25 tips to taking a better profile picture

A good profile picture is essential these days — especially when it comes to the web and social media. After all, it’s called “Facebook” for a reason. If you want your photo to stand out, says Kodak, it should give people a peek at your personality.

Provided by our friends at Kodak Canada, the following are a handful of tips to keep in mind when considering new profile pics. And feel free to leave your own tips in the Comments section. What’s worked for you?

OK, here we go:

Let your personality pop

Have someone snap a few shots as you jump in the air, hang upside down, or dance to your favourite song.
 
Be a rock star. Wave your hair and pump your fist in the air like you don’t care.
 
Dress it up. Put on your sports uniform, day-punk outfit, or favorite club-wear, then strike a pose.
 
Make the most of your scenery

Choosing the right backdrop can tell someone a lot about you.
 
Photos taken poolside or at the beach say you love to play.
 
Are you into sports? Have a friend snap a candid shot of you as you drive one past the goalie, spike one over the net or slide into home.
 
Like dancing? Have your picture taken at your favourite hot spot.
 
Have camera, will travel

Show off your inner cosmopolitan. Always keep your camera ready when you travel.
 
The world can’t help but notice your love for adventure when they see you snorkeling in the Caribbean, leaning on the Eiffel Tower, or admiring the Taj Mahal.
 
Choose your mood

Let’s face it. You’re a complicated person with many sides and many moods. Here’s your opportunity to share them all.
 
Go vogue, purse your lips, try a pout – come up with facial expressions that reflect all the moods that make you unique.
 
DIY on the fly

Your hair is perfect; your outfit is perfect, the moment…perfect. You don’t have time to wait for someone to stroll by to take your picture, so go ahead and snap some yourself.
 
Hold the camera in your hand and let the shutter button fly. Handheld portraits give you the opportunity to make those faces you’d be too embarrassed to muster around friends.
 
Use a real smile

Seriously, don’t say “cheese” – this typically produces an artificial smile.
 
Ask your friend taking the picture to say or do something funny to get you laughing.
 
If taking the picture yourself, think of something funny to elicit a natural smile.
 
A new angle

Aim the camera up, down, left, and right. Different angles give folks an 180° peek at the true you.
 
Want to see what they see? Take a picture of your reflection in the mirror.
 
Show your mysterious side by taking a picture of only a portion of your face.
 
Improve on nature

There’s no shame in a little tweaking. Finesse your pics with free software, such as Kodak EasyShare.
 
Bump up the colour saturation or increase brightness or contrast to give your photo some pop.
 
Experiment with software tools, effects, wacky colours, or tones and give your profile just the right mood, and an “A” for creativity.
 
Animal lovers unite

Say you’re pro pets with a fun picture of you and your pooch.
 
Don’t own a pet? No problem. A shot of you feeding pigeons at the park says more about you than if you’re just sitting on a bench.
 
Goodbye, red eye

How embarrassing. You go through all the trouble of setting up the perfect shot and there it is – red eye. When pupils affix on something bright, they shrink, reducing the potential for red-eye
 
Glance at a lamp or the nearest light source right before the photo is taken.
 
If you forget that trick, software such as Kodak EasyShare removes unwanted red eye in just one click.