How to take selfies for AI headshots
Updated October 22, 2026 · 5 min read
AI headshots are only as good as the photos you give the AI to learn from. The good news: you don't need a camera or a photographer. Ten minutes with your phone and a window is enough. Here's exactly what to do.
1. Use soft, even light from a window
Stand facing a window during the day. Soft daylight is the single biggest factor in a good result. Avoid harsh overhead lights, strong shadows across your face, and backlighting where the window is behind you.
2. Take 10 to 20 photos, not 3
The AI learns your face from variety. Fylvy asks for 8 to 20 photos. More good photos means a more accurate likeness. Fewer, very similar photos means more misses.
3. Mix angles and expressions
- Several straight-on shots at eye level
- A few turned slightly left and right
- Some with a natural smile, some relaxed
- One or two from the shoulders up, not just face close-ups
4. Change your outfit and background
If every photo has the same blue shirt and the same wall, the AI may think the shirt is part of you. Change tops and rooms two or three times.
5. Hold the phone at eye level
Low angles distort your face, and high angles make it look smaller. Hold the phone straight in front of you, or prop it on a shelf and use the timer.
6. Skip filters, beauty modes and heavy edits
Filters smooth away the details the AI needs to recognize you. Turn off portrait beauty modes and upload original photos.
7. No sunglasses, hats or masks
Anything covering your eyes, hair or face confuses the AI. Regular glasses are okay if you always wear them, but avoid glare.
8. Only you in the photo
Crop out or skip group photos. Even a stranger in the background can blend into the result.
9. Use recent photos
Use photos from the last few months so the headshots match how you look today: same hairstyle, same facial hair.
10. Sharp beats perfect
Blurry or very dark photos hurt results more than anything else. If a photo looks soft when you zoom in, leave it out.
Quick checklist
- Daylight from a window
- 10 to 20 photos
- Different angles, outfits and rooms
- No filters, sunglasses, hats or other people
- Recent and sharp
Questions
Can I use old photos?
Recent photos work best, so the headshots look like you today. Mixing in one or two older ones is fine if you look the same.
Do I need a good camera?
No. A modern phone camera in daylight is plenty.
Ready for your own headshots?
Upload a few selfies and get 40 professional headshots in 10 looks for $39.