Professional headshot on LinkedIn and CV – improve the effectiveness of your profile!

Tamara Małasiewicz - dyrektor zarządzająca SIDiR, fotograf: Krzysztof Zaleski — Tamara Małasiewicz – managing director SIDiR

Piotr Szewczyk - przedsiębiorca, fotograf: Krzysztof Zaleski — Piotr Szewczyk – entrepreneur

LinkedIn is a promotional tool, thanks to which you can create a positive image of yourself and your company. The key to success is to create a personal profile that is credible to the recipients, where you will not only praise your achievements, but also present yourself from the best side. How to make your personal profile more interesting? By posting a great headshot picture on LinkedIn (every serious profile has a picture these days). Your profile picture generates a lot of traffic to your website. In the case of LinkedIn, it is as important as graduating from a good school.

Unfortunately, we often do not care to spice up the profile with a photo that will represent us with dignity. We don’t realize how much money we lose because of an unattractive or the wrong type of profile picture (some people think that anyone can take a good picture – unfortunately, it’s easy to judge, that the picture was taken by an amateur). Especially since professional business photos are already standard in many companies. Therefore, no matter what you do – take care of the quality of your LinkedIn photo and your professional image!

Why do we forget to take a picture on LinkedIn? Does not having a profile picture have serious consequences?

The reason is simple – we focus on creating a substantive CV, thinking that it will be enough for a company profile. Let’s treat taking a profile picture as a minor addition. As a result, our business card becomes the photo from the ID card (some LinkedIn users add photos from their holidays), it happens that such a photo is several years old … This is a big mistake – such a photo can be chosen for social networking sites, but in the case of a LinkedIn profile photo you need to try harder (it is worth investing in a business session or trying to take the perfect photo yourself).

Why is the photo so important? According to the Passport-Photo Online report, 96% of LinkedIn users believe a great profile picture inspires confidence. What’s more, 80% of respondents believe that a LinkedIn profile with a photo allows you to get to know a person better. Remember that there are potential clients of your company among them (this should mobilize you to take appropriate photos) – by downplaying such an important issue as the photo in the background of your personal profile, you lose the chance to start an interesting cooperation.

Freelancers and those starting a career should also take care of a photo that matches the LinkedIn portal (a good LinkedIn profile will make us start earning). Reason? 71% of recruiters admit that they have rejected a candidate at least once because of their profile photo – despite the appropriate professional qualifications. And almost 4 out of 10 recruiters do this regularly… As you can see, what type of photo you choose is of great importance.

Application? A seemingly trivial issue, such as whether you have a good photo or not, can deprive you of the chance to establish business relationships and, consequently, earn money. You must remember that hardly anyone will trust someone who doesn’t have time to complete their LinkedIn profile with a high-quality photo (professional LinkedIn profile is your priority).

Waldemar Skorupka – doradca strategiczny, fotograf: Krzysztof Zaleski — Waldemar Skorupka – strategic advisor

Joanna Grącka – manager sprzedaży, fotograf: Krzysztof Zaleski — Joanna Grącka – sales manager

LinkedIn Business Profile: Choose a photo or lose money

Although in theory clothes do not make the man, in business it is of great importance. Without a cover photo that showcases your best features, you will not only miss out on a profit opportunity. Except that:

you will not attract the attention of visitors, as a result they will not get acquainted with your profile and offer;
you will not make a good impression on the recipients and you will not gain their trust (just take a professional photo to change this);
you will discourage many people from following your profile or contacting you;
you will not effectively develop your personal brand and make it difficult for potential customers to find you or your company in the future;
you will increase the risk of losing potential customers – a profile picture placed on LinkedIn that does not emphasize your strengths may be a reason to give up contact or purchase.

Relevant profile picture: Choose a picture to increase sales

What type of LinkedIn photo can help you increase sales and build a positive professional image? Be sure to select a photo by following the instructions below:

Make sure your LinkedIn profile photos look professional and up-to-date. Over the years, the appearance of each person changes. Sometimes very clearly – friends stop recognizing us on the street. What if a potential client or business partner doesn’t recognize us? This can lead to an awkward situation and negatively affect our credibility. So make sure your LinkedIn profile picture is always up to date.
Take care of professional clothes. A well-tailored suit or elegant dress will work. Add delicate make-up, refreshed hairstyle and voilà – you can start the session. If you are a firefighter, it is better to replace the suit with a uniform, because it builds credibility.
When you are wondering which photo to choose – remember about the background. Preferably one that will not distract from you. Uniform will be appropriate, but it can also refer to what you do or where you work. The key is to make it aesthetic, neat and allow you to play the main role in the photo.
Be positive. Appropriate facial expressions can work real miracles and show the recipient that you are a reliable and sincere person. A LinkedIn profile picture should evoke positive feelings, so don’t be afraid to smile on it (this type of picture will be really well received) – this way you will build trust and shorten the distance that separates you from a potential client.
Avoid private photos. Your LinkedIn profile picture can help, but it can also hurt. There are several types of photography that appear frequently on LinkedIn, but which, instead of encouraging, scare away. I suggest that the LinkedIn profile picture should not be a holiday photo (this type of photo will work well on dating sites), a “selfie”, a photo from an ID card. Also remember that the lack of any profile picture is disqualifying!

Paulina Mazur - ekspertka Employee Advocacy, fotograf: Krzysztof Zaleski — Paulina Mazur – Employee Advocacy expert

Piotr Michalak - przedsiębiorca, fotograf: Krzysztof Zaleski — Piotr Michalak – entrepreneur

Is it worth taking a profile picture yourself?

Let me be clear – no. And there are 3 reasons for this: lack of appropriate equipment, lack of conditions, as well as lack of knowledge and experience. If you look at a LinkedIn photo posted by a specialist in any industry, you will certainly notice that it is sharp, has perfect colors and makes the person on it look professional. The vast majority of these photos are the work of an experienced photographer.

A picture on LinkedIn is your investment, so you should use the help of a professional. It also guarantees that the effect will be excellent, and that profile photography will be one of the key elements of your strategy from now on.

Professional LinkedIn profile picture – what should be the dimensions of the profile picture?

An issue that cannot be forgotten is the dimensions of LinkedIn graphics. Only the right size photos will look good. The optimal dimensions of a profile photo are 400×400 px, and 300×300 px in the case of a company profile.

To sum up…

Many people underestimate the role of the profile picture on LinkedIn. As a result, they lose the chance to make the right impression on a potential employer or business partner. Don’t make the same mistake and make sure you post a professional portrait of yourself in a favorable way on your profile.

I’ll be happy to help you with that!

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Testimonials

I had the pleasure of using Krzysztof Zaleski’s business portrait services and I am absolutely delighted with the results. Krzysztof is truly a magician behind the lens—I have never looked so good in a photo! His professionalism, attention to detail, and ability to create a relaxed atmosphere during the session are invaluable. If you’re looking for a photographer who can capture your best, I highly recommend Krzysztof. Thank you for a great experience!

Krystian Lewecki Head Of Legal Affairs
Krzysztof demonstrates full professionalism and remarkable commitment to his work. The photo session took place in a calm, warm, and empathetic atmosphere. He is not only a great specialist but also a very nice person. Krzysztof provides valuable advice and guidance, which makes you feel confident and at ease in front of his lens. The results were delightful—beautiful portraits that truly show emotion.
My sincere gratitude—and I wholeheartedly recommend him.

Beata Rubanowicz Ophthalmologist
I definitely recommend Krzysztof Zaleski.
For years, at various stages of my career, I have turned to him whenever I needed professional photos—not just business ones. Krzysztof is a true professional with a perfect understanding of business needs and goals. He is also flexible and quick to act. I recommend him to anyone looking for something more in their photos.

Michał Świderski Marketing Manager, Management Advisor
Krzysztof is an excellent professional who focuses on working with people, not just the technical side of photography. Thanks to this, the quality and authenticity of his photos are outstanding. He knows how to bring out a person’s character and highlight their best features.
It was a great pleasure to work with such a professional.
Thanks again.

Paulina Romaniszyn General Manager at STADA Group
I have worked with many photographers, but Krzysztof Zaleski truly stands out. He is dedicated to achieving that “wow” effect for his clients, always going the extra mile to ensure outstanding results.
I wholeheartedly recommend his services.

Sergiusz Trzeciak Expert in political marketing, public image shaping and personal branding
Working with Krzysztof is fantastic—stress-free and relaxed, yet very professional. Even before the session, we received detailed tips on what clothes to bring and which patterns or colors to avoid, which was very helpful. During the photo session, Krzysztof gave specific advice but also allowed for our own inventiveness and moments of fun. Through thoughtful conversations and insightful questions, we were able to clearly define the style and mood of the photos. Krzysztof is exceptionally considerate and professional. I highly recommend his services to anyone who isn’t used to being in front of the camera and wants photos that are creative, relaxed, and refreshingly unique.
Aneta Stawicka Communication and Education Manager Rekopol SA
Taking photos of myself is, to say the least, not my favorite activity. However, my session with Krzysztof was both comfortable and efficient. I’m very happy with the results. He approaches his clients with true professionalism. I highly recommend him to anyone.

Andrzej Kotfis Andrzej Kotfis SME/SOHO Sales Director Orange Polska
Krzysztof Zaleski was recommended to me by a friend, and I am really glad I finally had the chance to use his services. Krzysztof took several business portraits for me, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. The session was smooth and enjoyable, conducted with complete professionalism. I’m grateful to have worked with someone so passionate, approachable, and warm. I highly recommend Krzysztof to anyone—our image truly matters, and he has a remarkable talent for bringing out the best in people.
Beatrice Bouchet President of the Management Board B&B Hotels Poland.
I asked Krzysztof to take some business photos for me, and working with him was an absolute pleasure. He was incredibly friendly and welcoming, making it easy for us to connect right away. Krzysztof’s attention to detail and commitment to achieving the best possible results truly stood out. The final photos were delivered promptly and were exceptional in both technical quality and overall presentation. I enthusiastically recommend Krzysztof for business photography assignments.
Marek Kowalczyk MANDARINE Project Partners
Mr. Krzysztof Zaleski has conducted several business photo sessions for MGW Corporate Consulting Group Sp. z o.o. Each session was carried out professionally and with great commitment. Thanks to his interpersonal skills, Mr. Krzysztof creates a kind and friendly atmosphere and photographs in a way that highlights the subject’s character. We also value his good communication, both by phone and email, which positively influences our cooperation. We are pleased to recommend Mr. Krzysztof Zaleski as a reliable, competent, and passionate business photographer.
Małgorzata Janic Sales Support Specialist at MGW Corporate Consulting Group Sp. z o.o.
If you’re looking for someone who not only captures beautiful photos but also pays meticulous attention to every detail during the session, I highly recommend Krzysztof. His keen sense of style and the positive, welcoming atmosphere he creates are truly guaranteed.
Weronika Jelińska Legal counsel
I highly recommend Krzysztof Zaleski’s services. I truly appreciate his professionalism, flexibility, and unwavering kindness. From our very first contact and throughout the entire process, we experienced excellent communication, openness to our needs, and genuine understanding. Thanks to Krzysztof, our photo session for 20 people went smoothly and efficiently. What sets Krzysztof apart is his remarkable empathy and deep understanding of business goals, as well as his fantastic approach to photographing people. The same level of dedication is evident in his careful selection of photos and meticulous post-production work. We are thoroughly impressed by his professionalism, the quality of the photos, and his positive attitude toward both the session and his clients.
Katarzyna Gorczyńska PR Manager at Plej Advertising Agancy
Meeting a photographer who genuinely enjoys his craft and working with people often leads to results that far surpass initial expectations. That was exactly my experience with Krzysztof, and I am truly grateful for it.
Tomasz Chodkowski President in Grenevo Polska Sp. z o.o.
I have worked with Krzysztof on numerous business photo sessions—both individual and team shoots, including the “Lawyer through the Lens” project. Every session with him is a truly special experience: the friendly atmosphere, his patience, and genuine commitment make you feel at ease and truly at the center of attention. Krzysztof collaborates with a trusted team that takes care of every detail, ensuring that the results are always impressive. His portraits help you believe in yourself and consciously build your image—not just in business. If you want to feel truly special, I highly recommend a business photo session with Krzysztof. If you’re looking for exceptional results, look no further.
Monika Muracka Development Manager, Marketing for Lawyers
It’s worth investing in a professional image at every stage of your career. For years, I used photos that were taken rather “on the fly” whenever my articles were published. I have to admit, it wasn’t until I started working with Krzysztof Zaleski that I realized how valuable a personalized approach from a business photographer can be. Krzysztof stands out not only for his professionalism, openness, and creativity, but also for his unique method of working with clients—he takes the time to talk, get to know your personality and goals, and then suggests his own original ideas for the photos. As a result, each session is unique and perfectly tailored to your needs. His commitment and attention to detail ensure that the results exceed expectations. Working with him is a true pleasure and an inspiring experience. He’s an outstanding choice for anyone seeking professional business photography.
Grzegorz Turniak Owner of Akademia Rekomendacji
I had the pleasure of working with Krzysztof Zaleski on an advertising project involving major clients of my company. The project was challenging, as it required treating participants with particular sensitivity and achieving the desired results amid the fast-paced demands of print production. Krzysztof handled everything exceptionally well, creating a pleasant atmosphere that helped save my clients’ time and reduced their stress. His professionalism resulted in a series of excellent photos that appeared on the covers of professional magazines and at the Agfa Graphics stand during the “Poligrafia 2007” fair in Poznań. I highly recommend working with Krzysztof Zaleski!

Paulina Suchodolska AGFA GRAPHICS