How to choose your profile photo for social networking sites

If you’re strapped for cash and can’t afford a professional photographer, and you need a photo because you want to promote something on Facebook or another social networking site, what’s the next best alternative?

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinal offers tips from three professional photographers on how to capture the right image. Each has a Facebook page.

From Jessica Kaminski, owner of J. Kaminski Photography:

If you’re taking your own photo, “Hold the hand with the camera higher than normal so you don’t get a double chin in the photo.”

From Kristyna Wentz-Graff, staff photographer at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, who offers this tip if you’re shooting your own photo outdoors:

“Use the early-morning hours before 10 a.m. or early evening hours such as 4, 5 or 6 when the light is most flattering and there’s a beautiful glow in the sky.” The noon sun, she says, will cast shadows that give you raccoon eyes and an elongated nose.

From Janet McMillan, owner, Janet McMillan Photography:

“For me, the best photos are when you can capture something that’s not necessarily so posed, like a true moment.”

For her own photo and a casual, informal look, she used a Holga camera, a toy camera with a plastic lens that takes larger-format film.

The article also offered a great reminder for those of you who want to promote on LinkedIn but don’t want to use a personal photo. Don’t hide behind a corporate logo because the site doesn’t allow copyrighted material.