Create a professional Headshot

May 27, 2026
Black OpenAI knot logo on a white background

We used ChatGPT but Gemini works in a similar way and can use the same prompts.

1. Start with a clear photo

Use a photo where your face is well lit, sharp and easy to see. Avoid group photos, heavy filters or old photos that no longer look like you.

Man in a green polo taking a selfie at a cluttered desk with open books, papers, and coffee mugs
Chat interface with a profile photo and a prompt asking for professional feedback on the picture

2. Upload the photo to ChatGPT

Start a new chat and upload your image.

Use a prompt like this:

“Look at this photo and suggest what would make it work better as a professional headshot. Focus on lighting, background, crop, clothing and expression. Do not suggest changing my facial features.”


3. Create the headshot

Then use this prompt:


“Create a professional headshot from this photo and use the above feedback. Keep my identity, age, face shape, expression and natural features accurate. Use soft natural lighting, a clean neutral background and smart casual clothing. Make it suitable for LinkedIn, a website bio or a business profile. Keep the result realistic. Do not make me look younger, remove key features or over-smooth my skin.”

Portrait of a man with short dark hair and beard, wearing a dark green polo shirt against a neutral background
Portrait of a man with short dark hair and beard, wearing a dark green polo shirt against a neutral background


“Create a professional headshot from this photo and use the above feedback. Keep my identity, age, face shape, expression and natural features accurate. Use soft natural lighting, a clean neutral background and smart casual clothing. Make it suitable for LinkedIn, a website bio or a business profile. Keep the result realistic. Do not make me look younger, remove key features or over-smooth my skin.”

Green greater-than symbol on a white background

4. Refine the result

Make one change at a time.

"Put a white short and dark tie, with a black suit"

“Keep my face closer to original photo.”

“Reduce the skin smoothing and keep natural texture.”


5. You can also use Gemini

Gemini works in a similar way. Upload your photo, paste the same prompt and refine the result.

Colorful four-pointed gradient star logo on white background
Formal headshot of a man in a navy suit and tie against a neutral background



6. Final check

Before using the image, check that:

  • It still looks like you
  • Your face is not distorted
  • The skin is not look too smooth
  • The background looks natural
  • There are no logos, badges or office signs
  • The crop works for your website


Nova9 view

AI headshots are useful for improving a photo, not replacing who you are. The best result is a cleaner, clearer version of the real you. The real key is to take a great original photo of yourself.

Nova9 Tools

Need an idea or a better prompt?

Generate fresh ideas first, or go straight to the Prompt Builder if you already know what you want to create.

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