Professional Headshots with AI: LinkedIn & Resume-Ready Portraits
In this article, we will share our first-hand experiments on professional headshots with AI. It includes two approaches to professional headshots:
- Safe & Professional (Traditional)
- Creative & Personality-Driven
With the following techniques and proven prompts, you will get consistent characters and natural looks.
Two Approaches to Professional Headshots
People have different needs when it comes to professional photos:
Approach 1: Safe & Professional (Traditional)
If you need a universally acceptable headshot for corporate environments, LinkedIn, or formal applications:
Characteristics:
- Clean solid backgrounds (white, gray, office)
- Business formal or casual attire
- Traditional composition (head and shoulders, face 60-70% of frame)
- Neutral, confident expression
- Industry-standard professional look
Best for: Corporate jobs, LinkedIn, resumes, formal business profiles

👉 Jump to Industry-Specific Professional Styles for industry-specific professional styles.
Approach 2: Creative & Personality-Driven
If you want to show personality and taste for creative fields, community profiles, or personal branding:
Characteristics:
- Colored or artistic backgrounds
- More interesting poses and expressions
- Creative photography styles (black & white, film grain, artistic lighting)
- Personal style and character
- Stand out from traditional headshots
Best for: Creative industries, community profiles, personal websites, portfolios, social media

👉 Jump to Creative & Community-Oriented Headshots for artistic styles.
Virtual Models
In the following examples, we will be using these two virtual models:

We are using these two images as the source to generate all examples in this article, and when you do it yourselves, all you need is a clear photo showing the full face of yourself with natural lighting, with no other requirements.
Transform Your Existing Photo into Professional Headshots
Start with any casual photo—selfies, vacation shots, or event photos—and transform it into a professional headshot.
Step 1: Professional Background Replacement
Use Nano Banana's image reference editing to replace messy backgrounds with professional ones.

Create a professional headshot based on the man in the provided photo, clean white background, studio lighting, corporate portrait, business professional, sharp focus on face
Prompt for white background:
Create a professional headshot based on the man in the provided photo, clean white background, studio lighting, corporate portrait, business professional, sharp focus on face

Create a professional headshot based on the man in the provided photo, neutral gray background, soft studio lighting, corporate portrait, business professional, natural expression
Prompt for gray background:
Create a professional headshot based on the man in the provided photo, neutral gray background, soft studio lighting, corporate portrait, business professional, natural expression
Step 2: Outfit Enhancement
Transform casual clothes into professional attire while keeping your face identical.

Create a professional headshot based on the man in the provided photo, neutral gray background, soft studio lighting, professional business suit, navy blue suit jacket, white dress shirt, professional tie, corporate attire, keep same face and natural expression
For men - Business suit:
Create a professional headshot based on the man in the provided photo, neutral gray background, soft studio lighting, professional business suit, navy blue suit jacket, white dress shirt, professional tie, corporate attire, keep same face and natural expression

Create a professional headshot based on the man in the provided photo, neutral gray background, soft studio lighting, professional collared shirt, business casual, light blue dress shirt, professional attire, keep same face and expression
For men - Smart casual:
Create a professional headshot based on the man in the provided photo, neutral gray background, soft studio lighting, professional collared shirt, business casual, light blue dress shirt, professional attire, keep same face and expression

Create a professional headshot based on the woman in the provided photo, neutral gray background, soft studio lighting, professional blazer, business suit, professional blouse, corporate attire, business formal, keep same face and natural expression
For women - Business formal:
Create a professional headshot based on the woman in the provided photo, neutral gray background, soft studio lighting, professional blazer, business suit, professional blouse, corporate attire, business formal, keep same face and natural expression

Create a professional headshot based on the woman in the provided photo, neutral gray background, soft studio lighting, professional blouse, business casual, professional attire, smart casual, keep same face and natural expression
For women - Business casual:
Create a professional headshot based on the woman in the provided photo, neutral gray background, soft studio lighting, professional blouse, business casual, professional attire, smart casual, keep same face and natural expression
Tip: Use "keep same face" in prompts to maintain identity. Generate 4-8 variations and pick the best.
Industry-Specific Professional Styles
Different industries have different expectations for professional headshots. Learn how to prompt for the right style for your field.
Tech & Startup Industry
Style characteristics:
- Modern, approachable, less formal
- Smart casual attire (no tie required)
- Contemporary backgrounds
- Friendly, confident expression
How to prompt:
Create a professional headshot based on the [man/woman] in the provided photo, tech industry professional, modern casual style, smart casual attire, contemporary background, approachable and confident expression, natural lighting, startup culture

Create a professional headshot based on the man in the provided photo, tech industry professional, modern casual style, smart casual attire, contemporary background, approachable and confident expression, natural lighting, startup culture
Key prompt elements:
- "tech industry professional" or "tech professional"
- "modern casual" or "smart casual attire"
- "contemporary background" or "modern office setting"
- "approachable" and "natural expression"
Finance, Legal & Corporate
Style characteristics:
- Traditional, conservative, formal
- Business suit and tie required
- Neutral solid backgrounds
- Confident, authoritative expression
How to prompt:
Create a professional headshot based on the [man/woman] in the provided photo, finance professional, business formal, conservative style, navy suit and tie, neutral gray background, confident professional expression, executive portrait, corporate standards

Create a professional headshot based on the woman in the provided photo, finance professional, business formal, conservative style, navy suit and tie, neutral gray background, confident professional expression, executive portrait, corporate standards
Key prompt elements:
- "finance professional" or "legal professional" or "corporate executive"
- "business formal" and "conservative"
- "suit and tie" or "business suit"
- "confident professional" or "authoritative but approachable"
- "neutral background" or "traditional background"
Creative, Marketing & Design
Style characteristics:
- Modern, personable, stylish
- Business casual with personality
- Contemporary or artistic backgrounds
- Warm, approachable expression
How to prompt:
Create a professional headshot based on the [man/woman] in the provided photo, creative professional, modern style, business casual, contemporary setting, confident and approachable expression, creative industry, professional but personable

Create a professional headshot based on the woman in the provided photo, creative professional, modern style, business casual, contemporary setting, confident and approachable expression, creative industry, professional but personable
Key prompt elements:
- "creative professional" or "marketing professional" or "designer"
- "modern style" or "contemporary"
- "business casual" with flexibility
- "approachable" and "personable"
- "creative industry" or "contemporary setting"
Healthcare & Medical
Style characteristics:
- Professional, trustworthy, clean
- White coat or professional attire
- Clean, clinical backgrounds
- Warm but professional expression
How to prompt:
Create a professional headshot based on the [man/woman] in the provided photo, healthcare professional, medical professional attire, clean white background, trustworthy and approachable expression, clinical setting, professional and caring demeanor
![Create a professional headshot based on the [man/woman] in the provided photo, healthcare professional, medical professional attire, clean white background, trustworthy and approachable expression, clinical setting, professional and caring demeanor](/image-result-card/700/e5841df2_output_0.webp)
Create a professional headshot based on the [man/woman] in the provided photo, healthcare professional, medical professional attire, clean white background, trustworthy and approachable expression, clinical setting, professional and caring demeanor
Key prompt elements:
- "healthcare professional" or "medical professional" or "doctor"
- "white coat" or "medical attire" or "scrubs"
- "clean white background" or "clinical setting"
- "trustworthy" and "caring"
- "professional demeanor"
If you want, you can edit the text on the clothes further with a more specific logo or texts.
Real Estate & Sales
Style characteristics:
- Approachable, friendly, trustworthy
- Business casual to business formal
- Warm, inviting backgrounds
- Genuine smile, welcoming expression
How to prompt:
Create a professional headshot based on the [man/woman] in the provided photo, real estate professional, approachable and friendly, business casual attire, warm background, genuine smile, welcoming expression, trustworthy demeanor
![Create a professional headshot based on the [man/woman] in the provided photo, real estate professional, approachable and friendly, business casual attire, warm background, genuine smile, welcoming expression, trustworthy demeanor](/image-result-card/701/b4a52895_output_0.webp)
Create a professional headshot based on the [man/woman] in the provided photo, real estate professional, approachable and friendly, business casual attire, warm background, genuine smile, welcoming expression, trustworthy demeanor
Key prompt elements:
- "real estate professional" or "sales professional"
- "approachable" and "friendly"
- "business casual" or "business formal"
- "warm smile" or "genuine smile"
- "welcoming" and "trustworthy"
LinkedIn Profile Optimization
Universal LinkedIn best practices:
- 1:1 aspect ratio (square format)
- Face takes up 60% of frame
- Professional but approachable
- Good contrast with white background
LinkedIn-optimized prompt template:
Create a professional LinkedIn headshot based on the [man/woman] in the provided photo, [industry] professional, approachable smile, confident expression, neutral gray background, professional attire, natural lighting, high quality headshot
Tip: Use gray or light blue backgrounds for better contrast on LinkedIn's white interface. Replace [industry] with your specific field (tech, finance, creative, etc.)
Personalizing Your Headshot
Beyond industry standards, you can customize your headshot to show more personality while staying professional.
Expression Variations
Change your expression to match your personal brand:
Confident & approachable:
Create a professional headshot based on the [man/woman] in the provided photo, confident and approachable expression, warm smile, friendly demeanor, professional attire, neutral background
Serious & authoritative:
Create a professional headshot based on the [man/woman] in the provided photo, serious professional expression, focused and competent demeanor, authoritative presence, professional attire, neutral background
Warm & friendly:
Create a professional headshot based on the [man/woman] in the provided photo, genuine warm smile, friendly and welcoming expression, personable demeanor, professional attire, neutral background

Create a professional headshot based on the woman in the provided photo, genuine warm smile, friendly and welcoming expression, personable demeanor, professional attire, neutral background
Hairstyle Modifications
Update your hairstyle while keeping your face identical:
Professional hairstyle update:
Create a professional headshot based on the [man/woman] in the provided photo, modern professional hairstyle, well-groomed hair, [specify style: short/long/styled/slicked back], keep same face, professional attire, neutral background
Add specific details:
- "short professional haircut" for men
- "shoulder-length professional hairstyle" for women
- "slicked back hair" for formal look
- "natural wavy hair" for approachable style

Create a professional headshot based on the man in the provided photo, modern professional hairstyle, well-groomed hair, slicked back, keep same face, professional attire, neutral background
Glasses & Accessories
Add or remove glasses and professional accessories:
Add professional glasses:
Create a professional headshot based on the [man/woman] in the provided photo, wearing professional eyeglasses, modern frames, keep same face and expression, professional attire, neutral background
Remove glasses:
Create a professional headshot based on the [man/woman] in the provided photo, without glasses, clear eyes visible, keep same face and expression, professional attire, neutral background

Create a professional headshot based on the man in the provided photo, wearing professional eyeglasses, modern frames, keep same face and expression, professional attire, neutral background
Creative & Community-Oriented Headshots
Move beyond traditional business headshots with creative styles that show personality and artistic taste.
Colored Backgrounds
Use vibrant or artistic backgrounds to stand out:
Warm colored background:
Create a professional portrait based on the woman in the provided photo, warm plain orange background with grain, wearing white top, creative professional style, confident expression with a relaxed pose, modern casual attire, artistic portrait photography
Cool toned background:
Create a professional portrait based on the man in the provided photo, deep blue background, creative professional style, approachable expression, contemporary attire, artistic portrait
Gradient background:
Create a professional portrait based on the man in the provided photo, gradient background from blue to purple, creative professional style, confident expression, modern style, artistic photography

Create a professional portrait based on the woman in the provided photo, warm plain orange background with grain, wearing white top, creative professional style, confident expression with a relaxed pose, modern casual attire, artistic portrait photography
Black & White Artistic Style
Classic black and white photography for timeless, artistic portraits:
Classic B&W portrait:
Create a black and white portrait based on the man in the provided photo, high contrast black and white photography, dramatic lighting, artistic portrait style, confident expression, timeless aesthetic
Soft B&W portrait:
Create a black and white studio setup portrait based on the man in the provided photo, soft black and white photography, gentle lighting, artistic portrait, casual pose, approachable expression, classic film photography style

Create a black and white studio setup portrait based on the man in the provided photo, soft black and white photography, gentle lighting, artistic portrait, casual pose, approachable expression, classic film photography style
Film & Vintage Photography Styles
Add character with film grain and vintage aesthetics:
Film grain portrait:
Create a portrait based on the woman in the provided photo, film grain texture, analog photography aesthetic, warm tones with the person well lit, artistic portrait, natural expression, vintage film style
Cinematic portrait:
Create a cinematic portrait based on the woman in the provided photo, cinematic lighting, film photography style, dramatic mood, artistic composition, professional but creative

Create a portrait based on the woman in the provided photo, film grain texture, analog photography aesthetic, warm tones with the person well lit, artistic portrait, natural expression, vintage film style
Creative Poses & Expressions (Advanced)
Move beyond standard headshots with more dynamic poses:
Suppose you want to create a creative headshot based on the reference image, you can use the following prompt:
The reason we are not using the image itself as a reference image, is because that in a recent update by Google, Nano Banana has since refused to allow the use of images as a reference image for generating images with people (Face swap), and all other models fails at character consistency. So the workaround is to use Chatgpt or any LLM chatbot to generate a prompt based on the reference image, and then use that prompt to generate the image.
Use the prompt below to best extract the details of the reference image.
| Use Chatgpt to generate prompt based on the reference image |
|---|
| Promtp for Chatgpt: Describe the head and body pose, lighting, expression(ignore facial features), outfit, composition, direction, camera angle of this image in 900 characters. |
![]() |
| The person is reclining with their upper body supported by their right arm, elbow bent, and head resting on their hand in a relaxed yet attentive pose. Her head tilts slightly forward and to the left, giving a contemplative impression. The body is oriented diagonally across the frame, creating dynamic balance. Lighting is soft and diffused, likely natural studio light, producing gentle shadows that emphasize facial contours and texture while maintaining an even tone overall. The expression conveys calm focus or thoughtfulness, with a subtle intensity. She wears a long-sleeved, ribbed black top with a crew neckline, simple and form-fitting, contrasting sharply with the neutral pale background. Compositionally, the image follows a minimalist aesthetic — clean, uncluttered, and centered on the subject’s pose and clothing texture. The camera angle is slightly above eye level, shooting downward at a shallow diagonal, enhancing depth and intimacy while keeping the framing tight on the upper body and face. |

Let's create a realistic portrait of the shown young woman with her reclining with the upper body supported by their right arm, elbow bent, and head resting on their hand in a relaxed yet attentive pose. Her head tilts slightly forward and to the left, giving a contemplative impression. The body is oriented diagonally across the frame, creating dynamic balance. Lighting is soft and diffused, likely natural studio light, producing gentle shadows that emphasize facial contours and texture while maintaining an even tone overall. The expression conveys calm focus or thoughtfulness, with a subtle intensity. She wears a long-sleeved, ribbed black top with a crew neckline, simple and form-fitting, contrasting sharply with the neutral pale background. Compositionally, the image follows a minimalist aesthetic — clean, uncluttered, and centered on the subject’s pose and clothing texture. The camera angle is slightly above eye level, shooting downward at a shallow diagonal, focusing on upper body
The actual prompt used will be slightly altered based on the extracted prompt, starting with:
Let's create a realistic portrait of the shown young woman with...
| Use Chatgpt to generate prompt based on the reference image |
|---|
| Promtp for Chatgpt: Describe the head and body pose, lighting, expression(ignore facial features), outfit, composition, direction, camera angle of this image in 900 characters. |
![]() |
| Her head is tilted slightly backward and to her left, with her gaze directed upward, creating a sense of openness and lightness. Her shoulders are relaxed, suggesting a casual, confident posture. Lighting is even and soft, likely from natural or diffused studio light, illuminating her face and highlighting subtle textures in her hair and fabric. The expression appears joyful and radiant, conveying energy and warmth. She wears a silky light-blue button-up shirt with a pointed collar and a small metallic button at the top with a polished yet effortless appearance. The composition is a close-up, focusing on the head and neck, with the background kept light grey and uncluttered. The color palette is fresh and airy—dominated by soft blues, warm skin tones, matte skin, and gentle browns. The camera angle is slightly low, showing bottom of chin, looking upward toward the head to enhance the sense of elevation.Keep original facial details |

Create a realistic portrait of the shown young woman with her head tilted slightly backward and to her left, with her gaze directed upward, creating a sense of openness and lightness. Her shoulders are relaxed, suggesting a casual, confident posture. Lighting is even and soft, likely from natural or diffused studio light, illuminating her face and highlighting subtle textures in her hair and fabric. The expression appears joyful and radiant, conveying energy and warmth. She wears a silky light-blue button-up shirt with a pointed collar and a small metallic button at the top with a polished yet effortless appearance. The composition is a close-up, focusing on the head and neck, with the background kept light grey and uncluttered. The color palette is fresh and airy—dominated by soft blues, warm skin tones, matte skin, and gentle browns. The camera angle is slightly low, showing bottom of chin, looking upward toward the head to enhance the sense of elevation.Keep original facial details
Artistic Lighting Styles
Experiment with creative lighting for dramatic effect:
Dramatic side lighting:
Create an artistic portrait based on the [man/woman] in the provided photo, dramatic side lighting, strong shadows, artistic portrait photography, confident expression, creative professional style, moody aesthetic
Soft natural light:
Create a portrait based on the [man/woman] in the provided photo, soft natural window light, gentle shadows, artistic portrait, warm and approachable, creative professional style, natural aesthetic
Golden hour lighting:
Create a portrait based on the [man/woman] in the provided photo, golden hour lighting, warm sunset tones, artistic outdoor portrait, natural expression, creative professional style, beautiful natural light

Create an artistic portrait based on the woman in the provided photo, dramatic side lighting, strong shadows, artistic portrait photography, confident expression, creative professional style, moody aesthetic
Prompt Building Guide
For Traditional Professional Headshots:
- Base: "Create a professional headshot based on the [man/woman] in the provided photo"
- Industry: "tech professional" / "finance professional" / "creative professional"
- Attire: "business suit" / "smart casual" / "business casual"
- Background: "neutral gray background" / "white background"
- Expression: "confident expression" / "approachable smile"
- Preservation: "keep same face and natural expression"
For Creative & Artistic Portraits:
- Base: "Create a [creative/artistic] portrait based on the [man/woman] in the provided photo"
- Style: "black and white" / "film grain" / "cinematic" / "artistic"
- Background: "colored background" / "gradient" / "artistic backdrop"
- Lighting: "dramatic lighting" / "soft natural light" / "golden hour"
- Pose: "casual pose" / "candid style" / "thoughtful expression"
- Mood: "personality-driven" / "authentic" / "creative professional"
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