Dreamina

How to Customize Photos on Resumes: 3 Ways to Create Winning Headshots

Add a standout headshot to your CV in 3 simple ways. No matter your field, start with Dreamina's Seedream 4.0 and see how it makes it easy to create professional photos on resumes that recruiters will notice in seconds.

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photos on resumes
Dreamina
Dreamina
Oct 11, 2025
12 min(s)

A polished headshot can make your CV pop – if it's the proper context. In many fields and some regions, a professional resume photo helps employers see the person behind the skills. The challenge is getting a clean, high-quality image without a studio shoot. In this guide, we cover three easy methods to get perfect photos on resumes: AI generation, AI enhancement, and background editing. Each approach can turn a simple snapshot into a professional image for resume use. Plus, we'll show how Dreamina's Seedream 4.0 can simplify each method so you can create an AI resume photo effortlessly.

Table of content
  1. How to generate professional resume photos with an AI generator
  2. How to enhance existing photos with AI photo editor for resume
  3. How to create backgrounds for resume photos with an BG editor
  4. Expert tips: 5 standards for professional photos on resumes
  5. Conclusion
  6. FAQs

How to generate professional resume photos with an AI generator

AI generators enable you to create a complete headshot from a brief description or by enhancing an existing photo. Dreamina's image-to-image generator is a great example. It generates studio-style portrait images based on prompts or your uploaded image. With these simple operations, the Seedream 4.0 model also provides group generation, multi-image fusion, and interactive editing, adding a creative touch and efficiency. For job seekers, this means no expensive photo shoots – simply ask the AI for a "professional headshot, neutral background" and let it do the work. You can describe the style (business formal or casual) or the setting, and Dreamina instantly delivers a polished CV photo. This is ideal for career changers or students who need a quick resume photo sample to impress recruiters. Ready to start? Click Get started for free on Dreamina's site to try generating your AI resume photo.

Dreamina AI home page

Steps to create AI resume photo with Dreamina

Creating AI resume photo has never been easier. Simply follow the steps below to get started. First, click on the button to get a free account with Dreamina AI.

    STEP 1
  1. Upload your photo

On the Dreamina homepage, select "AI image," and choose the image 4.0 model. Then, click 'Upload image' to add your existing headshot. You can upload more than one photo. Use the textbox to describe what changes you expect to see.

Example prompt: Transform the woman in Image 1 into a professional CV headshot. Keep her facial features identical. Reference the professional studio lighting, clean background, frontal pose, and polished style from Image 2. Use the neutral background tone from Image 3. She should face forward with professional attire, confident expression, head-and-shoulders framing. Remove hands from frame. Create resume-quality result.

Dreamina: AI photo editor for resume
    STEP 2
  1. Generate your resume photo

As earlier mentioned, ensure generating Image 4.0 by Seadream 4.0. This model supports multiple references and batch generations, especially if you want to use multi-image infusion/interactive editing and style transfer. Select an aspect ratio suitable for resumes (a square or 4:3 portrait is standard). Then click the arrow-up button to generate. Dreamina will create refined headshots in seconds.

Resume photo sample
    STEP 3
  1. Download

When you're happy with a generated headshot, click "Download". Download the file in JPEG – that's your new AI-generated resume photo, ready to add to your CV. After just a few clicks, you'll have a crisp, studio-quality headshot tailored to your career needs.

Professional photo for resume

Discover more AI magic:

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  1. Group generation

Dreamina's Seedream 4.0 lets you generate up to 14 matching photos in minutes, easily and quickly. Use it to put together galleries, storyboards, or alternate product shots in a single smooth workflow, cutting out hours of repetitive work. It’s a fast way to explore lots of ideas and study a subject from several viewpoints, helping teams and creators test variations without physical reshoots or tedious manual edits.

Group generation
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  1. One-click retouching

Dreamina Seedream 4.0 features a powerful image-to-image tool, allowing for a seamless one-click solution to smooth skin, adjust lighting, and enhance clarity. You don't have to brush over or select options manually, but write your prompt to let AI handle it. It automatically removes blemishes and subtly improves your features for a polished, professional look.

Retouch Feature
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  1. Interactive editing

If you want to tweak your look, Dreamina's Seedream 4.0 can inpaint any area with its image-to-image feature. Upload your image and brush over the areas to adjust the style or correct minor issues. For example, it can modify your outfit or background details while preserving the rest of the image.

Inpaint feature
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  1. Background remover

Dreamina's magic eraser offers a "Background remover", allowing you to erase the background for a clean look in one click. Dreamina's AI automatically cuts out your portrait precisely. Replace it with a solid color or a plain backdrop to draw attention to your face.

Background remover

How to enhance existing photos with AI photo editor for resume

A polished photo can make your resume look more professional and leave a stronger impression. If your AI resume photo looks dull, blurry, or poorly lit, an AI photo editor can quickly enhance it. Tools like Picsart's AI Image Enhancer automatically adjust brightness and details without requiring design skills. In just a few clicks, you can transform a casual headshot into a professional-quality photo that fits your resume perfectly.

Picsart AI photo editor for resume

Steps to enhance resume photos with Picsart

    STEP 1
  1. Log in to the Picsart website

Visit the Picsart AI Image Enhancer website from your browser using your mobile phone or PC. The interface is great, and you can navigate seamlessly.

Photos on resumes
    STEP 2
  1. Upload your image

After navigating to the site, click "Browse file" to upload your image. Select your resume photo from your computer, phone, or cloud storage. You can also paste a URL of the location where your image is saved.

Professional photo for resume
    STEP 3
  1. Enhance and Download

Once uploaded, click the "Enhance" button. Picsart's AI will sharpen blurry edges, correct brightness, shadows, and contrast. After that, preview the result. If you're okay with the result, click "Download" to save the high-resolution photo in JPG. This file is now ready to be inserted into your resume or LinkedIn profile.

Resume photo sample

Key features

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  1. AI-powered sharpening: Picsart enhancer restores fine details in blurry or pixelated photos, making facial features and hair look sharper. This is especially useful if your resume photo was taken with an older phone or cropped from a group shot. By improving clarity, you ensure your headshot looks crisp on both digital and printed resumes.
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  3. Automatic color & light correction: Picart features a very useful AI tool that adjusts brightness, shadows, and contrast in seconds, giving your CV photo a professional touch. It removes dull tones and corrects uneven lighting without the need for manual edits. The result is a balanced photo that looks natural yet stands out in professional settings.
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  5. Quick and user-friendly: No editing skills are required; upload your photo and let the AI do the work. The process takes only a few seconds, making it convenient for job seekers on a tight schedule. Both free and premium options are available for everyone to use.

How to create backgrounds for resume photos with an BG editor

A neutral background helps keep focus on you. If your current photo has a busy or unprofessional backdrop, use a background editor. For example, Remove.bg shows how easy it is: drag-and-drop your image, let the AI remove the background, then pick a solid color.

Remove.bg homepage

Steps to replace backgrounds in resume photos using Remove.bg

    STEP 1
  1. Upload image

Go to Remove.bg and drag-and-drop your photo, or click "Upload image" to choose from your files. The process is easy, thanks to the friendly website interface.

Photos on resumes
    STEP 2
  1. Remove the background

After uploading your file in a few seconds, Remove.bg's AI automatically deletes the original background, leaving just your portrait with clean edges.

Resume photo sample
    STEP 3
  1. Select a new background and download

Choose a neutral background (white, light gray, or soft blue is best for resumes). Click "Download" to save your new photo in high resolution.

Professional photo for resume

Key features

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  1. Background replacement options: After removing the background, you can replace it with a plain color. You can also upload a custom background if you want a specific professional style. This flexibility makes it ideal for tailoring photos to different job applications.
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  3. High-quality cutout edges: Remove.bg uses advanced AI to produce sharp and accurate edges around your head and shoulders. Unlike basic editing tools, it avoids awkward cropping around hair or clothing. The result looks natural, as though the photo was taken in a studio.
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  5. Fast and accessible online tool: No software installation is needed, everything works directly in your browser. The free version delivers instant results, while premium plans allow for batch editing. This makes it practical for anyone needing quick resume photo adjustments.

Expert tips: 5 standards for professional photos on resumes

Follow these five rules to ensure your resume photo looks top-notch:

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  1. Choose the right professional attire: It is very important to wear business clothing that represents your industry. For instance, if you're in a corporate field, use a suit and a collared shirt. For creative fields, smart casual is okay as long as it's neat. Avoid items like T-shirts, busy patterns, or anything too casual. The goal is to make your clothes reinforce the impression you want to make.
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  3. Perfect your facial expression: Put on a welcoming expression. A confident, smile works best but don't force it. Keep your gaze forward or slightly above the camera, with relaxed shoulders. Look friendly and approachable. Avoid frowning or forcing a grin. That doesn't convey professionalism and warmth.
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  5. Optimize lighting and quality: Use even lighting so your face is clear and free of harsh shadows. Outdoor or daylight can work, but avoid strong shadows on your face. Also, ensure the image is high-resolution. A blurry or grainy photo looks unprofessional. Using AI tools to upscale or retouch can help guarantee a crisp, high-quality headshot.
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  7. Frame yourself correctly: The shot is about the head-and-shoulders view. You should be centered, with your head and upper torso visible. Don't cut off your chin or the top of your head. A slight angle (not fully straight-on) often looks more natural. The frame should crop at chest level. The goal is a clear view of your face – nothing more.
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  9. Choose neutral, professional backgrounds: Pick a simple, uncluttered backdrop (plain white, gray, or light blue works well ). The background should not distract you from your face. In practice, using a plain wall or a solid-color backdrop is safe too. This keeps the focus on your expression and attire.

Conclusion

Adding a polished photo to your resume is easier than ever with today's AI tools. Whether you generate an AI resume photo from scratch, enhance an existing headshot, or swap in a clean background, the goal is the same: a crisp, professional CV image. Dreamina excels at all three methods with its advanced Seedream 4.0 model. It can create studio-quality headshots in seconds, automatically adjust lighting and clarity, and remove backgrounds with a single click. You can even utilize more advanced features like interactive editing, retouching to refine them intelligently, and make you stand out. By using Dreamina, you ensure your resume photo meets industry standards without hiring a photographer. Give it a try. Get started for free and transform your picture into the kind of professional photo for resume use that gets you noticed.

FAQs

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  1. Should I include photos on resumes for job applications?

It depends on your location and industry. In some countries like the U.S., U.K., Canada, or Australia, some experts generally advise against adding a photo to avoid bias. Employers often prefer focusing on qualifications alone in these markets. However, in many European, Asian, or Latin American countries, resume photos are typical or even expected. Also, specific roles (e.g., acting or modeling) naturally require headshots. If you're unsure, check the job posting and local norms. In any case, when you do need a photo, Dreamina can help you make one quickly. Try Dreamina's AI tools to create a polished resume picture in minutes. Get started for free.

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  1. What makes a good professional photo for resume use?

A good resume photo follows all the standards above: clear focus on your face, high resolution, natural lighting, neutral background, and attire that matches your industry. You should look confident and approachable. Dreamina's AI headshot generator and editor can help achieve this. Fuelled by the Seedream 4.0 model, its Retouch feature smooths skin and balances light, while Upscale ensures maximum clarity. You could upload a quick selfie, and Dreamina will output a photo with proper framing, lighting, and color – just the kind of professional photo that puts your best foot forward. Try it free.

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  1. Can I create AI resume photo for free?

Absolutely. Dreamina's AI image tools are free to use with a simple sign-up (no credit card needed). You get multiple free daily credits to generate and edit images. This means you can experiment with prompts and edits until you're happy with your resume photo. Many users create professional headshots and backgrounds for free every day. Head over to Dreamina and use its AI to make your AI resume photo for free. Get started for free now.

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