AI Headshot Prompts for Professional, Real-Looking Portraits

Professional corporate headshot of [person], soft even studio lighting, neutral light-grey seamless background, sharp focus on the eyes, natural skin texture with visible pores, subtle catchlight, shot on 85mm f/2.8, business-casual attire, confident relaxed expression, high resolution, no retouching-plastic look

The neutral grey background plus 85mm is the LinkedIn standard. Asking for visible pores and no plastic look is what keeps it from screaming AI.

Executive headshot of [person] against a dark charcoal background, single soft key light from 45 degrees, gentle rim light separating hair from the background, 85mm f/2, crisp eyes, natural skin, tailored dark blazer, composed authoritative expression, photorealistic

The 45-degree key plus rim light is the classic executive look. Dark background reads premium and serious.

Natural-light headshot of [person] outdoors, soft overcast daylight, blurred green park background, shot on 135mm f/2 for creamy bokeh, warm authentic skin tones, relaxed genuine smile, catchlights in the eyes, editorial lifestyle feel, photorealistic

Overcast light is the most flattering free light there is. The 135mm melts the background so the face pops.

Creative headshot of [person] near a large window, soft directional window light with gentle shadow falloff, moody neutral interior background, 50mm f/1.8, sharp eyes, natural skin, thoughtful expression, film-like color, photorealistic

Window light gives free, directional, flattering shadow. Good for a warmer, more human feel than flat studio.

natural skin texture with visible pores, real catchlights in both eyes, symmetric undistorted features, no plastic or waxy skin, no over-smoothing, no extra fingers, sharp focus on the eyes, true-to-life color

Skin and eyes are where AI headshots fall apart. Naming pores, catchlights and no-plastic-skin forces the model to keep them real.