The problem isn’t ChatGPT. The problem is how prompts are written.
Photography realism is governed by light physics, lens compression, sensor behavior, and tonal response. When those aren’t specified, the model fills the gaps with digital shortcuts smoothing skin, reshaping faces, and killing authenticity.
The prompts below are built the same way I’d plan a real headshot session. These includes intentional lighting ratios, correct focal lengths, controlled depth of field, and film inspired color science. This is how you get clean, credible, LinkedIn ready headshots that hold up under scrutiny.
1. Corporate Window Light Headshot
North facing window light creates broad, even illumination with soft falloff ideal for professional faces without harsh contrast or artificial shine.
PROMPT: Subject: use uploaded reference image, head-and-shoulders framing, relaxed professional expression. Outfit: solid-color blazer with neutral shirt, matte fabric only. Location: indoor office space near a north-facing window. Lighting: primary soft window light at 45° camera-left, sheer curtain diffusion; subtle white reflector camera-right at -1.5 stops to retain facial depth. Camera: 85mm focal length, f/2.8, 1/160s, ISO 100. Focus locked on near eye. Film Stock: Kodak Portra 160 — neutral skin tones, smooth highlight roll-off. Output: photoreal professional corporate headshot, natural texture, no digital polish.
SIGNATURE: Add geminiguru.in bottom-left corner. Handwritten signature-style typography, thin cursive, small size, subtle premium elegance, white/soft off-white color.
2. High Key LinkedIn Studio Headshot
High key lighting removes harsh shadows while preserving skin texture when fill ratios are controlled correctly.
PROMPT: Subject: uploaded reference image, front-facing pose with subtle smile. Outfit: light grey or navy formal wear. Location: white studio backdrop. Lighting: large softbox key light directly in front, fill lights left and right at -1 stop, hair light at low power for separation. Camera: 70–85mm, f/4, 1/125s, ISO 100. Film Stock: clean digital with slight Portra-style warmth. Output: crisp editorial headshot suitable for LinkedIn and resumes.
SIGNATURE: Add geminiguru.in bottom-left corner. Handwritten signature-style typography, thin cursive, small size, subtle premium elegance, white/soft off-white color.
3. Executive Low Contrast Office Portrait
Lower contrast portraits communicate authority without aggression commonly used for CEOs and consultants.
PROMPT: Subject: uploaded reference image, calm confident expression. Outfit: dark suit, subtle texture. Location: modern office interior with blurred background. Lighting: soft key at 30° camera-right, fill reflector at -2 stops, gentle background separation light. Camera: 85mm, f/3.2, 1/160s, ISO 100. Film Stock: Fuji Pro 400H for neutral contrast and clean skin. Output: professional executive portrait with authentic realism.
SIGNATURE: Add geminiguru.in bottom-left corner. Handwritten signature-style typography, thin cursive, small size, subtle premium elegance, white/soft off-white color.
4. Rembrandt Style Professional Headshot
Rembrandt lighting adds depth and credibility while keeping the face grounded in realism.
PROMPT: Subject: uploaded reference image, 3/4 angle pose. Outfit: business formal, matte textures. Location: studio dark grey backdrop. Lighting: key light at 45° camera-left forming Rembrandt triangle, fill at -2.5 stops, subtle rim light. Camera: 85mm, f/4, 1/125s, ISO 100. Film Stock: Ilford HP5 tonal curve adapted to color. Output: cinematic professional headshot with strong facial structure.
SIGNATURE: Add geminiguru.in bottom-left corner. Handwritten signature-style typography, thin cursive, small size, subtle premium elegance, white/soft off-white color.
5. Outdoor Corporate Portrait
Open shade outdoors produces flattering skin tones without artificial lighting artifacts.
PROMPT: Subject: uploaded reference image, relaxed posture. Outfit: business casual. Location: urban outdoor open shade. Lighting: soft ambient daylight with silver reflector fill at -1 stop. Camera: 85mm, f/2.8, 1/200s, ISO 100. Film Stock: Kodak Portra 400. Output: approachable professional portrait with natural realism.
SIGNATURE: Add geminiguru.in bottom-left corner. Handwritten signature-style typography, thin cursive, small size, subtle premium elegance, white/soft off-white color.
6. Editorial Grey Backdrop Headshot
Grey backdrops offer tonal separation without distracting from facial features.
PROMPT: Subject: uploaded reference image, direct eye contact. Outfit: monochrome professional wear. Location: studio grey backdrop. Lighting: large diffused key front, soft fill -1.5 stops, minimal hair light. Camera: 70mm, f/4, ISO 100. Film Stock: neutral editorial color profile. Output: clean, timeless professional headshot.
SIGNATURE: Add geminiguru.in bottom-left corner. Handwritten signature-style typography, thin cursive, small size, subtle premium elegance, white/soft off-white color.
7. Cinematic CEO Portrait
Controlled contrast and lens compression signal leadership and credibility.
PROMPT: Subject: uploaded reference image, confident expression. Outfit: tailored suit, dark tones. Location: executive office or studio. Lighting: cinematic key at 45°, fill at -3 stops, soft rim light. Camera: 105mm, f/2.8, 1/160s, ISO 100. Film Stock: cinematic neutral LUT inspired by ARRI color science. Output: authoritative cinematic professional headshot.
SIGNATURE: Add geminiguru.in bottom-left corner. Handwritten signature-style typography, thin cursive, small size, subtle premium elegance, white/soft off-white color.
Conclusion
A professional headshot doesn’t need heavy effects or over editing. It just needs the right light, the right lens, and a clear idea of how real photography works. These prompts are designed to keep faces natural, textures real, and expressions believable exactly what hiring managers and clients expect to see.
Use them as a starting point, make small adjustments, and treat AI like a camera, not a paintbrush. When you do that, the results stop looking artificial and start looking genuinely professional.