Guide

How to take a professional headshot at home

A good headshot comes down to light, angle and a relaxed face. The hardest part of a self-portrait is staying relaxed while you reach for the button, so don't reach for it.

Updated October 6, 2026 · 2 min read

What you need

• A phone (rear camera) or an Apple silicon Mac
• A window with indirect daylight
• A plain wall, or space to blur the background
• Something to hold the phone at eye level: a tripod, a shelf or books

Step by step

1. Face the window. Stand 1–2 meters from it, facing it or angled about 45°. Turn off the room lights to avoid mixed colors.
2. Background 1–2 meters behind you. Distance makes it softer and avoids shadows on the wall.
3. Camera at eye level or slightly above, about 1–1.5 meters away. Use the 2× lens or portrait mode if your phone has one; it flatters facial features.
4. Frame from mid-chest up, with a little headroom.
5. Trigger hands-free. Say “take a photo” with Phone Take A Photo, adjust and say it again. No reaching means your shoulders stay relaxed.

Expression tips

• Push your forehead slightly toward the camera and drop your chin a little. This is the classic “turtle” trick for a defined jawline.
• Squint very slightly with your lower eyelids for a confident look.
• Exhale, then smile as you breathe out. Do 20+ frames.

Finish

Crop to a square for LinkedIn, lightly brighten, and keep skin retouching subtle.

FAQ

Keep reading