Best Poses for Your LinkedIn Headshot

Let’s be real scrolling through LinkedIn, most people don’t stop to read first. They stop at the photo. A clean, confident headshot grabs attention faster than a flashy headline or a long job title. That small square image carries a lot of weight. It’s your quiet intro before the first message, the handshake before the handshake. 

Best Poses for Your LinkedIn Headshot

If it looks awkward, stiff, or poorly lit, the impression sticks. But when done right, your LinkedIn headshot does more than check a box; it shows personality, confidence, and professionalism all in one glance.

That’s where posing comes in. Not every pose suits everyone, and not every angle works for LinkedIn. Below are some of the best headshot poses and tips that help you stand out for the right reasons.

What Makes a Great LinkedIn Pose?

Before you start thinking about hand placement or shoulder angles, here’s what a good LinkedIn headshot should say: "You can trust me." That doesn’t mean it has to look formal or corporate. It just needs to look like you on your best day at work.

Here’s what helps:

  • Your eyes should look alive. Don’t stare blankly into the camera.

  • Your posture should show confidence, not stiffness.

  • Your expression should look approachable, not forced.

The goal is to keep things simple, sharp, and real.

Best Poses for LinkedIn Headshots

Let’s break it down into some tried-and-true poses that work well for professional LinkedIn headshots.

1. The Classic: Straight-On with a Soft Smile

This one works for just about everyone. Sit or stand tall with relaxed shoulders, gently push your chin forward, and face the camera head-on. Let your smile be easy and natural, not stiff. This is great for a polished, trustworthy vibe. Consider it your reliable choice.

2. Slight Angle with a Confident Gaze

Turning your body slightly to the side and keeping your head turned toward the camera gives your photo some dimension. It also makes you look less rigid. This pose makes you appear relaxed yet confident.

3. Lean-In Pose

Leaning in a bit toward the camera can bring a sense of focus and liveliness. Just don’t overdo it, or you’ll look like you’re popping out of the screen. Keep your posture upright, but let your shoulders subtly shift forward.

4. Hands-Involved Poses (but Subtle)

You don’t always have to crop the photo right at your neck. Sometimes including your hands like a soft chin rest or a thoughtful gesture can look natural and real. Just keep it minimal and avoid crossing your arms too tightly.

5. The Over-the-Shoulder Angle

This one is less common, but it can work well for creatives or people in storytelling roles. It gives a hint of personality while keeping things professional. The key is to avoid over-posing and keep your expression natural.

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Expressions That Actually Work

The best headshots for LinkedIn aren’t just about posture. Your expression matters just as much.

  • Natural Smile: Forced smiles are easy to spot. A genuine one always looks better.

  • Slight Eye Squint: A subtle narrowing of the eyes can add warmth and make you look more engaged.

  • Relaxed Eyebrows: Don’t raise them too high (you’ll look surprised), and don’t furrow them too hard (you’ll look tense).

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Some things look great in fashion photos but don’t work for a LinkedIn headshot.

  • Too much tilt: A dramatic head tilt can look awkward.

  • Arms crossed too tightly: This can make you look closed off.

  • Blank expressions: A serious face is fine, but zero expression can look dull.

  • Exaggerated smiles: If it feels forced, it’ll come across that way.

LinkedIn Headshot Backgrounds To Prefer

Posing is just one part. The background should support you, not distract from you. Here are some solid choices:

  • Neutral studio backdrops: Clean and professional. White, light gray, or subtle gradient backgrounds tend to work nicely.

  • Outdoor backgrounds: If blurred nicely, a park or urban setting can feel approachable.

  • Office environment: A softly focused indoor space adds context without taking the focus away from you.

Make sure the background doesn’t clash with your clothing or skin tone. The aim is to keep you in the spotlight.

Avoid: Bright colors, busy patterns, harsh lighting, and backgrounds that don’t make sense for your line of work.

Wondering what backdrop fits your vibe? Don’t miss the 2025 Headshot Background Guide!

How Ars Nova Images Helps You Look Your Best for LinkedIn

When it comes to headshots for LinkedIn, Joe LeBlanc at Ars Nova Images focuses on more than just camera settings. His approach is all about helping people feel like themselves in front of the lens. Here’s what makes the process easy:

  1. Posing guidance throughout – You’ll get simple cues so you’re never guessing where to look or how to stand.

  2. Natural expressions – Nothing feels forced. The vibe stays relaxed, not stiff.

  3. Lighting that fits you – Setups are adjusted to your skin tone and texture for a clean, flattering look.

  4. Clean, professional backgrounds – They keep the attention on you, not what’s behind you.

Joe works with everyone from execs to creatives. If you’re wondering how to take a LinkedIn headshot that actually looks like you on a good day, this is where that happens.

Schedule Your Session Today!

A Quick Recap

Here’s a short checklist to keep in mind:

  • Shoulders relaxed

  • Chin slightly forward

  • Eyes on the lens

  • Soft, natural smile

  • Slight body angle or lean

  • Background that supports, not distracts

  • Expression that reflects how you want to be perceived

Your LinkedIn headshot is more than just a profile photo; it's often the first time someone sees you in a professional setting. Getting it right starts with the pose. Small details in posture, eye line, and expression go a long way in shaping how others see you.

The best headshot for LinkedIn feels like you on your best day, without looking like you’re trying too hard. And when the posing is guided, the background is clean, and the lighting fits your features, the photo does its job without you needing to say a word.

Ready for a LinkedIn headshot that actually feels like you? Joe LeBlanc at Ars Nova Images knows exactly how to get there.

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