Let’s talk about your profile photo. That tiny square that follows you around the internet, silently screaming things about you before you’ve even typed a word.
It’s your first impression, your personal billboard, your online handshake. And yet, most people give it less thought than what they had for breakfast.
If your profile photo could talk, what would it say? “Trust me, I’m a professional”? Or maybe, “Help, I’ve been trapped in a 2012 LinkedIn headshot crisis”?
Here’s the truth. Your photo speaks volumes before anyone ever reads your bio. It’s the instant gut-check moment when people decide whether to click, connect, hire, or scroll straight past you.
So, what does your current photo actually say about you? Let’s find out.
If your profile photo is a blurry holiday snap where you’ve cropped out your ex, it says you haven’t quite figured out this whole ‘professional image’ thing yet. It says you’re fun, maybe, but also that you didn’t think this through. People will notice the tropical cocktail glass in your hand. They always do.
If it’s a photo of you with sunglasses on, that says you’re hiding something. Maybe you are mysterious. Maybe you’re hungover. Either way, you’re giving off the vibe of someone who doesn’t want to be fully seen. Not ideal when the goal is to look open and approachable.
If you’ve used your company logo instead of your face, that says you’ve forgotten the golden rule of human connection. People connect with people, not graphics. A logo can’t smile, it can’t make eye contact, and it certainly can’t look trustworthy in soft afternoon light.
If your photo was taken against a brick wall in 2010 with the flash on full blast, it says you’ve been busy. Too busy, perhaps, to think about how you present yourself to the world. Or maybe you’re clinging to the comfort of an old image because it feels safe. Either way, it’s time for an update.
If your photo was clearly taken at a wedding where you looked unusually put together, it says, “This is the one time I liked how I looked in a photo, so I’m running with it.” You wouldn’t wear that suit or dress to a client meeting now, so why use it online?
Then there’s the selfie. Ah, the humble selfie. Sometimes fine, often tragic.
The bathroom mirror selfie screams, “I’m not quite sure what’s happening here, but at least I tried.” The car selfie says, “I like my lighting controlled and my seatbelt snug.”
And the upward-angle selfie? That says “I have yet to make peace with the concept of chins.”
But here’s the thing. Your photo doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be you. The real you. The one who laughs, thinks, works, and occasionally has a hair out of place. The magic of a great portrait is that it shows personality without shouting about it.
When I photograph people, I’m not looking for a flawless pose. I’m looking for you on a good day. The way your face lights up when you talk about something you love. The subtle shift when you relax into yourself. The moment the camera stops being a threat and becomes an ally.
That’s the sweet spot.
Because here’s what a great profile photo really says. It says you care. It says you take yourself and your work seriously. It says you’re confident enough to show up and be seen. It tells the world, “This is me, and I’m proud of it.”
And in a sea of AI headshots and over-filtered selfies, authenticity stands out. People can feel when a photo has life in it. They can see the connection, even if they can’t explain it.
So, take a look at your profile photo right now. Really look at it. Does it still represent who you are today? Or is it a relic from a past version of you that you’ve outgrown?
If it’s time for a refresh, don’t panic. You don’t need to be a model, and you definitely don’t need to fake confidence. You just need to show up, be yourself, and work with someone who knows how to bring out your best.
Because your profile photo is saying something, whether you like it or not. Make sure it’s saying the right thing.
