Have you ever wondered if you could really pull off a professional headshot without hiring a fancy photographer? Well, the good news is you can. It might not be studio-level quality, but trust us, the photos you’ll take using this guide will blow most LinkedIn selfies out of the water. We’re talking way better than those blurry, dim, or awkwardly cropped pictures floating around online. We'll also cover how to level up DIY headshots even more with our expert AI photo service. Let's get started!
What are DIY Headshots?
DIY headshots are self-taken, professional-looking photos of a person's head and shoulders. You can be used for a variety of purposes, such as updating web profiles, resumes, or marketing materials. Let's just say DIY headshots empower individuals to take control of their branding without the need for expensive gear or professional help. With just a smartphone, good lighting, and a few styling tips, anyone can create a polished and professional-looking image from the comfort of their own home.
Why Take Your Own Headshots?
There are several reasons people opt to take their headshots by themselves. Some of them are:
You Save Money
When you take your own headshots, you don’t have to pay a photographer. Even with your phone and natural light, you can get good results. It might not look exactly like a studio photo, but you skip the high price of a photo session.
It’s More Convenient
No need to book an appointment or work around someone else’s time. You can take your photos whenever it suits you. It could be in the morning, night, weekend, or anytime. And because it’s all up to you, you can take as many shots as you like until you’re happy with one.
You Get Your Photos Fast
There’s no waiting days for edits or final files. When you use your phone, you can see and use your pictures right to update your LinkedIn profile, resume, or social media pages.
You’re in Charge
Taking your own photos means you decide how you look. No one’s telling you how to pose or choosing filters you don’t like. You have full control over how your photo turns out, so it can truly show your style and personality.
How to Take A Professional Headshot By Yourself
To get the best results when taking DIY headshots, simply follow the steps below:
1. Preparation
Before you even touch your camera, it’s important to get set up properly. Here’s how to:
Choose your location
Start by picking the right spot to take your headshot. Look for a quiet space with very few distractions. A room with a big window is perfect, especially if it lets in natural light. We're talking about the kind of light that makes your skin look smooth and your features more even. Avoid places with harsh overhead lights or dark corners. The spot you choose will set the tone for the entire photo, so keep it simple and bright.
Find a plain background
After you've found your spot, check what’s behind you. A busy background, like a cluttered bookshelf or colorful wall, can pull attention away from your face. So, go for something plain and neutral, like a white or light gray wall. If you’re outdoors, look for something simple, like a brick wall, a fence, or greenery. Remember, a calm background helps people focus on you, not the stuff around you.
Set up your equipment
Now let’s set up your phone or camera. If you have a tripod, place it so the camera is at eye level. That way, the photo will look natural and balanced. No tripod? No problem. Simply use a shelf or stack a few books until your camera is steady and the height is right. It is advisable to use your phone’s back camera, it usually takes sharper photos, and also turns on the timer so you can get into position without any rush.
2. Shooting
This is where you actually take the headshot. The good thing is you don’t need to be a pro to take a DIY headshot. Just follow the steps below:
Focus on your eyes
A great headshot should clearly show your face, since it’s often seen in a small size like on LinkedIn. Hence, your eyes are the most important part of a headshot. This is because people naturally look at them first. So, you want them to look clear and sharp. If you’re using a phone, tap on your eyes on the screen before taking the picture. This tells the camera where to focus. If your eyes are blurry, the whole photo will look a little “off,” even if everything else is fine. But if your eyes are in focus, your photo will feel bright, and full of life.
Wear a Genuine Smile
One of the toughest things about taking a headshot is not liking how you look in the photo. It gets better with DIY headshots because you can retake it as many times as you want until you're satisfied. Lately, more people are choosing headshots that look natural and easygoing. Instead of a fake or forced smile, aim for an expression that feels real. You can think of something that makes you happy or chat with someone nearby while taking the photo. It helps you look more relaxed and genuine on camera.
Dress like you're going to the office
It's important for you to wear something that truly represents you and matches the kind of work you do. Whether you’re the CEO of a company or working at a cozy coffee shop, your outfit should reflect your everyday professional look. When people see your photo, they should be able to recognize you easily, not get confused by an outdated wedding picture from ten years ago that no longer fits who you are. One of the biggest tips for getting a great headshot is to be yourself and feel confident, because that energy will shine through in the photo and in what you're wearing.
Experiment with poses
To get the best shot, try taking the photo from your shoulders up. Then, hold your phone a little above your head and tilt it down slightly.
If you have someone to help, that's even better. The aim is just to try different poses to see what works best. You can also turn your shoulders a little, tilt your head, or smile in different ways. Actually, you don’t have to do anything fancy, just move a little and observe what looks good.
Use the rule of thirds
Most phone cameras have grid lines you can turn on. These lines help you use the “rule of thirds.” Instead of putting your face right in the middle, move it slightly to one side or place your eyes near the top line. This makes your photo feel more balanced and helps it look more professional without much effort.
Take multiple shots
Don’t stop after just one or two photos. Take many pictures with small changes each time. Try different smiles, angles, and head positions. Later, you can choose the one that looks the best. Sometimes the perfect shot is the one you didn’t expect. The more photos you take, the better chance you’ll have of getting a great one.
3. Editing
Once you’ve taken your photos, editing helps make your headshot look better. Here's what you can do:
Adjust exposure, contrast, and sharpness
It’s possible to increase the exposure if the image looks too dark, and add a bit of contrast to make your features pop. Also, a little sharpening can help bring out details, especially your eyes, so the photo feels smooth and focused without looking over-edited.
Crop and straighten
Before saving the final copy of the headshot, take a moment to clean up the frame. Crop out anything distracting around the edges and make sure your photo isn’t tilted. A straight, tightly cropped image keeps the attention on your face and helps your headshot look neat, balanced, and ready for a professional setting.
What is a Quicker Alternative to DIY Headshots?
If setting up your own headshot feels like too much, don’t worry, there’s a faster way. Instead of dealing with lighting, backgrounds, and dozens of retakes, you can try Headshot Photo. This is an AI-powered tool that transforms a simple selfie into a professional headshot. It’s perfect if you're short on time or just want something that looks great without the hassle. Whether you need headshots for LinkedIn, your portfolio, or a personal brand, Headshot Photo gives you a confident image without having to do it all yourself. Let's show you how it is done.
How to Generate Headshots Using Headshot Photo
Using Headshot Photo is quite simple because of the interface. Below are the steps to get it done quickly:
- Upload your selfies: For starters, visit Headshot Photo and sign up. Next, upload several clear selfies, preferably in good natural light, with your face fully visible and no sunglasses or hats. The AI needs high-quality selfies to work its magic.
- Pick your style & background: You’ll be asked to choose from styles like corporate, business casual, or creative, and to select backgrounds(plain color, blurred office, or any other type). This customization helps the tool match the headshot to your personal or professional brand.
- Let the AI process your images: Once your choices are set, the AI will analyze your features and background preferences. Depending on your plan, you’ll receive 40–200 high-resolution headshots in as little as one hour.
- Review and select favorites: Since the tool delivers multiple versions with different backgrounds, outfits, and expressions, take your time to review and pick the headshots. However, these pictures must be very professional.
- Download and use: Once you’ve chosen your favorites, download them in high resolution. Now, they're ready for use on LinkedIn, resumes, company websites, and anywhere else you need a polished headshot.
Conclusion
Taking a great headshot on your own is not only doable, but quite easy. With the right setup, lighting, and a little confidence, you can create a photo that opens doors and reflects your personal brand. And if you’re short on time or just want a faster, easier option, Headshot Photo AI has you covered. It’s quick, affordable, and delivers studio-quality results from just a few selfies. So, why stress yourself when you can just let the AI do the work? Sign up on Headshot Photo today and get your professional headshot in minutes.
FAQs
1. Is a selfie ok for a headshot?
Yes, a selfie can work if taken properly. Use good lighting, a clean background, and your phone’s back camera to ensure the photo looks sharp and professional.
2. How to smile for a headshot?
Smile gently and naturally. Think of something that makes you happy, relax your jaw, and avoid forced grins. A soft, confident smile often looks the most approachable and professional.
3. How do you look pretty in a headshot?
Stand in soft light, wear flattering colors, and avoid harsh shadows. Practice natural poses, keep your expression relaxed, and choose angles that highlight your best features without over-editing the photo.
4. How to relax your face for photos?
Take a deep breath, exhale slowly, and unclench your jaw. Wiggle your face gently to loosen tension, then think of something pleasant to help bring out a calm, natural look.
5. What is the best headshot generator?
If you want great-looking, professional headshots but don’t want to hire a photographer, you should definitely try Headshot Photo
