A free tool from Kelly Fifield

Professional Photos With ChatGPT

Website-ready headshots and brand photos you can make yourself, in your kitchen, for basically free.

Here's the thing about AI headshots: the tech finally got good enough to actually use. ChatGPT's image model had a real jump in April 2026. It can hold your likeness from a few good photos and give you portraits that look like a real photographer took them. Not a stiff suit against a gray wall. Real, warm, on-brand photos.

It is not magic. You'll generate a few, pick the best, and tweak. But it's fast. Start with the 5-minute version, and if you like it, build your whole set.

The 5-minute version

One selfie, one prompt, done

You need: one clear, well-lit, front-facing selfie (two or three is better). Phone is fine. Face a window, no sunglasses, no heavy filter.

Do this: open ChatGPT, upload your photo, paste the prompt, send. When it comes back, you can type one quick change like "warmer light" or "a little wider."

Quick all-purpose headshot

Your fastest test drive

4:5

Use my uploaded photo as the identity anchor. Keep my face shape, skin tone, eye shape, hairline, and smile exactly like the photo. Do not idealize or change my features.

Create a photorealistic professional head-and-shoulders portrait of me for a website.
Wardrobe: keep what I'm wearing, or a simple solid-color top in a flattering mid-tone.
Expression: warm, confident, approachable. A natural soft smile.
Camera: 85mm portrait lens look, eye-level, shallow depth of field.
Lighting: soft window light with clean catchlights in both eyes.
Background: simple, softly blurred, warm neutral.
Realism: real skin texture and pores, natural under-eye detail, no beauty retouching, no plastic skin.
Aspect ratio: 4:5 vertical.

The full version

A small set of reference photos plus the prompt library below gives you a whole cohesive set of brand photos.

Step 1

The photos you upload (this makes or breaks it)

Your result is only as good as what you give it. No photoshoot needed. Just 6 to 10 recent, clear photos showing your face from a few angles:

One straight-on, head and shoulders, relaxed face
Two three-quarter angles (turned slightly left, slightly right)
One natural smile
One waist-up so it sees your proportions and posture
One in your glasses if you usually wear them
Optional: one in your real on-brand outfit

The rules that matter: recent (last 6 to 12 months), soft even light (no harsh sun or deep shadow over one eye), native quality straight from your phone (not a screenshot or compressed export), and no filters (no beauty smoothing, sunglasses, or hats over your hairline).

Step 2

How to work it

Every prompt below already includes an identity anchor (so it keeps looking like you) and realism guardrails (your best defense against that waxy, fake look). Generate, look closely, then refine in the same chat with small follow-ups instead of rewriting. If it drifts after a lot of edits, start a fresh chat with your best image plus your originals. You're curating, not chasing perfect.

Swap the wardrobe and color lines in any prompt for your own brand. Everything else works as-is.

Clean & classic Lifestyle Outdoors Tasteful drama Authority Editorial Formal Website essentials Social

The prompt library

Tap a section to open it. Every prompt has a one-click copy button.

Clean & classic 2 prompts

The studio headshot

Your About page and LinkedIn staple

4:5

Use my uploaded reference photos as the identity anchor. Keep my face shape, eye shape, nose bridge, mouth shape, hairline, and skin tone consistent. Do not idealize or change my facial structure.

Create a photorealistic professional head-and-shoulders portrait of me on a clean studio backdrop.
Wardrobe: tailored blazer over a simple top, minimal jewelry, no logos (swap for your colors).
Expression: warm, confident, approachable.
Pose: body angled about 30 degrees, chin slightly forward and down, eyes to camera.
Camera: 85mm portrait lens look, eye-level, shallow depth of field.
Lighting: large softbox with subtle fill, clean catchlights.
Background: warm neutral seamless backdrop (stone or soft gray), softly blurred.
Realism: real skin texture and pores, natural asymmetry, realistic teeth, no beauty retouching, no plastic skin.
Aspect ratio: 4:5 vertical.

Soft window-light portrait

Warm and human, perfect for an About page

4:5

Use my uploaded reference photos as the identity anchor. Keep my facial structure, hairline, and skin tone consistent. Do not idealize my features.

Create a photorealistic professional portrait of me lit by soft natural window light.
Wardrobe: relaxed but elevated, textured knit in a muted tone (swap for your colors).
Expression: calm, kind, quietly confident.
Camera: 50mm natural perspective, medium close-up, realistic depth of field.
Lighting: soft window light from camera left, gentle reflector fill on the right, clean catchlights.
Background: simple warm interior, softly out of focus.
Realism: real skin texture and pores, natural asymmetry, no beauty retouching, no plastic skin.
Aspect ratio: 4:5 vertical.

Lifestyle & environmental 2 prompts

Modern home office, at work

Approachable expert

4:5

Use my uploaded reference photos as the identity anchor. Keep my facial structure, hairline, and skin tone consistent. Do not idealize my features.

Create a photorealistic waist-up portrait of me in a bright, modern home office.
Wardrobe: smart-casual creator look in solid mid-tones, no busy patterns, no logos (swap for your colors).
Expression: engaged, friendly, like I just looked up from work.
Camera: 50mm look, medium shot, shallow depth of field.
Lighting: soft daylight, low-contrast, clean catchlights.
Background: styled desk with a laptop, a plant, books, one or two tasteful objects, softly blurred.
Realism: real skin texture, natural asymmetry, realistic hands if visible with correct finger count, no plastic skin, no over-smoothing.
Aspect ratio: 4:5 vertical.

Coffee-shop lifestyle

Approachable and relational, great for social

4:5

Use my uploaded reference photos as the identity anchor. Keep my facial structure, hairline, and skin tone consistent. Do not idealize my features.

Create a photorealistic candid-style portrait of me in a warm, modern coffee shop.
Wardrobe: one hero color, controlled and contemporary, soft texture (swap for your colors).
Expression: relaxed, warm, mid-conversation energy.
Camera: 85mm look, shallow depth of field, natural background blur.
Lighting: soft ambient daylight, believable and natural, clean catchlights.
Background: cozy cafe, softly blurred, no readable text or signage.
Realism: real skin texture, natural asymmetry, realistic hands if visible, no plastic skin.
Aspect ratio: 4:5 vertical.

Outdoors 2 prompts

Golden-hour urban

Modern, energetic, editorial

4:5

Use my uploaded reference photos as the identity anchor. Keep my facial structure, hairline, and skin tone consistent. Do not idealize my features.

Create a photorealistic outdoor portrait of me on a clean city street, for social and speaking promos.
Wardrobe: smart-casual in navy or soft denim, no logos, no busy patterns (swap for your colors).
Expression: energized, optimistic, credible.
Pose: relaxed, natural body language, one hand easy at my side.
Lighting: golden-hour backlight with soft frontal fill, natural skin tone and hair detail.
Camera: 85mm look, shallow depth of field, background softly blurred.
Background: clean modern architecture, blurred street.
Realism: like a real photographer shot it, real skin texture, no fake-perfect skin, no warped hands, no text in image.
Aspect ratio: 4:5 vertical.

Natural setting

Warmth over polish, for wellness and founder brands

4:5

Use my uploaded reference photos as the identity anchor. Keep my facial structure, hairline, and skin tone consistent. Do not idealize my features.

Create a photorealistic outdoor portrait of me in a soft natural setting.
Wardrobe: earthy tones, linen or soft knit, natural fibers (swap for your colors).
Expression: grounded, warm, present.
Camera: 85mm look, shallow depth of field.
Lighting: open shade or soft overcast light, no harsh shadows, clean catchlights.
Background: trees or soft botanical greenery, thrown well out of focus.
Realism: real skin texture, natural asymmetry, no plastic skin, no over-stylization.
Aspect ratio: 4:5 vertical.

Tasteful drama 2 prompts

Rembrandt editorial

Dimensional, intelligent, magazine feel

3:4

Use my uploaded reference photos as the identity anchor. Keep my likeness consistent across face, eyes, teeth, hairline, and skin tone. Do not change my facial structure.

Create a photorealistic editorial portrait of me.
Wardrobe: monochrome, modern and polished, no corporate suit (swap for your colors).
Expression: poised, warm but composed.
Pose: seated, torso angled, gaze just off camera.
Lighting: Rembrandt lighting, key light about 45 degrees and above eye level, soft fill, tasteful controlled shadow.
Camera: 85mm look, shallow depth of field, premium magazine style.
Background: textured plaster wall in soft warm gray.
Realism: real skin texture and pores, subtle film grain, natural asymmetry, no plastic skin, no heavy retouching.
Aspect ratio: 3:4 vertical.

Low-key dramatic

Bold and sophisticated, used sparingly

4:5

Use my uploaded reference photos as the identity anchor. Keep my facial structure, hairline, and skin tone consistent. Do not idealize my features.

Create a photorealistic low-key portrait of me with controlled drama.
Wardrobe: solid dark or rich jewel tone, simple and modern (swap for your colors).
Expression: calm, self-assured, quietly serious.
Lighting: strong directional side light with soft fill, deep but controlled shadows, subtle rim light, clean catchlights.
Camera: 85mm look, shallow depth of field.
Background: deep neutral, uncluttered.
Realism: grounded realism, natural color, real skin texture, no over-stylization, no fantasy styling.
Aspect ratio: 4:5 vertical.

Authority & energy 2 prompts

On stage, speaking

Instant authority for workshops and keynotes

16:9

Use my uploaded reference photos as the identity anchor. Keep my facial structure, hairline, and skin tone consistent. Do not idealize my features.

Create a photorealistic portrait of me speaking on a stage.
Wardrobe: structured and a touch bolder than everyday, well-fitted (swap for your colors).
Expression: confident, mid-talk, engaged with an audience.
Pose: natural speaking gesture, relaxed and credible.
Lighting: clean conference stage lighting, soft audience blur behind me.
Camera: 85mm look, shallow depth of field, subject well separated from background.
Background: simple stage, softly blurred audience, no readable text.
Realism: real skin texture, realistic hands with correct finger count, no warped hands, no plastic skin.
Aspect ratio: 16:9 horizontal.

Candid, laughing

Warmth, the one people connect with

4:5

Use my uploaded reference photos as the identity anchor. Keep my facial structure, hairline, and skin tone consistent. Do not idealize my features.

Create a photorealistic candid portrait of me mid-laugh, natural and unposed.
Wardrobe: soft, approachable, solid color (swap for your colors).
Expression: genuine laugh, real warmth, natural eyes.
Camera: 85mm look, shallow depth of field.
Lighting: soft natural light, clean catchlights.
Background: simple and warm, softly blurred.
Realism: real skin texture, natural smile and realistic teeth, no duplicated or overly perfect teeth, no plastic skin.
Aspect ratio: 4:5 vertical.

Editorial brand looks 2 prompts

Monochrome editorial

High-end and modern, no suit

3:4

Use my uploaded reference photos as the identity anchor. Keep my likeness consistent across face, eyes, hairline, and skin tone. Do not change my facial structure.

Create a photorealistic editorial portrait of me, tonal and refined.
Wardrobe: cream-on-cream or one-color head-to-toe, modern and elevated (swap for your colors).
Expression: warm but high-end, lightly serious.
Camera: 85mm look, shallow depth of field.
Lighting: soft low-contrast studio light, clean catchlights.
Background: tonal backdrop that matches the wardrobe family, softly blurred.
Realism: real skin texture and pores, natural asymmetry, no heavy retouching, no plastic skin.
Aspect ratio: 3:4 vertical.

Color-backdrop brand portrait

Bold, for a punchy brand

1:1

Use my uploaded reference photos as the identity anchor. Keep my facial structure, hairline, and skin tone consistent. Do not idealize my features.

Create a photorealistic studio portrait of me against a solid brand-color backdrop.
Wardrobe: simple and modern, chosen to complement the backdrop, no logos (swap color for your brand).
Expression: confident, friendly, a little playful.
Camera: 85mm look, shallow depth of field.
Lighting: clean studio light with soft fill, clean catchlights.
Background: solid [your brand color] seamless backdrop, evenly lit.
Realism: real skin texture, natural asymmetry, no plastic skin, no over-retouching.
Aspect ratio: 1:1 square.

The professional one 1 prompt

Polished business formal

When you genuinely need the blazer

4:5

Use my uploaded reference photos as the identity anchor. Keep my facial structure, hairline, and skin tone consistent. Do not idealize my features.

Create a photorealistic professional business portrait of me.
Wardrobe: well-tailored blazer in navy, charcoal, or a rich neutral, crisp and modern, no pure white or pure black (swap for your colors).
Expression: composed, trustworthy, approachable.
Pose: body angled 30 degrees, chin slightly forward and down, eyes to camera.
Camera: 85mm look, eye-level, shallow depth of field.
Lighting: three-point studio lighting with key, soft rim, and background separation, clean catchlights.
Background: clean neutral studio, softly blurred.
Realism: real skin texture and pores, natural asymmetry, no plastic skin, no heavy retouching.
Aspect ratio: 4:5 vertical.

Website essentials 2 prompts

Website hero with text space

Wide, with room for your headline

16:9

Use my uploaded reference photos as the identity anchor. Keep my facial structure, hairline, and skin tone consistent. Do not idealize my features.

Create a photorealistic wide website-hero portrait of me, composed with deliberate empty space on one side for headline text.
Wardrobe: on-brand, solid, modern (swap for your colors).
Expression: warm, confident, inviting.
Camera: 50mm to 85mm look, shallow depth of field.
Lighting: soft directional daylight, clean catchlights.
Background: simple and uncluttered, softly blurred, with clear negative space on the [left/right] for text.
Realism: real skin texture, natural asymmetry, no plastic skin. No text in the image.
Aspect ratio: 16:9 horizontal.

B-roll detail shot

Filler imagery for your site and posts

16:9

Create a photorealistic lifestyle detail shot to match my brand photos. No face needed, or only partially in frame.
Subject: hands working, a laptop and coffee on a clean desk, a notebook and pen, soft daylight.
Style: warm, modern, premium personal-brand photography, shallow depth of field.
Wardrobe detail if hands or arms show: sleeve in [your brand color], realistic hands with correct finger count.
Background: tidy, on-brand, softly blurred.
Realism: real textures, natural light, no warped hands, no text on screens.
Aspect ratio: 16:9 horizontal.

The brand set

The payoff. Generate a matching set in one pass.

Power move

A whole matching set, one prompt

On ChatGPT Plus, Pro, or Business, turn on Images with thinking and ask for the set together. Same face, same brand feel, different crops. Fill in the two bracketed lines with your colors and outfit.

Consistent brand set

Hero, profile, social, lifestyle, all matching

Mixed

Create a set of consistent professional portraits of me using my uploaded reference photos as the identity anchor. Keep the same face, skin tone, hair, and overall likeness in every image. Do not idealize or change my facial structure.

Keep this brand feel across all of them: [your color palette, e.g. warm neutrals and muted earth tones], calm and premium mood, soft natural lighting, no logos, no busy patterns, minimal jewelry, real skin texture, no heavy retouching, no corporate stiffness.

Keep the same outfit family in every shot: [e.g. camel blazer over an ivory knit].

Produce these:
1) a tight profile headshot on a warm neutral backdrop, 1:1 square
2) a waist-up portrait in a bright modern studio, 4:5 vertical
3) a 16:9 website hero with negative space on the left for headline text
4) a casual coffee-shop lifestyle portrait, 4:5 vertical

Photorealistic, premium personal-brand photography, realistic skin texture, tasteful background blur, clean catchlights.

Keep the same outfit across locations. One outfit, different rooms, reads far more "real photographer" than a new outfit in every frame.

Size cheat sheet

Pick your aspect ratio up front. Don't crop a tight headshot into a wide banner later and hope.

Website hero / banner16:9 · aim for 2560×1440 px
About-page portrait3:4 or 4:5 · ~1200×1600 px
Social profile photo1:1 square · 800×800 px
LinkedInsquare, face ~60% of frame

Generate larger when you can, then export smaller for the web (WebP or JPEG keeps pages fast).

What goes wrong, and the fix

Troubleshooting 7 fixes

It looks waxy and fake.

The number one tell. Add "real skin texture, visible pores, natural under-eye detail, no beauty retouching, no plastic skin." Upload un-filtered photos.

It's gorgeous but it isn't you.

Identity drift. Lean on the anchor: "Keep face shape, eye shape, nose bridge, mouth shape, hairline, and skin tone consistent. Do not idealize." Use fewer, better, more recent photos.

The hands are mangled.

Easiest fix: don't ask for hands. If you need them, say "anatomically correct hands, natural finger count, relaxed pose," and keep it simple.

The smile or teeth look off.

Ask for "natural smile, realistic teeth, no duplicated or overly perfect teeth, clean catchlights." Drop a broad grin to a soft smile and regenerate.

The background blur looks wrong.

Simplify the optics: "85mm portrait lens look, shallow depth of field, subject sharp, background softly blurred, realistic falloff." Don't stack effects.

It came out the wrong shape.

A workflow miss, not a model miss. Choose the aspect ratio before you generate.

It looks like AI art.

Add grounding: "like a real professional photographer shot it, grounded realism, natural color, no dramatic color grading, no surrealism."

One honest note. These should still be you. A little polish is normal. A different face, a different body, a different age is not, and people can feel it. Keep your real features, use recent photos, and the result will look like you on a great day, which is exactly what you want on your website. ChatGPT also tags its images as AI-generated in the file data, so be real. It converts better.