What Photos Do CEOs, Speakers, Podcast Guests, and Consultants Need?

By Shea Swinford, Founder of The Personal Brand Studio

Before you decide you need a brand new session, look at where your photographs actually live. Often the problem is not the person or the photographer. The photograph was simply given the wrong assignment.

What images should a CEO have for LinkedIn?

On LinkedIn, your profile photo usually shows up about the size of a coin, beside comments and messages. A CEO needs a close portrait where the face is easy to recognize at that size, with a banner and About section that tell the same current story.

For posts and announcements, keep one or two wider portraits on hand so every update does not repeat your profile crop.

What photographs does a podcast guest need?

Podcast hosts build square graphics, episode thumbnails, and social cards with titles and logos around your photo. A guest needs a clean, high resolution portrait with space around the head and shoulders, plus a version that crops into a square without cutting through hands or a jacket.

What images does a professional speaker need?

Conference planners usually want two things: a clear portrait for the agenda, and some sign that you can hold a room. A speaker kit works best when a recognizable portrait sits beside one or two photographs of you presenting, facilitating, or in conversation.

How should consultants photograph themselves for their website?

A consulting website asks visitors to trust your judgment before they ever book a call. Lead with a portrait that feels like meeting you on a good day. Then add one or two photographs that show how you listen, think, or work with clients.

When the photographs match the words on the page, the first conversation feels like a continuation of the website instead of a surprise.

Take the Authority Image Audit™ and see whether the image leading your LinkedIn profile or website fits the job you need it to do.