How to Create Professional Headshots with AI (Using Just 1 Photo)

With just one photo, you can create your own polished, business-ready headshots. No expensive equipment or editing software needed.

Here's how to create a professional headshot with AI in a few simple steps.

Before We Start: See the Results

Let me show you what's possible with this workflow. The comparison between the original and AI-generated headshot shows:

• High accuracy to the original image

• High resemblance (yes, it passed the girlfriend test)

• High precision and detail (zoom in and you'll see the fabric texture, individual hair strands, and realistic skin)

Note: the AI image is compressed due to optimising for web your end results will be even higher resolution

This workflow is all about taking photos you already have and using AI to present it in the best professional light.

The Step-by-Step Process

1. Choose Your AI Image Model

For this workflow, we're using Google's Nano Banana from Gemini. Here's why it works:

• It's the latest AI image model from Gemini

• You can access it directly through the Gemini web or mobile app

• It's also available through other AI platforms

I personally use Freepik (all screenshots in this guide are from there), but this workflow will work anywhere you can access Nano Banana. The key is having access to the model and the ability to upload a reference image.

2. Upload Your Reference Image

You only need one good photo of yourself. Here's what to consider:

Choose an image with good lighting. Natural light or well-lit indoor photos work best. Avoid harsh shadows or dim lighting that obscures your features.

Match your expression to the final result you want. This is crucial for maintaining resemblance. If you want a professional headshot with a smile, use a reference image where you're already smiling. If you want something more serious, start with a neutral expression.

For example, I wanted a professional headshot with a friendly smile, so I found an image where I was already smiling naturally. This helps the AI maintain that authentic look in the final output.

3. Use This Professional Prompt

This prompt comes directly from Google Gemini's own recommendations. You can customise specific details like the background colour, outfit, or camera lens to match your needs.

Here's the full prompt:

A professional, high-resolution, profile photo, maintaining the exact facial structure, identity, and key features of the person in the input image. The subject is framed from the chest up, with ample headroom and negative space above their head, ensuring the top of their head is not cropped. The person looks directly at the camera, and the subject's body is also directly facing the camera. They are styled for a professional photo studio shoot, wearing a smart casual blazer. The background is a solid '#141414' neutral studio. Shot from a high angle with bright and airy soft, diffused studio lighting, gently illuminating the face and creating a subtle catchlight in the eyes, conveying a sense of clarity. Captured on an 85mm f/1.8 lens with a shallow depth of field, exquisite focus on the eyes, and beautiful, soft bokeh. Observe crisp detail on the fabric texture of the blazer, individual strands of hair, and natural, realistic skin texture. The atmosphere exudes confidence, professionalism, and approachability. Clean and bright cinematic color grading with subtle warmth and balanced tones, ensuring a polished and contemporary feel.

Customisation tips:

• Change the background hex code (#141414) to any colour that suits your brand

• Modify the outfit (blazer, button-up shirt, etc.)

• Adjust the camera lens (85mm is standard for portraits, but you can try 50mm for a wider view)

• Change the angle (high angle, eye level, etc.)

4. Upscale with Magnific AI (Optional But Recommended)

This step isn't necessary, but it significantly improves realism and detail. Use Magnific AI's upscaler with these settings:

• Mode: Precision mode

• Preset: Portrait

This is what gives the image that crisp, professional detail you'd expect from actual portrait photography. The upscaling enhances fabric textures, sharpens hair detail, and refines skin texture to look natural rather than artificially smooth.

You're Done

That's it. You now have a professional headshot created in just a few steps with Google's Nano Banana.

The best part? You can generate multiple variations by tweaking the prompt. Try different backgrounds, outfits, or lighting setups without doing another photoshoot.