How to get a professional headshot that works

What recruiters notice in a portrait, and how to prepare the pictures the generator needs.

A professional portrait is judged in a second: light, framing, expression and background either say "reliable" or they do not. These are the rules photographers apply in a studio — and the pictures you should upload so the headshot generator can apply them for you.

Framing: head and shoulders, eyes in the upper third

The classic business framing shows the head and the top of the shoulders, with the eyes roughly one third from the top. Too much space above the head makes the subject look small; a tight crop on the face feels intrusive. Square or 4:5 crops suit profile pictures best.

Light: soft, frontal, slightly from above

Soft light from the front and a little above models the face without harsh shadows. Avoid direct sun, overhead ceiling lights and a window behind you. The generator reproduces studio lighting, but it works from your uploads — well-lit source pictures give better portraits.

Expression and posture

A slight, closed-mouth smile reads as approachable in most industries; a neutral expression suits legal and finance profiles. Keep the chin slightly forward and down, shoulders relaxed and turned a few degrees from the camera.

Outfit and background

Plain colours, no large logos, no busy patterns. The background should be neutral — grey, off-white, a softly blurred office. In the generator you choose these as a look, so pick one that matches the sector you are applying to.

Which selfies to upload

Five to ten recent pictures, face clearly visible, in daylight, from slightly different angles, without sunglasses, hats or heavy filters. Variety in angles and expressions helps; variety in hairstyle or beard length hurts.