How to Take a Professional Headshot With Your Phone

Your Phone Is Enough

You do not need a DSLR camera or a professional studio to get great input photos for an AI headshot generator. Modern smartphones have more than enough resolution and quality. The key is knowing how to use them well.

Step 1: Find Good Lighting

Natural window light is your best friend. Stand facing a large window during the day, with the light falling evenly on your face. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows, and overhead lighting, which casts unflattering shadows under your eyes and chin.

• Overcast days provide the softest, most even light
• Golden hour (the hour before sunset) adds a warm, flattering glow
• If indoors, turn off overhead lights and use only the window

Step 2: Set Up Your Background

A plain wall works well. White, light grey and cream are safe choices. Make sure there are no distracting objects, picture frames or light switches in the frame. Stand about a metre away from the wall to create a subtle depth separation.

Step 3: Position Your Phone

• Use the rear camera for higher quality — a small tripod or phone mount helps
• Set the camera at eye level or slightly above
• Use the timer or a remote shutter so you are not reaching for the phone
• Frame from the chest up, leaving some space above your head

Step 4: Pose and Expression

Angle your body slightly (about 15 degrees) rather than facing the camera head-on. This creates a more dynamic, flattering composition. Look directly at the lens and think of something that makes you genuinely happy — a real smile is always more convincing than a forced one.

Step 5: Take Multiple Shots

Take at least 10 to 15 photos with slight variations in angle, expression and posture. This gives your AI headshot generator more material to work with and ensures you have options to choose from.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Bathroom selfies with visible mirrors and tiles
• Heavy filters that distort your features
• Low-light photos with visible grain
• Sunglasses or hats that obscure your face
• Group photos cropped down to just you

Upload and Let AI Do the Rest

Once you have 5 to 10 good selfies, upload them to TailorPic. The LoRA model trains on your unique features and generates 40+ professional headshots across 11 categories, all for a one-time $9.90.