How to Take Professional Headshots at Home
Matthieu van Haperen
Founder & CEO, Portreya · Updated Feb 2026
TL;DR: Quick Answer
You can take a strong professional headshot at home if you use window light, a simple background, clean clothing, and a camera placed at eye level.
Use Portreya when you need a realistic individual headshot for LinkedIn, job search, or a public professional profile.
Use a photographer for casting, editorial, or high-stakes press work.
This guide is written for an individual who needs a credible professional image, not a corporate team rollout. The priority is to look natural, current, and ready for the context where the photo will appear.
Set up the light first
Face a large window and turn off harsh overhead lights. Soft front light reduces shadows and gives AI or a photographer better source material.
Use a plain background
A wall, curtain, or uncluttered room is enough. The background should support the face, not explain your apartment.
Create your first headshots free
Upload a selfie and see the result before you pay.
Try it freeCapture several angles
Take a few photos with small changes in angle and expression. Portreya works best from clear selfies where your face is unobstructed and current.
Next step
If you want to test this with your own face, start with the AI headshot generator. You can also compare AI versus a photographer before deciding.
Frequently asked questions
Can a phone photo become a professional headshot?
Yes, if the source photo is clear and well lit. AI can improve the setting, clothing, and background, but it still needs a good face reference.
What is the biggest at-home mistake?
Bad lighting. A clean window-lit selfie beats a high-resolution photo in harsh overhead light.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a phone photo become a professional headshot?▼
Yes, if the source photo is clear and well lit. AI can improve the setting, clothing, and background, but it still needs a good face reference.
What is the biggest at-home mistake?▼
Bad lighting. A clean window-lit selfie beats a high-resolution photo in harsh overhead light.
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About the Author
Founder & CEO, Portreya
Matthieu van Haperen runs Portreya, where he has helped hundreds of teams get professional AI headshots. Before founding Portreya, he spent 6+ years building and scaling tech startups. He writes about professional photography, team branding, and how AI is reshaping corporate imagery.
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