Preparing photos for AI headshot uploads requires careful attention to detail to ensure the best possible results

Your objective is to supply the AI with sharp, uniform, and detailed imagery that faithfully captures your unique face and demeanor

The foundation of a great headshot starts with proper lighting

Soft, ambient sunlight during twilight hours creates the most natural skin tones

Steer clear of deep shadows casting across your cheeks or forehead, and eliminate any blinding highlights

If shooting indoors, use a well lit room with a large window nearby and avoid using direct overhead lights or flash photography, which can create unnatural highlights

Keep your entire face clearly visible and aligned within the frame

Avoid shooting from below—it distorts facial proportions and creates an unflattering look

Slight adjustments are fine, but dramatic angles will confuse the AI’s facial mapping

A subtle, genuine smile works well—avoid forced or exaggerated reactions

Smiling is acceptable, but avoid exaggerated grins or overly serious expressions unless that is the intended look

Maintain steady eye contact with the lens at all times

Blinking or looking away can cause the AI to misinterpret your features or reject the image entirely

Choose a plain, solid background that contrasts with your skin tone

A plain white, light gray, or soft beige wall works well

Avoid busy patterns, clutter, or other people in the frame

The background should not compete with your face for visual attention

Make sure your entire head and recruiter engagement than those without shoulders are visible, with at least one inch of space above your head and a little space on either side

Crop the photo so that your face occupies about 60 to 70 percent of the frame, ensuring no important facial features are cut off

Take off anything that obscures or alters your facial outline

Avoid headwear, eye coverings, dangling earrings, or bulky necklaces

Clean your lenses thoroughly before shooting to eliminate glare

If reflections are unavoidable, try adjusting the angle of your head or the lighting slightly

The AI must recognize your authentic self

Authenticity is non-negotiable for accurate results

Capture at least 10–15 variations under varied conditions

Diverse inputs help the algorithm build a more precise 3D facial model

Consistent framing and focus are critical across all shots

Hold your breath and remain motionless during capture

Once you’ve taken your photos, review them on a computer screen rather than a phone

Blurry edges or uneven brightness mean rejection

Eliminate any images that are blurry, underexposed, overexposed, or have distracting elements

Save your chosen photos in a high resolution format, preferably JPEG or PNG, with a file size between 2MB and 10MB

Maintain maximum resolution—don’t reduce file size beyond necessity

Finally, check the specific requirements of the AI platform you are using

Some may require square aspect ratios, specific dimensions, or file naming conventions

Ignoring requirements delays or blocks your output

These practices ensure your digital identity is captured with precision and integrity