by Marilisa Sachteleben

Created on: June 24, 2008   Last Updated: July 02, 2008

Red Alert to all you social website junkies out there: your buddies aren't the only ones viewing your Myspace, Facebook or social profile images. College recruiters and prospective employers find social networking sites a useful tool to gather information about you. So you may want to rethink some of those photos you've got posted online. I spoke with a principal who tossed out a resume after one look at the candidate's profile photo: hanging on his pals, a mug of beer raised in salute to the camera. Here are five tips to clean up your social networking photo. Make your photo stand out and you'll get positive recognition.

1) Have your photo retouched. I remember how delighted we were when our senior pictures came back retouched. No more pimples, blemishes, moles or scars! It was like magic! You can access a wide variety of photo retouching services online.

2) Have someone take your photo. Online profiles are not the place for DIY photos. It's just too difficult to get that angle right. Pictures taken in the mirror look hazy and unclear.

3) Consider using B&W photo. Black and white gives a color photo elegance and drama to photos. Film Noir is a great tool for film makers. Hues of deep black, stark white with hues of grey and shadow creates depth and dimension. Color distracts the viewer and detracts from the subject. Photoshop allows you to change the color properties of an image to black and white.

4) Try these photo positions: Three-quarter open, eyes looking into the distance, chin tilted slightly up and no smile. Three-quarter open is a stage blocking position in which you are not looking directly forward, nor are you in profile. Tilt your head slightly upward to reduce double chin. Don't look at the camera, but at a spot just to one side of the camera. This is a profile photo, not a mugshot. If you smile, make it a slight Mona Lisa smile. Relax your jaw and face muscles. These positions create a mood or attitude of serenity, confidence and grace. A photo that looks just a little edgy is better than a goofy grin. Your image will resemble a professional portrait.

5) Go minimal on background, accessories and props. Don't clutter your image. Your only prop should only be a piece of furniture to sit on or lean on, such as a chair, a mantle, a rock at the beach. Leave your cat Fluffy, your cowboy hat, the fake flowers and all your bling at home. Choose clothing that fits your well and looks attractive. Your outfit doesn't need to be prim or business-like, but neither should women sport a cleavage down to South America. And men nor men, I'm sorry, but leave the shirt on. Excess takes attention away from you. Make a statement with your photo, not an indictment on your character.

With these tips your profile image will get stand out and get noticed, not because it looks macabre but because you look great!

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