Not long ago, getting a professional headshot meant booking a photographer, dressing up, and spending hundreds of euros on a 30-minute photo session. Today, thanks to AI, you can generate a polished, professional headshot in minutes — with nothing more than your phone camera and a single selfie.
But here’s the catch: the better the selfie, the better the AI results. You don’t need to be a photography expert, but there are a few simple tricks that will make a big difference. Follow these steps, and your AI-generated headshot will look sharp, natural, and ready for LinkedIn or your CV.
1. Find the Right Light
Lighting is everything. The easiest (and cheapest) trick for a great photo is to use natural light.
- Stand facing a window during the day. Soft daylight will brighten your face evenly and reduce shadows.
- Avoid harsh overhead lights — they cast unflattering shadows under your eyes and nose.
- If you’re outside, choose shade or cloudy weather over direct midday sun.
Pro tip: face your light source directly. If the light is coming from behind you, your face will appear dark.
2. Choose a Neutral Background
You don’t need a studio backdrop, but a clean, uncluttered space helps the AI focus on you.
- Stand in front of a plain wall, a door, or even a curtain.
- Avoid messy rooms or outdoor settings with lots of details.
Remember: our system will enhance or replace the background — but the cleaner your input, the smoother the result.
3. Dress for the Role You Want
Your selfie sets the foundation for your professional look. Even if AI can enhance details, it’s best to wear something appropriate for your industry.
- Stick to solid colors — navy, black, gray, or white always work well.
- For LinkedIn, a classic dark blazer with a light shirt looks timeless.
- Avoid busy patterns or logos; they can distract and sometimes confuse AI.
- Keep accessories minimal: simple jewelry or watches are fine, but skip flashy items.
Think of it this way: if you’d wear it to a job interview, it works for your selfie.
4. Frame Yourself Correctly
Composition matters just as much as clothing. A poorly framed photo makes even the best AI model struggle.
- Hold the phone at eye level. Avoid low angles (nobody wants the “up-the-nose” shot).
- Frame from your shoulders up — this keeps the focus on your face.
- Leave a little space above your head. Don’t crop too tight.
- Use portrait orientation (vertical) rather than landscape.
- If your phone supports “Portrait Mode,” switch it on. It slightly blurs the background and gives a more professional look.
5. Keep It Natural
The best headshots balance professionalism with approachability. You want to look confident, but also like yourself.
- Relax your shoulders, keep your posture upright.
- A slight smile goes a long way — think “friendly and approachable,” not “passport photo.”
- Keep your expression neutral but confident.
- Glasses are perfectly fine. Just give them a quick clean so they don’t reflect light.
If you’re not sure, take a deep breath, smile gently, and imagine you’re introducing yourself at an interview.
One Selfie Is All It Takes
The beauty of AI headshots is that you don’t need a full photoshoot. With FiveShots, one good selfie is enough. Our system handles the rest — generating five professional headshots in under five minutes.
That means:
- No need for expensive gear.
- No awkward posing sessions.
- No waiting weeks for edited photos.
Just you, your phone, and a bit of natural light.
Conclusion
A professional headshot can open doors — on LinkedIn, in job applications, or on your personal website. But you don’t need a studio or photographer to get one anymore. By following these simple steps — finding good light, using a clean background, dressing professionally, framing yourself well, and keeping it natural — you can capture the perfect selfie for AI headshots.
One photo, five professional results, in five minutes.
👉 Ready to see the difference? Upload your selfie today and get 5 professional AI headshots for just $5.