Updated June 2026

How to Make a Professional AI Headshot

Get a polished, studio-style headshot from your own photos — free to start.

A sharp professional headshot used to mean booking a photographer. With NanoBanana AI you can generate a clean, business-ready portrait from your existing photos, refine the lighting and background, and export it watermark-free — all in the browser, starting free with 5 credits. This guide walks you through getting a LinkedIn-ready headshot step by step.

Step by step

Choose a clear source photo

Pick a photo where your face is well-lit, in focus, and facing roughly forward. A clean, uncluttered shot gives the AI the best base to work from.

Describe the headshot you want

Open the studio and write a prompt such as: 'professional corporate headshot, soft studio lighting, neutral grey background, business attire, sharp focus'. Be specific about attire, background, and lighting.

Generate and compare

Run the prompt and generate a few options. Try a second model for variety so you can compare framing, expression, and lighting before choosing.

Refine background and lighting

Use background replacement for a clean studio or office backdrop, and adjust the prompt for softer or brighter lighting until it looks natural and professional.

Upscale and download

Run the upscaler for a crisp, high-resolution file, then download. NanoBanana AI is watermark-free on every plan, so your headshot is ready for LinkedIn, resumes, or company pages.

Create your headshot free

Pro tips for better results

Start from a forward-facing, well-lit photo for the most realistic result.
Name the background explicitly — 'neutral grey' or 'soft office blur' — for a professional look.
Ask for 'soft studio lighting' to avoid harsh shadows on the face.
Generate several options and pick the one with the most natural expression.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make a professional headshot with AI for free?

Yes. NanoBanana AI gives you 5 free credits with no card, enough to generate and refine a professional headshot, including background replacement and download.

Are AI headshots good enough for LinkedIn?

Yes. With a clear source photo and a specific prompt, NanoBanana AI produces clean, business-ready portraits suitable for LinkedIn, resumes, and company pages.

Can I change the background of my headshot?

Yes. Use the background replacement tool to swap in a neutral studio or office backdrop for a polished, professional finish.

Are the headshots watermark-free and usable commercially?

Yes. Every NanoBanana AI plan, including the free tier, exports watermark-free images with commercial usage rights.

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