Learn what makes a good profile picture on Upwork, what’s not allowed, and tips for choosing a clear, professional photo.
What is my freelancer profile picture?
It's the image that's attached to your freelancer profile.
The people you interact with on Upwork need to know that you are who you say you are, and being able to see your face is a reassuring first step.
What should my profile picture look like?
Your profile picture must be a close-up image of your head and shoulders, clearly showing your face.
It should also look professional. That doesn't mean you need a professional studio headshot, just a simple photo similar to what you'd use for a passport or official ID.
Get more tips about building a great profile on Upwork. Read 11 Upwork Profile Examples for Freelance Beginners here.
What isn't acceptable as a freelancer profile picture?
- A distant or far-shot photo
- Visual effects that make the face unclear or covered
- Part or all of your face is obscured, such as by wearing sunglasses or face coverings (except for religious or medical reasons)
- Side-view photos
- Photos with text or watermarks
- Photos where your eyes are closed or not directed toward the camera
- Unprofessional attire (bare chest, swimwear, underwear)
- GIF photos
- Profile pictures containing barcodes or QR codes
- Using a logo as your profile picture if you are a freelancer. (As a client, you are allowed to use a logo as your profile picture, but the logo must be for your company)
Note: See more best practices for freelancer profile pictures here.
I'm a client, do I need a profile picture?
A client photo does not have to be of your face and is a good opportunity to share more about your business. You could, for example, use your company logo. However, whatever you decide, the photo should still be appropriate. For example, avoid anything violent, pornographic, or illegal.