Most people don’t struggle to get a portrait taken.
Sure, it can be a daunting experience at first. Choosing the right photographer. The inevitable small anxiety about ‘posing’ in front of a camera.
But, in my experience, people do struggle to select the right portrait from those taken.
After every shoot, there’s a moment where everything slows down. The lights are off, the camera is packed away, and we sit down together to review the images. This is where the real decision happens.
Which photo represents you?
Not (necessarily) your favourite. Not the one where you think you look “nice”. The one that actually reflects your reputation.
Because those factors aren’t always the same thing.
Your Portrait Is A Stand-In For You
Your portrait photo does a very specific job.
It shows up in places where you are not. On your website. On LinkedIn. In articles, speaker profiles, and search results. It speaks before you do.
So when someone looks at your photo, they aren’t asking whether you look good.
They are asking whether you look credible. Whether you seem trustworthy. Whether you feel like someone they would take seriously.
And they decide all of that in seconds.
Which means the question is not “Which photo do I like?” It’s “Which photo does the job?”
Start With How You Want To Be Seen
Before you look at a single image, get clear on this.
What do you want people to feel when they see you?
Confident. Approachable. Thoughtful. Authoritative. Creative. Calm under pressure. Direct. Warm.
You don’t need all of these at once. In fact, trying to show everything usually results in showing nothing.
Pick two or three that genuinely reflect how you work and how you want to be perceived.
Now look at your photos again.
Which one actually communicates that?
Not in your head. Not because you remember how you felt in the moment. But in the image itself.
If a stranger saw it with no context, would they get the same impression?
That’s the test.
Watch Out For The “Nice Photo” Trap
This is where most people go wrong.
They choose the photo where they look the most relaxed, or the most attractive, or the most like themselves on a good day.
And there is nothing wrong with that, in isolation.
But a “nice” photo isn’t always a useful one.
A soft smile, slightly turned away, eyes not quite engaged with the camera. It might feel natural. It might even be your favourite.
But if you’re a lawyer, a consultant, or a business owner asking people to trust your judgment, that image might be doing you a disservice.
It lacks presence.
On the other hand, some people go too far the other way. Serious expression. Strong lighting. Trying to look powerful.
And they end up looking unapproachable. Scary, even.
Again, the photo might look impressive. But it’s not doing the job.
The right image usually sits somewhere in between.
It feels grounded. Present. Engaged. Like someone who knows what they are doing and is comfortable being seen.
Look At The Eyes First
If you’re unsure which image to choose, start here.
Ignore everything else for a moment. The lighting, the outfit, the background.
Look at the eyes.
Do they feel connected? Do they hold attention? Do they look present?
This is where trust is built.
A strong portrait doesn’t rely on a big smile or dramatic styling. It works because the person in the image feels real and engaged.
If the eyes aren’t right, the rest doesn’t matter.
If they are right, a lot of other things can fall into place.
Consider Where The Image Will Be Used
A portrait is not one-size-fits-all.
The image you use on LinkedIn might not be the same one you use on your website. A speaker profile might call for something slightly different again.
But the underlying message should be consistent.
You should still look like the same person. The same level of confidence. The same presence.
If your LinkedIn photo looks like a corporate ID badge, and your website shows something more relaxed and expressive, there’s a disconnect.
People notice that, even if they cannot quite explain why.
So when you are choosing your image, think about context. Where will this be seen? What is the expectation in that space?
Then choose the photo that fits, without losing who you are.
Get A Second Opinion, But Choose With Intent
It’s useful to get feedback.
Ask a colleague, a friend, or your photographer. See what they notice. See what they feel when they look at the images.
But don’t turn it into a vote or decision by committee.
This isn’t about picking the most popular photo.
It’s about choosing the one that aligns with your reputation and the way you want to show up.
Sometimes, that will be obvious. Sometimes it will feel slightly uncomfortable, because it shows you in a more direct or confident way than you are used to.
That’s often a good sign.
Choose The Photo That Matches The Room You Want To Be In
There is one final filter that helps.
Look at your shortlist and ask this.
Which of these photos belongs in the room I want to be in?
Not the room you’re in now. The one you’re aiming for.
The clients you want to attract. The conversations you want to be part of. The level at which you want to operate.
Your portrait should meet that standard.
Because, whether you realise it or not, it’s already introducing you.
Make sure it’s saying the right thing.
