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Guides5 min readFebruary 15, 2026

How to Take Better Selfies for Professional AI Headshots

Discover the secrets to capturing selfies that will transform into stunning professional headshots with artificial intelligence.

AI Portrait Studio

Editorial Team

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Person taking selfie with natural light for professional photo

Professional AI photos depend largely on the quality of the selfies you upload. With these tips, you'll maximize the quality of your generated headshots.

1. Lighting is Everything

Natural light is your best friend. Find a large window and position yourself facing it, letting the light illuminate your face evenly.

  • Avoid direct sunlight that creates harsh shadows
  • The best time is during 'golden hour' (sunrise/sunset)
  • Cloudy day light is perfect for uniform photos
  • Avoid fluorescent lights that distort colors

2. Find Your Best Angle

Not all faces look the same from every angle. Experiment to find yours.

  • Hold your phone slightly above eye level
  • Tilt your head slightly (no more than 15 degrees)
  • Turn your face slightly to one side for more dimension
  • Keep your chin slightly forward to define your jawline

3. The Background Matters

A clean, simple background allows the AI to focus on your face without distractions.

  • Choose solid color backgrounds (white, gray, beige)
  • Avoid backgrounds with complex patterns or bright colors
  • Make sure there are no distracting objects
  • A plain wall is your best option

4. Natural Expression

The most professional expression is one that looks natural and genuine.

A slight smile with your eyes is more effective than a forced smile showing all your teeth.
  • Practice your 'Duchenne smile' (with your eyes)
  • Think of something pleasant for a genuine expression
  • Relax your shoulders before taking the photo
  • Take several photos with different expressions

5. Camera Settings

Adjust your phone to get the best possible quality.

  • Use the back camera (it has better resolution)
  • Clean the lens before each session
  • Enable the grid to align correctly
  • Disable automatic beauty filters

How Many Selfies Do You Need

For the best results with AI Portrait Studio, we recommend uploading 5-10 varied selfies:

  • 3-4 front-facing photos with different expressions
  • 2-3 photos with slight face rotation
  • 1-2 partial profile photos (3/4 view)
  • Variety in lighting if possible

Ready to transform your selfies into professional photos? Start now and get 30+ professional headshots in minutes.

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