Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate. No longer do we need to have a full face picture for our business cards or headshots. However, taking a great profile picture can be one of the most daunting parts of social media. Whether you use Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest, taking a great photo is essential.
Over the years, we’ve learned a few tips on how to take great profile pictures. So here are our top tips on taking great pictures on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Tips to take a great profile picture
1. Get Up Close and Personal
Have you noticed that most of the best Instagrammers have a very close up view of their subject? We say this because they look into the camera, smile and show off their natural beauty. This is because they know that the closer the picture is, the more detail will be shown. In this same way, try looking at yourself in the mirror and seeing what you look like with a slightly wider angle.
2. Add a Splash of Color
If you are shooting indoors, try adding some color. Natural light creates a nice warm glow, but artificial light will create a more cool effect. The color can either be added by using a plain white wall as the background, or a splash of color can be added by wearing a red scarf or adding a flower into your shot.
3. Create a Compelling Story
This is the same as creating a good headline, in that you need to hook the viewer in. If your profile picture can tell a story, it will attract other people’s attentions and get more engagements.
4. Don’t Forget the Lens!
When you are taking a picture of yourself, make sure you are taking full advantage of the lens on your camera. Many people will snap a picture and then find it in the gallery months later. They will be shocked by how different the photo looks to the one they saw on the screen. You must make sure that you get a nice portrait, so make sure you are standing up straight, holding your hands the right way, etc.
5. Be Inspired
What does your favorite artist or fashion blogger have to say on social media? Maybe they inspire you to start taking better photos, and share your own inspiring posts. If you like their profile pictures, you can model the way they took their profile photos.
And your profile photo may look awesome like theirs.
6. Choose a good lighting
Choose a good quality camera, and always try to shoot during the day as opposed to using the flash. A good rule of thumb for choosing a good picture is that it should look good and not have glare. In other words, it should look clear and sharp.
7. Make sure your profile picture isn’t too large
The ideal profile picture is small, square or rectangular, and has a good amount of detail. If the photo is big, or has too much clutter, you will struggle to see it clearly in your timeline. However, if the profile picture is too small, you won’t stand out, or be noticed.
8. Take a “selfie”
A selfie is a great profile picture. If you can, try to get a selfie taken and upload it to your social media profile. This will mean that you will have a good picture and, as people will see you smiling, you will be able to engage with others more easily.
9. Be original
This one is the most important. You don’t want to look like everyone else. So, think about a unique subject. If you love animals, take a picture of your pet, or maybe a tree or a plant. If you are a sports person, show off your sporty look. Make sure it stands out.
10. Upload the best photos
When you are choosing a picture, make sure that it looks the best. Avoid uploading photos that you took at home, or ones where you are blurry or not the main focus. Make sure that it is a picture that will attract attention and make you look professional.
11. Don’t be too casual
If you are a little on the casual side, and this is showing through in your photos, then it will not look good. Your profile picture is your business card, so make sure that it looks professional and awesome. Try to take a photo of yourself in a formal setting, or in a cool outfit.
We hope these tips will help you to look professional and get the perfect profile picture.
Social Media Profile Picture Ideas
