How to Take the Perfect Selfie for AI Photo Styles

AI styling models are brilliant at changing outfits, backgrounds and art styles – but they can only work with the detail you give them. A sharp, evenly lit photo helps the model understand your face shape, skin tone and hair, so the final image still looks unmistakably you.

The good news: you don't need a studio. A phone camera and a window are enough.

Stand facing a window during the day. Natural, diffused light removes harsh shadows under the eyes and nose.

• Avoid overhead bulbs that cast shadows straight down.
• Skip strong backlight – a bright window behind you turns your face into a silhouette.
• Cloudy days are your friend: the sky becomes a giant softbox.

Hold the phone at eye level, roughly an arm's length away. Include your head and shoulders for portrait styles, or step back for a waist-up shot when you want to try outfits.

1. Keep your face centred and fully visible.
2. Look at the lens, not the screen.
3. Use the rear camera if someone can help – it's usually sharper.

Remove sunglasses and heavy filters, push hair away from your eyes and wipe the lens. A plain background is ideal but not required – StyleFit replaces it in most styles anyway.

Tip: take three or four photos and keep the sharpest one. It only takes a few seconds and it noticeably improves results.

Open StyleFit, pick a trending template, upload your best shot and tap generate. If a style doesn't quite land, try a different photo – lighting is usually the fix.