Applying for your medical residency is a high-stakes process, and you want to get every detail right.

When it comes time to upload your headshot through ERAS or other application systems, you don’t want to have to worry about the technical details of sizing or formatting. You DO want to have a photo that you love, that expresses your confidence, friendliness, and professionalism. You want a photo that shows you, authentically, on your best day.

An ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service) headshot must be a recent, full-color photo, sized at 2.5 x 3.5 inches with a resolution of 150 DPI, and a maximum file size of 150 KB. The image should be a frontal view of your head and shoulders against a plain white or light gray background. A confident, approachable expression with a natural smile is recommended.

At Berks Headshots, we know what you need. We’ve got the technical details covered. And over a decade of shooting portraits and headshots has given us the experience to coach you in posing and expression. We want to help you stand out.

Getting the fellowship or residency you really want is important to you. When the applications and photos are lined up in front of the selection committee, you want yours to stand out. Your headshot photo needs to be confident, approachable, and professional.

Tips for getting your best ERAS Picture

Things to do:

1. Wear professional clothing, akin to what you’d wear for a job interview.
2. Use a solid, light-colored, neutral background.
3. Ensure the photo is high-resolution (at least 150dpi) and follows the ERAS specification (2.5 in. x 3.5 in.).
4. Use even lighting to avoid shadows on your face.
5. Your head should be centered with a full-face view, looking directly at the camera, with a neutral or slight smile.
6. The photo should show only your head and shoulders to keep the focus on your face.
7. Maintain neat grooming. Hair should be tidy, and for men, facial hair should be well-groomed.

Things to avoid:

1. Avoid casual clothing like t-shirts, hoodies, or anything too trendy. This should be a formal photo.
2. Only you should be in the photo. Don’t use a group photo, even if you try to crop it to only yourself.
3. Steer clear of clothing with busy patterns or large accessories that can distract from your face.
4. Avoid any edits, filters, or alterations that change your appearance. The photo should be an accurate representation of how you look.
5. Do not use selfies or photos taken with a phone’s front camera. It should be a professional, high-quality photo.
6. Ensure the photo isn’t too bright or too dark. Proper exposure is essential for a clear and professional look.
7. Ensure the background is clean and free of visible objects, posters, or clutter.

Berks Headshots can make this part of your residency application process painless! We’re skilled and experienced photographers with professional training and high-quality equipment—but that’s not the best thing about us. We’ve been working with Berks County professionals for years, and we’re experts at coaching you to bring out your best self in your photos. We want you to look like you on your best day. And it’s important to us that you feel comfortable throughout a process that most people dread.

If you need a headshot for your residency application, we’re here to help. Find out more about our headshot sessions, or contact us with any questions.