Short answer: in most cases, no. For the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and many international postings, it is better when the page talks about experience instead of appearance.
As hiring gets more standardized, there is less reason to add elements that do not carry real professional information.
Short answer
If the posting does not ask for a photo, do not add one by default. A resume should sell qualifications, not appearance, and the text-first format is quicker to scan.
When you should leave the photo out
Skip the photo for U.S., Canadian, or U.K. roles, for corporate or technical jobs, and whenever the posting does not mention a photo at all. In most cases it is just a waste of space.
When a photo can make sense
A photo can make sense for modeling, acting, stage work, some creative or public-facing roles, and in some European markets where CVs traditionally allow it. If the employer asks for one directly, that is a separate case.
If you do need a photo
If you do need a photo, keep it neutral: good lighting, a clear face, one person in the frame, clothing that fits the professional context, and the same photo for your resume, LinkedIn, and portfolio if that makes sense.
Why photos often lose
A photo does not prove skills, does not show results, and does not make your experience stronger. It can distract, create room for subjectivity, and push more important information lower on the page.
What to use instead of a photo
Use that space for a strong summary, a portfolio, GitHub or LinkedIn, and the projects that matter most. A personal website, certificates, or recommendations usually add more value than a face shot, especially when the role is technical or corporate.
That is the tradeoff worth making: less visual noise, more evidence. The resume becomes easier to scan and much harder to misread.
A simple rule for 2026
If you are not sure whether a photo is needed, assume it is not. Only add it when the market, the profession, or the employer clearly expects one.
Conclusion
In 2026, most resumes do not need a photo. On the U.S. and similar markets, it is better to focus on substance rather than appearance. A photo only makes sense when the market or the role expects it.