How to get a professional headshot
There are three routes to a professional headshot — a photographer, a careful DIY phone shot, or AI. Here’s how each one works, roughly what it costs, and how to prepare so any of them comes out well.
A “professional” headshot is less about expensive gear than about a few fundamentals: clean light, a simple background, a flattering crop and a genuine expression. You can hit those three different ways, at very different price points. Below is each route, then the preparation that makes all of them look better.
Three ways to get a headshot
A professional photographer is the premium route: you get expert lighting, direction and editing, typically for somewhere around $150–$300 (more in big cities). A careful do-it-yourself phone shot is the free route — modern phone cameras are more than good enough if you control the light and setup, which the sections below cover. AI headshot generators are the fast, low-cost middle ground: you upload selfies and get a pack of professional styles, usually for a one-time $20–$50.
Which is right depends on your budget and the use. For a deep dive on price, see how much headshots cost. To see the professional styles an AI tool would produce — free, no signup — browse the generator; upload-and-generate is in early access, with a free preview before any paid download.
How to prepare (so any method works)
Wear something smart and simple in a solid colour — busy patterns shimmer and distract at small sizes. Match the formality to your field: a suit or blazer for conservative roles, a clean shirt or knit for most others. Groom as you would for an important meeting, and keep accessories minimal so nothing competes with your face.
For the shot itself, frame head-and-shoulders with your eyes about a third down from the top, leave a little headroom, and keep the background plain and uncluttered. The expression that reads as confident and approachable is a relaxed, genuine half-smile with direct eye contact — practise it a few times so it doesn’t look forced.
Lighting and taking the photo with a phone
Light is what separates a professional-looking headshot from a snapshot. Soft, even light is the goal: stand facing a large window, or step outside into open shade, so the light wraps your face without harsh shadows. Avoid overhead lights and the on-camera flash, which flatten features and cause glare.
Use your phone’s rear (not front) camera for better quality, set it at eye level about an arm’s length away, and use a timer or a friend rather than an outstretched arm. Take plenty of frames, then pick the one with the best expression and sharpest eyes. If you’d rather skip the shoot entirely, an AI generator builds the same professional look from selfies you already have — preview it free before deciding.
Browse the styles yourself — free
See every professional style on real LinkedIn, resume and company-page crops. No account, no card. Join early access to make your own.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a professional headshot?
Three ways: hire a photographer (around $150–$300 for expert lighting and editing), take one yourself with a phone in soft window light, or use an AI headshot generator (a one-time $20–$50 from your selfies). Whichever you choose, the fundamentals are clean light, a plain background, a head-and-shoulders crop and a genuine expression.
Can I take my own professional headshot?
Yes. With a phone, soft even light (face a large window or step into open shade), a plain background, an eye-level camera an arm’s length away and a relaxed expression, you can get a genuinely professional result for free. Take lots of frames and pick the sharpest.
How do I take a headshot with my phone?
Use the rear camera at eye level about an arm’s length away, in soft light from a large window or open shade — never the direct flash or harsh overhead light. Frame head-and-shoulders with a little headroom, use a timer or a helper, and shoot many frames to choose from.
What should I wear for a professional headshot?
Smart, simple clothing in a solid colour, matched to your field — a suit or blazer for formal roles, a clean shirt or knit for most others. Avoid busy patterns, which distract at small sizes, and keep accessories minimal so the focus stays on your face.