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Profile Photo Tips

Three things that make a great profile photo on IAU.

1. Frame from the waist up

We recommend showing yourself from roughly the waist up. Too close and you lose body context; too far and your face becomes hard to recognise.

Too close — only face visible, loses body context
Too close
Just right — framed from the chest up
Just right
Too far — full body, face too small
Too far
Just right — waist up, head high, simple background
Just right

2. Keep your head near the top

Your profile photo is cropped from the top centre of the image. If there's lots of empty space above your head, the frame wastes it. Keep your head in the upper part of the photo so your face is always prominent — even at card sizes.

Head too low — too much empty space above
Head too low
Good — head high in the frame, minimal space above
Good

3. Simple background

A clean, uncluttered background keeps the focus on you. A plain wall, a simple outdoor setting, or a studio backdrop all work well.

Avoid — busy, distracting background
Avoid
Good — simple, clean background
Good

More tips

  • Good natural lighting — face a window or go outdoors on an overcast day
  • Skip heavy filters — students want to see the real you
  • Solo photos only — no group shots
  • Portrait orientation works best
  • Use a recent photo — within the last year or two
  • At least 800 × 1300 px for sharp display