PersonaGet the appBest iPhone App to Make a Professional Headshot From a Selfie
Short answer. Take one sharp, well-lit selfie, upload it to an AI headshot app such as Persona, pick a corporate style and generate; each result takes about 5 to 20 seconds. It works for a LinkedIn photo without a photographer, though bigger batches are better from web services.
A good headshot needs three things: your real face, flattering light, and a clean background. A phone selfie already has the first one. An AI headshot app adds the other two.
What you need before you start
- One sharp, front-facing selfie with natural light (a window works).
- An iPhone with Persona installed.
- About five minutes.
What Persona gives you for headshots
Persona has about 46 style templates in the app (the paywall says "45+ styles"). The Pro Headshots category covers corporate and work-profile looks; you can also write your own prompt in the Custom tab. It is an iPhone app, so the whole flow happens on your phone.
Where a phone app is not the best choice
Persona works from one selfie and creates a styled photo with each generation. If you want a big batch of 40 to 100 shots from several uploads, web services like Aragon AI or HeadshotPro are built for that and cost a one-time $29 to $75. See the comparison.
Step by step
- Pick one clear selfieUse a close, sharp, evenly lit photo of just you, facing the camera. Avoid sunglasses, hats, hands near the face, group shots, black-and-white or tiny faces; Persona's own Good/Bad examples screen lists exactly these.
- Install Persona and open Pro HeadshotsDownload Persona on your iPhone, upload the selfie and open the Pro Headshots category (LinkedIn, CV and work-profile looks such as grey corporate, office window or founder black).
- Allow the AI processing consentPersona asks for explicit in-app consent before your photo is sent to be processed. Accept to continue.
- Generate and compareTap a style. Each generation takes roughly 5 to 20 seconds. Try 3 to 5 different backdrops and wardrobes and keep the one that still looks like you.
- Save it and check it at small sizeSave the photo and view it at 100 to 200 px, the size of a LinkedIn thumbnail. Pick the version where your face reads clearly and your expression is natural.
FAQ
What is the best iPhone app to make a professional headshot from a selfie?
It depends on what you need. If you want a quick, cheap headshot from one selfie on your phone, an app like Persona fits. If you need 40 to 100 options for a team or a high-stakes photo, a web service such as Aragon AI or HeadshotPro produces larger batches; the comparison guide on this site lists their prices.
Can I get a LinkedIn profile photo without hiring a photographer?
Yes. Upload one clear selfie, choose a corporate style such as grey studio or office window, and generate. Check the result at thumbnail size and make sure it still looks like you before uploading it to LinkedIn.
How many selfies does Persona need?
One. Persona turns a single clear selfie into a styled photo. Close, sharp, well-lit photos work best.
How long does a headshot take?
The app states that applying a style usually takes 5 to 20 seconds per generation.
Is it free?
Persona is free to download. The subscription starts at $4.99 per week in the US and the paywall shows a 3-day free trial when your Apple ID is eligible; the trial includes 5 generations.
Will the result look exactly like me?
Not guaranteed. Results depend on the photo you upload; a small, dark or angled face can give a weaker likeness. Generate several options and pick the closest.
Is it okay to use AI headshots on LinkedIn or a CV?
Check the platform rules, and remember that people will meet the real you. Choose a result that looks like you today and be upfront if asked.
What happens to my photo?
Persona asks for in-app consent before processing. See the Privacy Policy for retention and deletion details.
Try it on your own selfie. Free to download; the subscription screen shows a 3-day free trial when your Apple ID is eligible.
Download Persona on the App StoreSources
- Aragon AI pricing: https://www.aragon.ai/pricing
- HeadshotPro packages: https://www.headshotpro.com/docs/individual/getting-started/choosing-a-package