You might have seen this post that was all over Facebook a week or two ago: New Research Study Breaks Down “The Perfect Profile Photo”
I thought it was going to be fluffy, but it’s really, really good. I agree with almost everything, except I think you should zoom in more on the head, rather than have a belly-button-and-up shot. That’s just my gut reaction… they are the ones with the data. I’ll still recommend zoom in, though. I think their examples of “zoomed in (face only) is perhaps TOO zoomed in.
Anyway, great article, very informative, and it proves you can have an effective Profile image without paying big bucks … although I will say that a professional photographer with experience in profile images can do wonders.
I like how the breakdown in this post is trying to determine how different characteristics of a photo will impact how the viewer perceives your competency, how likable you are, and how influential you are.