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is having a neutral background important? my headshot photos i took last week has me standing in front of some shrubbery and buildings. There is blur on the background so I stand out a bit. Wearing blazer and button up. Is that okay or should I retake for neutral bg?
 
is having a neutral background important? my headshot photos i took last week has me standing in front of some shrubbery and buildings. There is blur on the background so I stand out a bit. Wearing blazer and button up. Is that okay or should I retake for neutral bg?
In a perfect world, you are smiling, in a suit with a neutral background.
Minor deviations are probably not a deal-breaker.
 
I honestly wouldn’t have any problem with the photo you used. Half the time, I don’t even look at the photo.
 
At many schools, the photo is for admissions staff to match you up when you appear for your on-campus interview (maybe your virtual one). Photos sometimes are redacted from screening and initial selection for interviews, and it's not clear whether we must redact it throughout the admissions process as per SCOTUS.
 
I can't afford a suit on top of secondaries at the moment, so I am planning to just go into Nordstrom, try on a suit, snap a pic, and then leave. Anyone else doing some silly **** like this or just me?
 
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Would something like this be passable (also asking about the afro)? No facial hair or anything. Or should I just bite the bullet and still buy a suit?
The hair looks great.

This is the most important photo you have ever taken.
A tie and jacket would seem reasonable, no?
 
Depends where you are applying. Generally okay as long as you look well groomed (ie, not Duck Dynasty) but it would be a good idea to get a professional trim before having your photo taken. And if you are applying to schools that are more conservative, consider changing your look.
 
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