5 TOP PROFILE PHOTO TIPS
Is Your Profile Picture Holding You Back in 2025?
When was the last time you updated your social media profile photo? If it wasn’t in the past 12 months, then 2025 is your sign to do it — and do it properly.
At Social Ocean, we know that your first digital impression matters more than ever. That’s why we’ve elevated our offering to include a professional branding photography experiences that will combine with our other service packages, but more importantly than that – help you with your own DIY marketing. Whether you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or working professional, this added bonus ensures you’re always putting your best face forward.
Let’s talk about why your profile photo matters right now, and what you can do about it.
Why You Need a Profile Photo Refresh
You may have grown your hair, gone platinum, embraced silver streaks, or picked up a fringe (hi, it’s me!). Maybe you’ve dropped 10kg, gained muscle, or simply feel more confident than ever.
Whatever your reason, it’s valid. But it also needs to be visible.
We LOVE seeing our clients and online community showing up as the most current version of themselves. We don’t care why you updated your look. But we do care that your digital image matches the amazing person you are today, and that it positions you professionally and authentically.
So before you hit upload on a new photo, or worse — keep using one from 2018 — run your image through our Top 5 Profile Photo Tips for 2025.
1. Be Instantly Recognisable
Your profile photo should match who someone would expect to see when meeting you in real life. Whether it’s at a networking event, client meeting, or business lunch — your image should help people spot you, not confuse them.
At Social Ocean, over 50% of our social media audit clients need immediate updates to their profile image and banner graphics. And it’s no wonder — your profile photo is the first thing people see on your timeline, comment threads, and inbox messages.
That photo needs to do one job: make people feel like they know you.
2. Don’t Time Travel
Even if your hair or face hasn’t changed drastically, time does funny things. If your photo is older than 12 months, chances are it shows. And no, a professional filter doesn’t fix that.
Age gracefully and professionally. A good headshot with natural lighting, clear eyes, and your real smile is worth more than a decades-old glamour shot. Our branding sessions are designed to capture your personality in the now — not pretend it’s five years ago.
3. Drop the Sunnies
Sunglasses, hats, filters, weird angles… they all create a barrier between you and your audience.
If you wear glasses for reading or vision — keep them on. They’re part of your look. But if you’re shielding your face, squinting in the sun, or hiding behind a selfie at a vineyard, save it for Stories. Your profile photo needs to connect, not confuse.
4. It’s Not a Group Project
One person. One photo.
Your professional profiles shouldn’t include your spouse, your siblings, or your whole bridal party. Even your cutest pet should sit this one out. You don’t want people asking, “Which one is Kirsty?”
Even in a scenic shot, make sure you are clearly the focal point. A blurred background is fine — a blurred YOU is not.
5. Get the Balance Right
Ever tried uploading a great image only to crop your own head off in the preview box? Yep, us too.
The key is to start with a photo that has space around your head and shoulders — not one where your face is pressed to the frame. That way, you can centre your image in the circle crop of LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook without losing scale or symmetry.
NEW IN 2025: Brand Photography, Done For You
At Social Ocean, we’ve added a new layer to help our clients shine online all year round.
Our latest collaboration include a high-energy branding photography experience that will help give you the perfect image assets to use within your marketing. And yes this will meet all five of our profile image criteria above!
Your 2025 Profile Photo Checklist
- Can people recognise you offline?
- Was the photo taken within the last 12 months?
- Is your face clearly visible (no glasses, hats or hair covering)?
- Are you the only person in the image?
- Is your face centred and balanced in the frame?
If you said no to even one of the above, it’s time to book your update.
Final Word: Your Face Is Your Brand
Whether you’re a coach, consultant, tradie, or team leader — your profile photo is one of the most viewed pieces of your brand identity. It’s the visual handshake of the digital world. Make it strong, clear and current. Don’t leave it to chance (or your camera roll). Book your professional branding photo session with Social Ocean and get the online presence you deserve in 2025.
➡️ View the current brand photography session: Visual Vibe Shoot
Here’s a shot from Candice Epthorp from a recent shoot. You can see that photographers will help you take shots that aren’t just for profile photography, making them the perfect addition to your social media schedule.
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