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The concept of the Facebook profile pic began with the earliest popular social networking sites like Friendster and Myspace. Although these websites like these have come and gone, the concept of the profile picture has stayed the same: an image that users imagine represents them best to other people. Usually, these profile photos are snapshots taken by friends, or self portraits done with a pocket camera. A few years ago, this concept was formalized into this parody video on how to take a professional profile pic.



Uploaded in 2006 at the height of Myspace's popularity, this parody video is still relevant for today's Twitter, Facebook and Google Plus generation. The video follows Professional Myspace photographer Shefield Quigley as he relates how got started in the professional profile photographer industry. Quigley claims to have invented every Myspace photo trend, including the Over-the-Head Self pose, and the Bathroom Mirror Shot, although there's no mention of the infamous duckface pose.

For those who can't afford a professional photographer to take their profile pic, there's always the option of the self portrait. Youtube user Pleatedjeans (Jeff Wysaski) discusses five steps towards smiling naturally when taking a photo like this. Wysaski encourages subjects to disregard the old suggestion of saying "cheese" but rather use words that end with an "uh"sound. Laughing is encouraged, as well as lifting the tip of the tongue up behind the front teeth. A relaxed face will also create a more natural look. Wysaski suggests incorporating all these suggestions together, although the final image might look over zealous.

 

For more information on how to take a professional profile pic, visit Sheffield Quigley's Myspace page. For tips on how to smile naturally for photos, have a look at Pleatedjeans' Youtube profile.