Types of profile photos and how to take a good one
Last updated: 2026-09-29
A profile photo introduces you before you say anything. What you wear, how you smile and how the light falls depends on where the photo is going, so decide the use first.
The four main types
| Type | Used for | What it looks like |
|---|---|---|
| Resume photo (ID-style) | Resumes, job applications, interviews (passports and government IDs need an unedited original) | Straight on, plain background, neutral expression, size set by the employer |
| Professional headshot | LinkedIn, company pages, business cards, speaker bios | Suit or shirt, approachable and confident, head and shoulders, soft gradient background |
| Actor headshot | Casting, auditions, agencies | Several looks and lighting setups; tight close-ups plus wider shots |
| Beauty profile | Social media, personal keepsake | Bright high-key light, minimal outfit, focus on the face, polished skin |
Tips that work for every type
Clothes
A plain shirt or a well-fitting jacket ages best. Skip big logos and busy patterns, which pull attention from your face, and pick a color that contrasts with the background so your outline stays clean.
Expression
A small closed-mouth smile reads as relaxed and trustworthy. ID photos call for a neutral expression. For actor headshots, bring a neutral, a smile and a serious look.
Pose and angle
Turn your shoulders slightly away from the camera and keep your face toward it. Push your chin a little forward and then down to define the jawline. Small changes in angle and eye line change the mood a lot.
Light
Soft light from one side, like a window, looks most natural. Avoid overhead ceiling light, which casts shadows under the eyes.
Studio or AI headshot?
| Photo studio | AI headshot | |
|---|---|---|
| What you need | Booking, travel, session time | One selfie |
| Time to results | Often days with retouching | Minutes |
| Multiple looks | Extra cost per outfit or setup | Change outfit, background and pose freely |
| Passport / government ID | Yes | No (see the rules) |
Use a studio or photo booth for anything a government office will check. For LinkedIn, company pages and social profiles, an AI headshot that still looks like you is a fast alternative.
Brooklyn is an AI photo app for resume and interview photos, LinkedIn headshots, and actor and social profiles. Pick what the photo is for and try it free first.
FAQ
What are the types of profile photos?
The main types are resume (ID-style) photos, professional headshots, actor headshots and beauty profiles. Each is used somewhere different and needs different clothes, expression and light.
What should I wear for a professional headshot?
A plain shirt or a well-fitting jacket, without large logos or busy patterns, in a color that contrasts with the background.
Should I smile in a headshot?
A small closed-mouth smile works well for professional headshots. ID photos require a neutral expression.
Can an AI headshot be used for a passport?
No. Passport offices, including the U.S. State Department and South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reject photos edited or generated with AI.