Spring has a way of making people look at their LinkedIn profile with fresh (and slightly critical 😅) eyes. Maybe you’re going after a promotion, shifting into a new field, updating your website, or realizing your current headshot was taken at a holiday party in 2018.

Whatever brought you here, updating your LinkedIn photo is one of the most impactful things you can do for your career goals right now. And it doesn’t have to feel stiff, stressful, or overly corporate.

One of my favourite things about spring headshot sessions is how beautifully they work for a mix of modern indoor spaces and relaxed outdoor portraits. It gives you more variety, more personality, and images that feel current, approachable, and actually like you.

Why Your LinkedIn Headshot Deserves More Than a Quick Fix

There’s a difference between having a headshot and having the right headshot — one that reflects who you are and where you’re headed professionally.

I work with a lot of clients going through career transitions, and one thing I notice every single time is this: people underestimate how much a photo communicates before a single word is even read.

Your LinkedIn image is often the very first impression someone gets of you. It should feel like you, not like a version of you trying to fit into some corporate mold.

That’s why I call my sessions “not so corporate” headshots. Instead of plain backdrops and stiff poses, I love working in modern, real-world settings like blurred industrial backgrounds, bright airy spaces, soft greenery, and outdoor locations that add texture and personality.

The result is images that feel modern, approachable, and more reflective of who you are than a traditional studio shot.

The Story Behind the Session: What a Career Transition Really Looks Like

Donna came to me specifically to update her LinkedIn profile while stepping into a career transition. She had done her homework, came prepared, took my wardrobe advice seriously, and even asked if she could bring a pop of colour.

Her favourite colour is green, and she wanted something fun alongside her more neutral, polished look. I was immediately on board because a little personality in a headshot goes a long way.

That small question ended up making such a difference.

She brought several outfit options, including this amazing green blazer that photographed beautifully. Then toward the end of the session, she pulled out a bold red lipstick and completely changed the vibe of the photos in the best way.

Suddenly the images felt even more confident, modern, and completely her.

That’s what I love most about these sessions. Sometimes the smallest changes create the biggest shift in how the photos feel.

By the end, she walked away with a beautiful range of images — some polished and professional, some bolder and full of personality — all of them authentic to who she is.

That’s exactly what a great headshot session should give you: options that reflect the full picture of who you are.

What Actually Makes a LinkedIn Headshot Work

1. “Professional” doesn’t mean boring

The old standard was: plain background, neutral outfit, stiff smile.

And yes, there’s still a time and place for a clean, simple headshot. But today, many industries respond far better to images that feel approachable, natural, and modern.

An environmental headshot — taken somewhere with real texture, natural light, and context — can communicate confidence and personality in a way a plain backdrop simply can’t.

2. Wardrobe does more work than people realize

Donna’s green blazer wasn’t just a style choice — it said something about who she is and how she shows up.

Before your session, think about what you want your image to communicate. Bring options. Bring your favourite colour if it feels right.

Every client receives a prep guide beforehand that takes the guesswork out of wardrobe planning completely.

3. You don’t need to know how to pose

This is the one I hear most often:

“I get in front of the camera and I have no idea what to do with my hands.”

Almost everyone feels that way. It’s completely normal.

That’s why I send every client a prep guide ahead of time filled with wardrobe tips, session advice, and guidance for more natural expressions.

I also share my blog post The Headshot Dilemma: “What Do I Do With My Hands? because it genuinely helps people feel less alone in that feeling before they even arrive.

The best advice I can give is this: trust the professional, trust the process, and let yourself have fun with it.

My clients almost always tell me afterward how easy the session felt — and that they actually enjoyed it. That’s honestly my favourite compliment.

4. One great image beats a hundred mediocre ones

You don’t need a gallery of fifty headshots.

You need the right images — the ones that feel like you and support your career goals.

That’s what I’m focused on during every session.

Why This Matters More Than Just a Profile Update

Updating your LinkedIn headshot isn’t just another thing to check off your spring to-do list. It’s a way of showing up for yourself and the direction you’re heading in.

When Donna left her session, she had images that gave her real options. Some felt polished and professional, while others felt warmer, bolder, and full of personality.

That variety matters because you’re not just one thing. You’re evolving, growing, and building something new — and your photos should reflect that too.

If you’ve been putting this off, spring is honestly such a great time to stop waiting. A fresh season, a fresh headshot, and images that feel like the version of you stepping into what’s next.

Ready to Update Your LinkedIn Headshot?

If you’re in the Kitchener-Waterloo area and thinking it might be time for new headshots, I’d love to help.

My sessions are designed to feel relaxed, approachable, and way less awkward than most people expect. You don’t need to know how to pose or have everything figured out before you book — I guide you through the entire process.

Every client also receives a prep guide beforehand with wardrobe tips, session advice, and ways to help you feel more confident going in.

And yes, if you’re already wondering what to do with your hands, you are very much not alone. 😅

Spring sessions are officially underway, and this really is such a great time to refresh your LinkedIn profile, website, or personal brand photos with images that actually feel like you.

Book your session with Portraits by Kendra.