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Guide

Take Application Photo Yourself: The Perfect Guide

You need a professional application photo but no expensive photographer? With this guide you create a convincing photo at home.

10 min readUpdated: January 2026

A professional photo shoot quickly costs €100-200. The good news: With some preparation you can also create a high-quality application photo yourself.

Step 1

Prepare Equipment

You only need a modern smartphone with a good camera.

Important Points:

  • Smartphone from 12 MP
  • Tripod or stable surface
  • Self-timer function
Step 2

Choose Background

The background should be neutral and solid.

Important Points:

  • Solid-colored wall
  • Light bedsheet as alternative
  • 1 meter distance to wall
Step 3

Optimize Lighting

Natural daylight from the front is ideal.

Important Points:

  • Window as light source
  • Cloudy day = soft light
  • White paper as reflector
Step 4

Position Camera

The camera should be at eye level.

Important Points:

  • Camera at eye level
  • 1-1.5 meter distance
  • Use portrait mode
Step 5

Take Multiple Shots

Take many photos with small variations.

Important Points:

  • At least 20-30 shots
  • Use burst mode
  • Test different smiles

The Faster Alternative: AI Application Photo

No time for a DIY shoot? With ProfiPortrait you simply upload a selfie and get a professional application photo in seconds.

  • Perfect lighting and shadows
  • Professional, neutral background
  • Natural skin retouching
  • Optimal framing
Summary

Key Takeaways

  • Smartphone is Enough: You can create professional application photos with a modern phone.
  • Natural Light is Crucial: Daylight from the front illuminates your face evenly.
  • Solid Background Looks Professional: A white wall is ideal.
  • AI Optimizes Automatically: Lighting and background are perfected afterwards.