No time or money for a professional headshot? No problem.

AI-generated headshots are an affordable, accessible, and near-instant option for busy professionals (like you!) that might not have the time to research, book, and visit a local professional photographer. Follow this tutorial to create your own career-launching headshot using an AI platform or app.

This tutorial uses Photoleap, but you can apply the same basic steps and principles to any similar program

Step 1: Pick the photo to serve as the ‘base’ of your new headshot.

For an AI-generated headshot, aim for a well-lit, clear photo of yourself against a simple background. Opt for a high-resolution image where your face is directly facing the camera with a neutral expression. Avoid harsh shadows, busy backgrounds, or excessive filters that can distort your features. The goal is to provide the AI with a sharp, natural-looking image that accurately represents your facial features. Remember, the better the quality of the photo, the more accurate and professional-looking the AI-generated headshot will be.

Step 2: Write your prompt.

To instruct an AI platform to generate a new professional headshot, begin by providing clear guidelines on the background and details you’d like in the finished product.

New to AI?: Keep it simple to start, with clear, concise commands that are easy for you to modify until the platform delivers an image that makes you happy.

More advanced user?: Specify the preferred colour scheme and style to align with the professional image intended to be conveyed. Input the dimensions required for the final image, ensuring it meets the specifications for common professional headshot uses such as LinkedIn profiles or business websites. Additionally, detail any specific editing preferences such as skin retouching or background blur to enhance the overall quality of the image generated by the AI platform.

Step 3: Test, test, testing.

Run your prompt, look critically at the image, and consider the following:

Content: Do the images generated from your prompt generally align with your vision? If something isn't quite right, consider whether you need to add or remove details in your prompt to achieve the desired result.

Quality: AI isn’t perfect—backgrounds might be uneven, clothing could appear poorly constructed, or an image might contain a dreaded 'frankenhand.' Carefully examine your image and be prepared to refine and run your prompt multiple times.

Step 4: Put your new image to good use!

Once you've created a headshot the makes you happy, save the image and use it for:

  1. Updating your profiles on LinkedIn, social media accounts, and your personal website.

  2. Networking events and conferences (consistency with your LinkedIn will help people remember and find you online after the event is over)

  3. Image insets in resume templates