A good headshot makes a big first impression, and you don't need a studio. This prompt keeps your real face and turns an everyday selfie into a natural, professional portrait with tidy hair, smart clothing and flattering studio light, without the plastic 'AI face' look.
TypeImage
Best withNano Banana, ChatGPT Images, Midjourney v7, Flux
Aspect ratio4:5
DifficultyEasy
NicheBusiness & productivity
Why it is trending
AI professional headshots are one of the most-used business AI tools, saving the cost of a photographer. Nano Banana made it easy to keep your real likeness, so people use it for LinkedIn, CVs and company websites.
The master prompt
Copy it as it is, or change the parts in [BRACKETS] to make it yours.
Using the uploaded selfie of me, create a natural, professional corporate headshot of the same person for LinkedIn. Keep my face, facial features, face shape, skin tone, skin texture, eye colour, age and expression exactly the same — it must look like a real photo of me on a good day, not a different or 'perfected' person. Do not slim, smooth or reshape my face. Styling: neat, natural version of my current hairstyle; [FOR WOMEN: a tailored navy blazer over a cream high-neck blouse; optional: a neat headscarf in a solid neutral colour] [FOR MEN: a tailored charcoal suit jacket over a light-blue shirt, with or without a plain tie]; minimal accessories. Pose: head and shoulders, body turned slightly to the side, face toward the camera, a warm, confident, closed-mouth or soft smile, relaxed shoulders. Background: [PLAIN SOFT-GREY STUDIO BACKDROP / BLURRED MODERN OFFICE WITH WINDOWS], clean and not distracting. Light and camera: soft studio lighting with a large key light from the front-left, a gentle fill, a subtle hair light, natural catchlights in the eyes, 85mm lens at f/2.8, sharp focus on the eyes, true-to-life colours, natural skin texture with visible pores (no heavy retouching). Vertical 4:5 crop from the top of the head to mid-chest. No text, no logos, no watermark.
Short version (for apps with a character limit)
Using my uploaded selfie, keep my exact face, age and skin texture (no smoothing or reshaping). Create a natural professional LinkedIn headshot: tidy hair, tailored navy blazer (or charcoal suit), head and shoulders, warm confident smile, soft-grey studio background, soft studio light, 85mm, sharp eyes, 4:5, no text.
What to avoid (negative prompt)
changed face, plastic skin, heavy retouching, slimmer face, different age, extra fingers, logos, text, watermark
Remix it: ready-made variations
Creative professional
Using my uploaded selfie, keep my exact face and skin texture. Create a relaxed creative-industry headshot: a casual smart outfit (dark knit or linen shirt), a warm-toned studio with a plant and a soft brick wall blurred behind, natural window light, 85mm, 4:5, no text.
Speaker portrait
Using my uploaded photo, keep my exact face. Create a confident conference-speaker portrait: smart blazer, holding a wireless microphone, on a softly lit stage with a blurred audience and warm spotlights, 70mm, 4:5, no text or logos.
Team page set
Using my uploaded selfie, keep my exact face. Create a headshot that matches a company team page: plain light-beige background, soft even light, same framing and crop as a standard team photo, smart casual outfit, natural smile, 4:5, no text.
Tips for each AI model
| Model | What to do |
|---|---|
| Nano Banana | Use a selfie taken facing a window with no filter; Nano Banana keeps the most natural likeness from honest photos. |
| ChatGPT Images | If the face looks too smooth, reply 'keep my natural skin texture and face shape, no beauty retouching'. |
| Midjourney v7 | Use Omni Reference with two or three photos of you and add –style raw –ar 4:5 for realism. |
How to make it, step by step
- Take a good selfie. Face a window, hold the phone at eye level and use no filters.
- Choose the outfit and background. Fill in the brackets to match your industry.
- Check the likeness. Pick the version that friends would instantly recognise as you.
- Use it honestly. Use a photo that looks like you today so people recognise you when they meet you.
Posting kit
A caption and hashtags you can use when you share your version.
From selfie to LinkedIn-ready in one prompt. 👔📸 #LinkedIn #headshot #personalbranding #NanoBanana #careers #AIphoto #professional #ChatGPT #jobsearch #CV
Questions
Is it OK to use an AI headshot on LinkedIn?
Yes, as long as it truly looks like you. Avoid heavy changes; people should recognise you when they meet you or join a video call.
Why tell the AI not to smooth my skin?
Over-retouched headshots look fake. Natural skin texture and your real face shape make the photo more trustworthy.
Which photo should I upload?
A clear, front-facing selfie in daylight with no filters, glasses glare or heavy shadows.
