For a professional headshot, the priorities are simplicity, flattering light, and clear connection with the subject.

Key points:

• Keep the background clean and free of distractions so attention stays on the person.
• Focus precisely on the eyes; in a headshot, sharp eyes are critical.
• Use soft, attractive lighting to avoid harsh shadows and produce a polished, approachable look.
• Choose a portrait-friendly lens that is sharp and flattering, helping avoid distortion and giving a natural facial rendering.

In practice, a good LinkedIn-style headshot is usually tight, well-lit, simple, and professional-looking rather than dramatic or busy. If you get the eyes sharp, the lighting soft, and the background uncluttered, you’ll already be covering the most important headshot-specific concerns.