Photo Tips: Taking a Great Profile Photo

Get the lighting right

• Face a natural light source — a window indoors or open shade outdoors gives soft, flattering light.
• Never stand with a light source behind you. Backlighting puts your face in shadow and makes your features difficult to see.
• Avoid harsh overhead light (such as midday sun directly above), which casts unflattering shadows under your eyes and nose.
• Shooting during golden hour — shortly after sunrise or before sunset — gives warm, even outdoor light.
• If you are wearing a hat, the brim will shade your face. Use fill flash or move into direct light to compensate.
• Good lighting prevents your photo from appearing dark and grainy — always aim for a bright, well-lit environment.

Frame your shot well

• Leave a small amount of space above your head — do not cut off the top of your hair or hat.
• Crop out excessive empty space around you. You should fill a comfortable portion of the frame — not float in a sea of background.
• Use portrait orientation (vertical) for the best fit on your profile.
• Position your eyes in the upper third of the frame for a natural, balanced composition.
• Do not zoom in so tightly that the shot feels claustrophobic, but do not stand so far away that your face is small.

Choose a clean background

• A plain wall, natural greenery, or a calm outdoor setting works well.
• Avoid busy, cluttered backgrounds that compete for attention with your face.
• Check for distracting objects — poles, signs, or other items that appear to grow from your head.
• Neutral or complementary colours in the background help you stand out.

Use your camera well

• Hold your phone steady, or use a tripod, to avoid motion blur.
• Use portrait mode to keep the focus on your face and blur the background slightly.
• Clean your camera lens before shooting — smudges cause haze and reduce sharpness.
• Position the camera at eye level or very slightly above. Shooting from below is generally unflattering.
• Use a self-timer or ask someone else to take the photo — this frees you to look natural rather than holding a phone.

Let your personality show

• A natural, relaxed expression is more inviting than a forced pose.
• Look directly into the camera — it creates a sense of eye contact and connection.
• Wear something you normally wear and feel comfortable in.
• Avoid heavy filters that significantly change how you look — people want to recognise you when you meet.
• A genuine smile, even a subtle one, is more engaging than a blank expression.

Quick checklist before you submit

For a full list of what is and is not allowed, see our Photo Guidelines.