 To book a FREE CONSULTATION click the link in my bio!

#BrandingPhotography #PersonalBranding #ProfessionalBranding #SmallBusinessBranding #ContentMarketingTips #HoustonBrandingPhotographer
Behind every great brand photo is a whole lot of collaboration, laughter, and intention.

You don’t need to be a model—you need a photographer who knows how to guide, coach, and bring out the energy that aligns with your brand.

In Part 2 of Danielle’s mic’d-up session, we’re showing more behind-the-scenes of what it really looks like when strategy and personality come together on camera.

✨ This is branding photography done with purpose.

Ready to create content that actually feels like you? Let’s build your visual story.

🔗 Click the link in my bio to book a FREE CONSULTATION.

#micdupphotography #brandingsession #brandingphotographer #brandingforbusinesses #professionalbranding
Marketing managers, be honest 👇🏻

How consistent are your team's LinkedIn profiles right now?

Take a quick scroll through your company's employee profiles.

Are you seeing:
→ Different backgrounds and lighting styles?
→ Photos that look like they're from different decades?
→ Some professional shots mixed with casual selfies?
→ A few people still using their college graduation photo?

Here's what happens when your team headshots are all over the place: Your company looks disorganized. Less credible. Less professional than your competitors.

Your team's visual consistency directly impacts how clients perceive your business.

The solution? Event-based headshot sessions that give your entire team cohesive, professional imagery in one efficient appointment.

✨ Same lighting, same style, same professional quality
✨ Everyone photographed at your office during a corporate event
✨ Private galleries so each team member controls their image
✨ Done in hours, not months of scheduling chaos

Is your team due for updated headshots? Let's make it happen.

Ready to elevate your team's professional presence? Link in bio to schedule your consultation.

#teamheadshots #corporatebranding #marketingmanager #corporatephotography #thewoodlandstx #professionalheadshots
Doesn't this look fun? 🤩 📸

The posing cues. The lighting adjustments. The real-time direction that turns good shots into professional brand assets.

Here's what most business owners don't realize: branding sessions aren't just about getting photos - they're about creating strategic content you'll actually use across your website, social media, and marketing materials.

One efficient session = months of professional imagery that elevates your entire business presence.

✨ Ready to build your brand's visual library?

🔗 Click the link in my bio where you can book a FREE CONSULTATION or snag my BRANDING GUIDE.

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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.