We Tested 20 Prompts for Generating AI Headshots: Here’s the Best Strategy

This guide teaches a workflow for turning selfies into professional-looking headshots with Google’s Nano Banana Pro. You will learn how to avoid the “uncanny” AI-generated look by using a clean source photo and prompting the model to edit the image instead of generating a face from scratch. Expect to test multiple photos and iterations before finding the best result.

• Jobseekers who want to upgrade their headshot
• Anyone who needs a new LinkedIn photo
• Teams that want to unify company profiles without hiring an expensive photographer

You will create a polished, reusable professional headshot from your own photo.

• A clean source photo taken with good lighting and composition
• An AI-enhanced professional headshot
• A reusable prompt for future headshot edits

• Google Workspace account
• Access to Google AI Studio and Nano Banana Pro
• An API key with Gemini and Nano Banana Pro enabled, if needed
• A webcam or phone camera
• A neutral background and direct or natural lighting

• After creating your headshot, use Gemini to generate additional prompt concepts. Paste in the provided prompt and ask for four new headshot concepts using the same principles, making clear that the prompts should edit photos rather than generate new images from scratch.