You might need a professional photo for your institution’s “about us” web page, a conference presentation, an article, social media, or even the CASE website. Follow this advice to present a picture that conveys your professionalism, trustworthiness, and approachability.

1. Choose a photo where you are looking at the camera.
2. Make sure the photo looks like you. If your hairstyle has changed or if the photo is more than three years old, consider a more up-to-date headshot.
3. Avoid distracting backgrounds. Busy streets, intricate paintings, or bold colors can overpower your face. That doesn’t mean you have to go with a plain background. A textured wall or a natural background of trees or flowers make a nice backdrop. You can also use photo editing software to blur a distracting background.
4. Avoid taking a picture of yourself outside on a sunny day, which can cause squinting and create harsh shadows. A better time is right before sunset; photographers call this “the golden hour,” because the sun gives off rich, golden hues that work well for portraiture. Bright cloudy days are also good for evenly lighting your face.
5. If using a smartphone to take a picture, put the setting on portrait mode, which will put your face in sharp focus while blurring the background.
6. Smiling photos are preferable—they make you look approachable.
7. Don’t crop yourself out of a group photo. It doesn’t look professional.

For more advice, read “Everything You Need to Know About LinkedIn Profile Pictures.”