With the rise in Social Media Networking, it has become very important to have several photos that you can use as your profile picture (your “avatar”). This is the image that everyone first sees when your profile appears in a search, or when viewing your personal page. Every social networking site uses them. Profile pictures allow someone searching you to confirm they have chosen the right person. (Think of someone searching for Tim Hill—there are many Tim Hill’s in the world, and many of us are photographers.)

I believe it is best to have a portfolio of images you can use on the varying sites. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter all have different audiences and different “feels.” I think it is best to have a professional look to your LinkedIn profile, and something that shows more of your own personality on Facebook and Twitter.

Keep in mind that while Facebook and Twitter are not geared strictly for “doing business,” you should have a presence on each. On these sites, you really want to appear approachable. Personality is everything on these sites.

Below are a few examples of photos I have used on different sites this past year:

Tim Hill

Tim Hill