Freelancers, it’s time to show the world your best side — literally. Your profile picture is often the first impression potential customers get, so it’s important to make it count? The end of the year is a perfect time to update your digital presence and online bios — including your FlexTal Talent profile. When you’re updating your accomplishments and highlights from the past year, don’t forget to focus on your profile photo. A polished headshot can help set the tone for your overall image. And the best part? You don’t need a fancy studio setup. Just a personal camera or your smartphone, some time, and a little creative thinking can produce a headshot that spruces up your profile.
With holiday gatherings and New Year’s celebrations at hand, you’re probably already finding a few occasions to dress to impress. Let’s make that elevated outfit and attention-grabbing hairstyle work doubletime by snapping an updated headshot before the festivities get underway. Grab your phone, enlist a willing friend or family member, and follow these tips to elevate your image with a professional-looking profile photo.
Lights, Camera, Background!
- Be Yourself
Just because you’re getting dressed up for the holidays and snapping a new headshot, it doesn’t mean you have to change who you are. Be sure the photograph looks like a professional representation of you — if you’re creative, don’t let the photo be stodgy; if your personality is more serious, choose a more conservative environment and facial expression. Whoever you are, select an outfit, background, and pose that reflects your identity. - Find the Perfect Lighting
Natural light is your best friend — but not when it’s behind you. Position yourself facing a window during the day, ideally in soft, diffused light (think early morning or late afternoon). Avoid direct sunlight, which can cast harsh shadows. If indoors, a lamp with a soft, warm light placed slightly to the side can work wonders. Often, holiday lights can provide the perfect off-camera soft glow — especially if you can find a spot where the lights are all around you, casting an evenly distributed light and minimal shadows. - Choose a Background
Professional doesn’t mean boring. But don’t get too crazy with festive decor, holiday-time photos don’t need to be holiday-themed. If your photo is focused too heavily on one particular season, it may not age well or be appropriate for year-round use. Look for neutral and tidy settings around the house, restaurant, or party venue:- A solid-colored wall (white, gray, or beige works great).
- A bookshelf or clean desk setup for a modern, creative vibe.
- A curtain or textured fabric hung neatly as a backdrop.
Remember to keep the focus on you by minimizing distractions.
- Camera Setup Tips
- Clean your camera lens for maximum clarity.
- Use portrait mode if your smartphone has it. This creates a softly blurred background for a polished, professional look.
- Position the camera at eye level for the most flattering angle. A stack of books, a tripod, or a patient friend can help.
Picture-Perfect Pose and Polish
- Dress the Part
Since you might already be considering your festive finest, lean into it. Choose colors that flatter your skin tone and avoid busy patterns. A simple top, monochromatic shirt-sweater combo, or well-appointed blazer can work wonders. - Mind Your Hair and Makeup
Go for a neat, natural look. If you’ve already scheduled a holiday Glow Up, you’re ahead of the game! Before you snap your fresh new headshot, give a quick touch-up to smooth flyaways or add a bit of polish — small details can go a long way. - Master Your Pose
Sit or stand up straight, with your shoulders relaxed. Angle your body slightly to the side and turn your head toward the camera for a friendly, approachable look. While Tyra Banks may have coined the term “Smize” to encourage everyone to smile with their eyes, science calls that a Duchenne smile. Research seems to suggest that not only is a Duchenne smile considered more authentic, trustworthy, and sincere, it can also work to influence your emotional state and improve your mood.
Recruit a Patient Photographer
A holiday gathering or end-of-the-year party is a perfect opportunity to rope in a family member (or patient friend) to be your photographer. Be sure to pre-plan this with them so they don’t feel you’ve pulled them away from the celebration. You may be able to take their photo, in turn, making it a holiday win-win.
- Start Early: Don’t wait until the party is underway — definitely don’t wait until it is out of hand. Plan to do your DIY photoshoot before the festivities get started, this will ensure your outfit and hair are still picture perfect and gets it out of the way so you can enjoy the celebration with the other guests.
- Give Clear Instructions: Explain that you want your face to be the feature in the frame, instruct them to keep the photo simple and focused on your head and shoulders, not the festive decorations.
- Use Their Height: Make sure they’re holding the camera at your eye level or slightly higher.
- Take Multiple Shots: Experiment with angles, lighting, and poses. The more options you have, the better. You can always delete extra shots, but you cannot easily rebuild the moment if you don’t get a winning photo — plus, we’re not using 35mm here, so “film” is free.
Post-Snap Editing Tips
Don’t worry if your photo isn’t perfect straight out of the camera — editing can add the final touch.
- Apps to Try: A few suggested photo editing apps include: Snapseed, Lightroom Mobile, or Lensa. Plus there’s always your phone’s built-in photo editor.
- Keep It Subtle: Adjust brightness, contrast, and sharpness, but avoid heavy filters that change your natural look.
- Crop for Focus: Trim excess background to keep the attention on your face. Utilize your phone’s Portrait Mode settings to blur the background more or less to keep the focus on you.
New Year, New Opportunities
Updating your headshot is more than just a refresh; it’s a step toward presenting your best self to potential customers. And what better time than the holidays, when you’re already dressed to impress? Take advantage of those festive vibes, grab a helper, and create a headshot that reflects your professionalism, confidence, and creativity — while celebrating you and your persona.
After all, your photo isn’t just a profile picture — it’s a calling card that speaks volumes about who you are. So, strike a pose, snap away, and step into the new year with a profile that’s as polished and professional as your talent.
