In the UK and parts of Europe, adding a professional headshot to your CV is a common and accepted practice. When done correctly, a crisp, well-cropped photo adds a personal touch and helps recruiters put a face to a name. However, a poorly framed or low-resolution image can undermine the professional impression you're trying to create.
Recommended CV Photo Dimensions
A CV photo in the UK is typically passport-sized — 35×45mm. For digital CVs, a commonly used digital size is 150×200 pixels or 200×267 pixels, maintaining the same 3:4 portrait aspect ratio. The photo should show your head and upper shoulders against a neutral background.
| Format | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Print CV (UK standard) | 35 × 45 mm |
| Digital CV | 150 × 200 px or 200 × 267 px |
| Aspect ratio | 3:4 (portrait) |
| Background | White, grey, or plain neutral |
How to Crop a Photo for Your CV
- Take a professional headshot — or use an existing high-quality photo — against a neutral background.
- Open the Image Cropper at imgresizr.com.
- Choose a 3:4 portrait aspect ratio.
- Centre the crop on your face and upper chest, with your eyes in the upper third of the frame.
- Download and resize to your target dimension (e.g. 150×200px for digital CVs).
Tips for a Professional CV Photo
Dress for the Industry
For corporate roles, wear business attire. For creative industries, you have more flexibility. As a rule, dress one level above what you'd normally wear to the workplace. Avoid loud colours or patterns that compete with your face for attention in a small photo.
Use Natural Light
The best CV photos are taken near a window in natural daylight. Avoid harsh overhead lighting, which creates unflattering shadows under the eyes and chin. Position yourself facing the light source for an evenly lit, professional result.
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