Changing your headshot on your iPhone is a quick and easy process that allows you to update your photo across various apps and services. In this article, we’ll walk through the steps to change your headshot directly on your iPhone so you can keep your profile picture up-to-date.
What is a headshot?
A headshot is a portrait photo that clearly shows a person’s face. Headshots are commonly used for profiles on social media, professional networks like LinkedIn, and more.
A good headshot should:
- Show your face clearly
- Have you looking directly at the camera
- Have a simple background that doesn’t distract from you
- Be well-lit so your face is visible
- Only show from at least the chest or shoulders up
Having an up-to-date headshot helps put a face to your name and creates a consistent professional image across your online profiles.
Why update your iPhone headshot?
Here are some key reasons you may want to change your headshot on your iPhone:
- You got a new professional headshot taken
- Your appearance has changed (new hairstyle, glasses, etc.)
- Your old headshot is outdated
- You want to refresh your look
- You’re creating profiles on new apps/websites
Updating ensures your current appearance and style is reflected across all the services where you have a profile picture or headshot set. It’s a quick way to keep your personal brand consistent.
How to change your profile picture on iPhone
The fastest way to change your iPhone headshot is by updating your profile picture that’s used across many system apps and services. Here’s how:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap on your name at the top of the menu.
- Tap on the existing profile picture to change it.
- Select Choose a New Photo to pick from your photo library or Take Photo to take a new selfie right away.
- You’ll be prompted to adjust and confirm the cropping for your new profile photo.
- Tap Choose to set your new iPhone headshot.
This will automatically update your photo in places like iMessage, FaceTime, Apple ID account settings, and more.
Changing your headshot in specific apps
In addition to the system-wide profile picture, you may also want to update your photo in individual apps. Here’s how to change your headshot in some popular apps:
- Open the Facebook app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines).
- Scroll down and select Settings & Privacy > Settings.
- Tap Profile and Tagging.
- Tap your profile picture and select Change Profile Picture.
- Choose a new photo and adjust the cropping.
- Save your new Facebook profile photo.
- Go to your profile tab in the Instagram app.
- Tap Edit Profile next to your name.
- Tap the existing profile picture, then Edit Profile Photo.
- Choose a new photo, adjust cropping, and tap Done.
- Open your profile on the LinkedIn mobile app.
- Tap the pencil icon to edit your profile.
- Tap on your profile picture.
- Choose to take a photo, upload a file, or select from your LinkedIn photos.
- Crop the image if needed.
- Tap Save.
- Tap your profile icon in the Twitter app.
- Tap your profile picture and then Edit profile photo.
- Select a new photo from your camera roll or take a new one.
- Drag to crop it appropriately.
- Tap Done to set your new Twitter headshot.
Tips for taking a good headshot
If you want to take a new headshot directly on your iPhone, keep these tips in mind:
- Use the rear camera for better image quality vs. the front camera.
- Take the photo outside for soft, even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight which can cast harsh shadows.
- Look directly into the camera and hold the phone at eye level or slightly above.
- Frame from the chest or shoulders up only.
- Wear professional or neutral-colored clothing free of logos or graphics.
- Maintain good posture by keeping your shoulders back.
- Relax your facial expression instead of smiling or frowning.
- Take multiple shots and review them to choose the most flattering option.
Ask someone to take the photo for you if possible. Having them take multiple shots while you slightly adjust your pose and expression can help get great results.
Cropping tips for headshots
Once you select a new headshot photo, you’ll need to crop it appropriately before setting it as your profile picture. Follow these cropping guidelines:
- Get closer to a head and shoulders crop vs. full body.
- Leave more space above the head than below the chin.
- Center your face in the frame.
- Maintain a balanced amount of space on the left and right.
- Don’t crop in too tightly, allow some breathing room around your face.
- Make sure your entire face and head are visible without cutting anything off.
Cropping appropriately helps put the emphasis on your face and expression. Preview the cropped photo and adjust as needed until you have a profile-ready headshot.
Should I edit my photos?
Light photo editing can help perfect your iPhone headshot, but don’t go overboard. Here are some editing tips:
- Use the Photos editing tools to adjust lighting, contrast, sharpness, etc.
- Remove any blemishes or distractions in the background using retouch tools.
- Avoid using filters and stick to natural coloring.
- Don’t distort your face shape or over-smooth skin textures.
- Make sure edits look natural and don’t alter the original lighting.
Subtle edits that optimize contrast, lighting, and focus are okay. But drastic edits that make the photo look artificial should be avoided for professional headshots.
Should I include other people or props?
For professional purposes, your iPhone headshot should include only you. Here are some specific guidelines:
- Don’t include other people – crop them out if needed.
- Avoid props like hats, sunglasses, earbuds, or jewlery.
- Make sure there are no objects in the background that are distracting.
- The focus should be entirely on your face.
Having a simple portrait photo makes your headshot easy to use across different services and profiles. Unique props or elements in your photo also make it harder to reuse consistently.
How do I update all my profiles easily?
Instead of changing your headshot one platform at a time, you can update multiple profiles in just a few taps using a contacts app like HiHello.
Here’s an overview of how it works:
- Take a new headshot on your iPhone.
- Import the new photo to your HiHello contacts profile.
- HiHello will give you the option to update your picture across various platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc.
- Review and confirm the profile update suggestions.
- HiHello will automatically push your new headshot photo to all selected platforms.
This makes it easy to update your headshot in a bunch of places all at once in just a few minutes!
Should I redo my headshot every year?
You don’t need an entirely new headshot every year. But updating your photo approximately every 2 years can help keep your look current.
Consider refreshing your headshot if:
- You’ve significantly changed your hairstyle, facial hair, etc.
- You’ve transitioned to a new career/industry.
- Your branding has changed.
- Your old headshot just looks outdated.
Even if your look hasn’t changed much, a fresh headshot can represent your professional growth and evolution over time.
Conclusion
Keeping your online headshot updated is an easy way to improve your personal branding and put your best face forward. With your iPhone, you can take a great new profile photo and change your picture across different platforms in just a few minutes.
Focus on getting a crisp, well-lit head and shoulders photo with a simple, neutral background. Take multiple shots and select the most flattering option. Edit lightly if needed to achieve ideal lighting, color and focus.
Cropping appropriately and avoiding props or other people in the shot creates a professional, reusable headshot. Use a contacts management app to quickly update all your profiles in one step.
Refresh your online headshot about every 2 years or whenever your look significantly changes. Follow the tips in this guide to take and edit great iPhone headshots, and you’ll always have a profile picture that represents the professional, updated you.