How to choose a photographer for LinkedIn and business portraits

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Decide where the image will appear

LinkedIn, a team page and your own website may need slightly different pictures. Write down the purpose, preferred style and any employer requirements. A recognisable face against an uncomplicated background is useful for a profile, consistent with National Careers Service advice ↗.

An expensive session is not a prerequisite for starting a job search. Try a tidy daylight photograph first. Check CV instructions separately: having a LinkedIn photograph does not mean it belongs in every application.

Choose the photographer

Look for a headshot or business-portrait portfolio. Check whether subjects look like themselves, retouching is natural and examples show the lighting and background you need. Compare complete sets rather than one striking promotional photograph.

In your initial enquiry, state the area, date, intended use, studio or location preference and number of final images. Ask whether the photographer provides posing and selection guidance. For a team website, obtain background and aspect-ratio specifications beforehand.

Establish the complete price

Clarify session length, outfit changes, studio hire, makeup, selection, retouching, additional images and delivery time. Compare the final total including compulsory extras. Check deposit, cancellation and illness-related rescheduling terms.

Specify deliverables: high-resolution colour JPEGs, a web version and enough space for a square crop. Printed material may need other dimensions. Ask how many revisions are included and agree on natural editing without changing facial features.

Agree usage rights

Paying for a shoot does not ordinarily transfer copyright automatically. The Intellectual Property Office ↗ recommends agreeing a licence for the uses you need.

Request permission for LinkedIn, websites, professional publications and advertising if relevant. Clarify duration, territory, supplying the file to your employer and cropping. Separately decide whether the photographer may publish the image in their portfolio. Save the contract and licence with the final files so a future website or job change does not require reconstructing the agreement.