Preparing photos for AI headshot uploads requires careful attention to detail to ensure the best possible results

Your objective is to supply the AI with sharp, uniform, and detailed imagery that faithfully captures your unique face and demeanor

Begin with optimal illumination

Golden hour lighting—early morning or just before sunset—offers the most flattering, even glow

Prevent unflattering contrast by avoiding direct light sources that create hotspots or dark recesses

For indoor sessions, position yourself near a large window to harness soft, directional light—never rely on ceiling lights or camera flash

Position yourself so that your face is centered and fully visible

Avoid shooting from below—it distorts facial proportions and creates an unflattering look

Keep your head level and neutral—no chin-up or head-tilt extremes

A subtle, genuine smile works well—avoid forced or exaggerated reactions

Only use intense expressions if specifically required for your profile’s purpose

Keep your eyes open and looking directly at the camera

Any deviation from direct gaze risks inaccurate recognition or automatic rejection

Avoid backgrounds that blend with your clothing or skin color

Solid neutral hues—never patterned or textured—are preferred

Avoid busy patterns, clutter, or other people in the frame

Anything that draws the eye away from your face reduces image effectiveness

Make sure your entire head and shoulders are visible, with at least one inch of space above your head and a little space on either side

Crop the photo so that your face occupies about 60 to 70 percent of the frame, ensuring no important facial features are cut off

Remove any accessories that may interfere with facial recognition

Even subtle accessories like hair clips or bold bracelets can interfere

Clean your lenses thoroughly before shooting to eliminate glare

Small adjustments can make a big difference in clarity

The AI must recognize your authentic self

The AI needs to recognize your true appearance, not an enhanced version of it

Take multiple photos in different lighting and poses, even if you think one looks perfect

This gives the AI more data to work with and increases the chances of generating a natural, accurate result

Use a tripod or stable surface to keep the camera steady and maintain consistency between shots

Hold your breath and remain motionless during capture

Phone screens often misrepresent exposure and focus

Inspect every pixel around your eyes, nose, and mouth for crisp detail

Delete photos with soft focus, dark shadows, washed-find out more highlights, or background clutter

Avoid low-quality.webp or heavily compressed.jpg files

Do not compress the images excessively, as this can degrade detail

Never assume one size fits all

Some may require square aspect ratios, specific dimensions, or file naming conventions

Strict compliance reduces rejection rates and speeds up generation

Your effort directly determines the realism and reliability of your AI-generated portrait