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LucyBrain Switzerland ○ AI Daily
Leonardo AI Professional Headshots: 85 Business Portrait Prompts (2026)
October 14, 2025
Leonardo AI delivers professional business headshots with custom model fine-tuning and consistent character generation. Platform offers 150 free daily tokens, PhotoReal v2 model for studio-quality portraits, and commercial licensing. Key advantages: custom model training for brand consistency, fine-tuned control over facial features and styling, faster generation than Midjourney (20-30 seconds). Best for: businesses needing consistent team headshots, personal branding across platforms, professional portfolios. 85+ tested prompts below optimize for LinkedIn profiles, corporate websites, business cards, and executive presentations.
While Midjourney dominates AI portrait discussions, Leonardo AI has quietly become the professional's choice for business headshots requiring consistency and customization. The platform's PhotoReal v2 model combined with custom fine-tuning capabilities delivers studio-quality corporate portraits with unprecedented control over styling, lighting, and brand alignment.
You're about to access Leonardo AI's most effective professional headshot prompts, engineered specifically for business applications. These aren't generic templates—these are fine-tuned formulas that leverage Leonardo's custom model training, Alchemy pipeline, and PhotoReal technology for corporate-grade results.
What you're about to access:
✅ 85+ Leonardo AI business headshot prompts optimized for corporate use
✅ Custom model training strategies for consistent team photography
✅ PhotoReal v2 optimization techniques for studio-quality results
✅ Fine-tuning controls for brand-aligned professional portraits

Why Leonardo AI for business headshots {#why-leonardo}
Leonardo's Corporate Advantages
Custom Model Training: Leonardo AI allows uploading 5-20 reference photos to train custom models, ensuring consistent facial features, styling, and brand aesthetic across entire teams—impossible with standard AI generators.
PhotoReal v2 Technology: Latest PhotoReal model produces corporate photography quality that passes professional scrutiny, with accurate skin tones, realistic lighting, and studio-grade composition without AI artifacts.
Alchemy Pipeline: Advanced rendering pipeline enhances prompt adherence, increases photorealism, and reduces generation failures—critical for professional business applications requiring reliable results.
Generous Free Tier: 150 daily tokens (approximately 15-30 generations depending on settings) provide substantial free access for testing and small-scale professional use without subscription commitment.
Commercial Rights Clarity: Clear commercial licensing for generated images removes legal ambiguity for corporate websites, marketing materials, and public-facing business applications.
Consistent Character Generation: Character Reference feature maintains facial consistency across multiple poses, outfits, and settings—essential for creating cohesive professional portfolios and team galleries.
Business Use Case Performance
Corporate Website Teams Pages: Leonardo excels at generating consistent team headshots with unified styling, lighting, and background aesthetics for professional company websites.
LinkedIn Profile Optimization: PhotoReal v2 delivers LinkedIn-ready headshots that project authority, competence, and professionalism while maintaining authentic appearance.
Executive Presentations: High-resolution output suitable for large-format printing, investor presentations, annual reports, and conference materials.
Business Card Photography: Generates appropriately-sized, professionally-lit headshots optimized for business card reproduction and small-format printing.
Brand Consistency: Custom model training ensures all corporate imagery maintains consistent aesthetic aligned with brand guidelines and visual identity standards.
Leonardo headshot features {#features}
Core Business-Relevant Capabilities
PhotoReal v2 Model: Specialized photographic model trained specifically for realistic human portraits. Produces studio-quality lighting, accurate skin textures, and professional composition without requiring complex prompting.
Alchemy Enhancement: Advanced rendering technology that increases prompt accuracy by 40%, reduces anatomical errors, and enhances overall photorealism—essential for professional business applications.
Custom Model Training: Upload 5-20 reference images to create fine-tuned models capturing specific facial features, styling preferences, or brand aesthetics. Models generate indefinitely with consistent results.
Character Reference: Lock specific facial features and characteristics across multiple generations, maintaining consistency while varying pose, expression, clothing, or background.
Prompt Magic v3: AI-powered prompt enhancement that automatically adds professional photography terminology, lighting specifications, and quality modifiers to basic text inputs.
Negative Prompt Control: Advanced negative prompting removes unwanted elements (distortions, artifacts, inappropriate styling) for cleaner professional results.
High-Resolution Output: Generates up to 1536x1536 resolution suitable for professional printing, large displays, and high-quality digital applications.
Canvas Editor: In-platform editing tools for minor adjustments, background modifications, and refinements without external software.
Professional Workflow Integration
Batch Generation: Generate multiple variations simultaneously for A/B testing professional looks or creating diverse portfolio options.
Style Reference: Upload reference images to match specific photography styles, lighting setups, or aesthetic directions for brand-aligned results.
Preset Management: Save frequently-used settings, models, and prompt templates for streamlined workflow and consistent output across projects.
Generation History: Complete archive of all generated images with associated prompts for iteration, refinement, and client approval processes.
How to use Leonardo AI for professional portraits {#how-to}
Step-by-Step Professional Setup
Step 1: Account Creation
Visit leonardo.ai
Sign up with email or Google account
Free tier: 150 daily tokens
No credit card required for free access
Step 2: Model Selection
Navigate to AI Image Generation
Select "PhotoReal v2" from model dropdown
Enable "Alchemy" enhancement (recommended)
Choose "Portrait" or "Photography" preset
Step 3: Configure Parameters
Set aspect ratio: 1:1 for business headshots
Resolution: Maximum available (1536x1536)
Guidance scale: 7-9 for portrait balance
Enable Prompt Magic v3 for enhancement
Step 4: Craft Professional Prompt
Use detailed prompts from library below
Include subject, pose, clothing, background
Specify lighting, expression, mood
Add quality modifiers
Step 5: Generate and Refine
Click "Generate" (costs 8-12 tokens with Alchemy)
Review results (20-30 second generation)
Use "Vary" for alternative versions
Save successful generations
Step 6: Optional Custom Training
Upload 5-20 reference photos for custom model
Wait 20-30 minutes for training completion
Generate with custom model for consistent results
Iterate and refine model as needed
CORPORATE EXECUTIVE HEADSHOT PROMPTS {#executive-prompts}
C-Suite Leadership Portraits
Prompt 1: CEO Executive Presence
Prompt 2: CFO Authority
Prompt 3: CTO Innovation Leader
Prompt 4: CMO Brand Executive
Prompt 5: COO Operational Leadership
VP and Director Level
Prompt 6: Vice President Professional
Prompt 7: Director Leadership
Prompt 8: Senior Manager
Prompt 9: Department Head
Prompt 10: Team Lead Professional
TEAM PHOTOGRAPHY PROMPTS {#team-prompts}
Consistent Team Headshots
Prompt 11: Technology Team Unified
Prompt 12: Finance Team Consistency
Prompt 13: Creative Agency Team
Prompt 14: Consulting Firm Team
Prompt 15: Startup Team Unified
Department-Specific Teams
Prompt 16: Sales Team Professional
Prompt 17: Engineering Team
Prompt 18: Marketing Team
Prompt 19: Operations Team
Prompt 20: Customer Success Team
INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC BUSINESS PROMPTS {#industry-prompts}
Technology Sector
Prompt 21: Software Engineer Professional
Prompt 22: Product Manager
Prompt 23: UX Designer Professional
Prompt 24: Data Scientist
Prompt 25: DevOps Engineer
Business Services
Prompt 26: Management Consultant
Prompt 27: Business Analyst
Prompt 28: Project Manager
Prompt 29: Account Manager
Prompt 30: Strategy Consultant
CUSTOM MODEL TRAINING GUIDE {#custom-training}
When to Use Custom Models
Ideal Scenarios:
Creating consistent team headshots across 5+ employees
Personal branding requiring multiple poses/settings with same face
Corporate photography maintaining specific facial features
Portfolio development needing diverse looks with consistent identity
Brand ambassador content requiring recognizable consistent appearance
Not Necessary When:
Single one-off headshot needed
Generic professional portraits without specific face requirements
Exploring different aesthetic styles without character consistency
Testing Leonardo platform before committing to custom training
Custom Model Training Process
Step 1: Prepare Training Images
Quantity: 5-20 reference photos minimum (10-15 optimal)
Quality Requirements:
High resolution (minimum 1024x1024)
Clear facial visibility in all images
Variety of angles (front, 3/4, profile)
Consistent lighting quality
Minimal background distractions
Sharp focus on face
Variety Needed:
Different expressions (serious, smiling, neutral)
Multiple poses (straight-on, slight angles)
Various distances (close-up, mid-distance)
Different contexts (indoor, outdoor, studio)
Avoid:
Group photos (multiple faces confuse training)
Heavily filtered or edited images
Low resolution or blurry photos
Extreme angles or unusual perspectives
Sunglasses or face obstructions
Inconsistent appearance across images
Step 2: Upload and Configure
Navigate to "Training & Datasets" section:
Click "Train Model"
Upload 5-20 prepared images
Name model descriptively (e.g., "John_Executive_Headshots")
Select "Portraits" category
Choose training strength: High for maximum consistency
Step 3: Training Duration
Average training time: 20-30 minutes
Receive email notification when complete
Model saved permanently in your account
Can train multiple models simultaneously
Step 4: Generate with Custom Model
Select custom model from dropdown
Use standard portrait prompts
Model automatically applies trained facial features
Adjust prompts for styling/clothing variations
Character remains consistent across all generations
Optimizing Custom Model Results
Prompt Structure with Custom Models:
Use lighter prompts since model handles facial consistency:
Model automatically applies:
Facial features and structure
Skin tone and texture
Eye color and shape
Hair style and color (can be overridden in prompt)
Fine-Tuning Custom Generations:
If results aren't perfect:
Adjust training image selection (remove outliers)
Increase training strength for more facial consistency
Use Character Reference feature for extra control
Combine custom model with style references
Iterate prompts focusing on non-facial elements
Character Reference Feature:
For maximum consistency:
Generate one excellent result with custom model
Use as Character Reference for subsequent generations
Lock facial features while varying everything else
Combine with custom model for double consistency
LEONARDO AI VS COMPETITORS {#comparison}
Comprehensive Platform Comparison
Leonardo AI Strengths:
Custom model training for consistent corporate photography
PhotoReal v2 model produces studio-quality business portraits
Generous free tier (150 daily tokens)
Character Reference for facial consistency
Clear commercial licensing for business use
Alchemy pipeline for enhanced photorealism
Fast generation (20-30 seconds)
Leonardo AI Limitations:
Steeper learning curve than simpler tools
Token system can be confusing for beginners
Smaller community than Midjourney
Fewer tutorials and resources than established platforms
Interface complexity higher than competitors
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Leonardo AI vs Midjourney:
Consistency: Leonardo superior (custom models)
Quality: Midjourney slight edge (v6 aesthetic)
Cost: Leonardo better (free tier vs $10/month)
Business use: Leonardo better (commercial clarity, training)
Ease of use: Midjourney simpler prompt structure
Best for: Leonardo for corporate teams, Midjourney for creative
Leonardo AI vs Ideogram:
Consistency: Leonardo superior (custom training)
Quality: Similar PhotoReal results
Cost: Both offer strong free tiers
Text integration: Ideogram superior
Fine-tuning: Leonardo far superior
Best for: Leonardo for brand consistency, Ideogram for text-integrated
Leonardo AI vs DALL-E 3:
Consistency: Leonardo superior (custom models)
Quality: Similar photorealistic output
Cost: Leonardo better free tier
Integration: DALL-E 3 better (ChatGPT)
Business features: Leonardo superior
Best for: Leonardo for professional teams, DALL-E for individual use
Leonardo AI vs Stable Diffusion:
Consistency: Leonardo easier consistency (custom models vs manual training)
Quality: Similar with proper SD setup
Cost: Both free (SD open-source)
Ease of use: Leonardo far simpler
Customization: Stable Diffusion ultimate control
Best for: Leonardo for business users, SD for technical experts
PROMPT OPTIMIZATION STRATEGIES {#optimization}
Leonardo-Specific Techniques
PhotoReal v2 Optimization:
PhotoReal model understands photography terminology. Use specific terms:
"Studio lighting" vs generic "good lighting"
"85mm portrait lens" vs "professional camera"
"Shallow depth of field" vs "blurry background"
"Key light from 45 degrees" vs "side lighting"
Alchemy Enhancement:
Always enable Alchemy for business portraits. Adds:
40% better prompt adherence
Enhanced photorealism automatically
Reduced anatomical errors
Better lighting consistency
Improved fine detail rendering
Cost: Additional 4-6 tokens per generation (worth it for professional use)
Prompt Magic v3:
Enable for automatic enhancement. Transforms:
Basic: "Business headshot, suit, grey background"
Enhanced: "Professional corporate headshot, executive in premium business suit, neutral grey studio background with subtle gradient, confident professional expression, studio lighting with soft key light, ultra-realistic photography, sharp focus on eyes, shallow depth of field, professional color grading"
Negative Prompting:
Critical for professional results. Always include:
Advanced Business Portrait Techniques
Lighting Control:
Specify lighting setups for consistent professional results:
Rembrandt Lighting: "Studio portrait with Rembrandt lighting, key light 45 degrees above and to side, creating triangular highlight under eye, dramatic professional aesthetic"
Butterfly Lighting: "Beauty lighting setup, key light directly in front above camera, creating butterfly-shaped shadow under nose, glamorous professional aesthetic"
Loop Lighting: "Loop lighting portrait, key light slightly to side, creating small shadow of nose pointing toward corner of mouth, standard professional headshot lighting"
Expression Control:
Be specific about professional expressions:
"Slight confident smile, corners of mouth raised, genuine warmth in eyes"
"Serious professional expression, composed demeanor, slight intensity"
"Approachable authority, relaxed confidence, open friendly demeanor"
"Executive presence, commanding but not stern, leadership visible"
Background Specifications:
Precise background control for corporate consistency:
"Solid grey studio background, no texture, professional gradient from
#808080to#A0A0A0""Professional office environment, softly blurred, modern corporate aesthetic"
"Clean white background, pure white, no shadows or gradients"
"Neutral beige backdrop, warm professional tone, subtle texture"
Clothing Detail:
Specify professional attire precisely:
"Navy blue business suit, subtle pinstripe, notch lapel, professional tailoring"
"Charcoal grey blazer, medium weight fabric, modern fit, professional styling"
"Crisp white dress shirt, point collar, French cuffs, premium cotton"
"Conservative burgundy tie, silk fabric, classic pattern, professional knot"
FAQ {#faq}
Q: How much does Leonardo AI cost for professional use?
A: Leonardo offers 150 free daily tokens. With Alchemy enabled (recommended for professional quality), each generation costs 8-12 tokens, providing 12-18 free professional headshots daily. Paid plans start at $10/month for 8,500 tokens (approximately 700-1,000 generations monthly). For business teams, the $24/month plan (25,000 tokens) provides sufficient volume for regular corporate photography needs.
Q: Can I use Leonardo AI headshots for commercial purposes?
A: Yes. Leonardo's terms allow commercial use of generated images for both free and paid tiers. You retain ownership of outputs and can use them for corporate websites, marketing materials, business cards, LinkedIn profiles, and other professional applications without additional licensing fees.
Q: How long does custom model training take?
A: Custom model training typically requires 20-30 minutes after uploading 5-20 reference photos. You'll receive email notification when training completes. Once trained, the model remains in your account permanently and generates images as quickly as standard models (20-30 seconds per generation).
Q: How many reference photos do I need for custom training?
A: Minimum 5 photos, but 10-15 produces optimal results. Photos should show clear facial visibility from multiple angles with varied expressions and lighting. Higher quality and greater variety in training images result in better consistency across generated portraits.
Q: Will Leonardo AI headshots look fake or AI-generated?
A: Leonardo's PhotoReal v2 model with Alchemy enhancement produces highly realistic business portraits that pass professional scrutiny when properly prompted. Key to natural results: enable Alchemy, use specific lighting terminology, include negative prompts, and avoid over-prompting. Results compare favorably to mid-tier professional photography studios.
Q: Can I generate consistent headshots for an entire team?
A: Yes, this is Leonardo's key advantage. Train custom models for each team member (20-30 minutes per person), then generate unlimited consistent headshots with unified styling, lighting, and backgrounds. For teams of 5+ people, this approach saves thousands compared to traditional corporate photography while maintaining perfect consistency.
Q: How does PhotoReal v2 differ from standard Leonardo models?
A: PhotoReal v2 is specifically trained for realistic human photography. It produces accurate skin tones, realistic lighting, natural expressions, and professional composition without complex prompting. Standard models require more technical prompt engineering to achieve similar photorealism. For business headshots, always use PhotoReal v2.
Q: Can I edit Leonardo AI headshots after generation?
A: Yes. Leonardo includes Canvas editor for basic adjustments, background modifications, and touch-ups. For advanced editing, export images to Photoshop or similar software. High-resolution output (up to 1536x1536) provides sufficient quality for professional editing and retouching.
Q: What's the difference between Alchemy and standard generation?
A: Alchemy is Leonardo's advanced rendering pipeline that significantly improves photorealism, prompt accuracy, and reduces generation failures. For professional business headshots, Alchemy is essential. It costs 4-6 additional tokens per generation but produces substantially better results for corporate applications.
Q: How do I ensure brand consistency across multiple headshots?
A: Use combination of custom models, style references, and detailed prompts. Train custom model for facial consistency, upload style reference image for aesthetic direction, and maintain consistent prompt structure specifying exact clothing, background, lighting, and expression details. Save successful prompts as presets for repeatable results.
Read also
AI Professional Headshots: 100 LinkedIn Profile Picture Prompts That Actually Work Comprehensive guide to professional AI headshots across all platforms with LinkedIn optimization strategies.
Midjourney vs DALL-E 3: The Ultimate 2025 Platform Battle for Professional Image Generation In-depth comparison of leading AI image generators for professional photography applications.
AI Dating Profile Pictures: 60 Attractive Photo Prompts That Actually Get Matches Psychology-backed portrait prompts optimized for dating applications and social profiles.
Google Imagen 3 vs Midjourney 2025: Complete Platform Analysis Detailed comparison of Google Imagen and Midjourney for business portrait generation.
IMPLEMENTATION CHECKLIST
✅ Create free Leonardo AI account (150 daily tokens)
✅ Select PhotoReal v2 model for portrait generation
✅ Enable Alchemy enhancement (critical for professional quality)
✅ Configure 1:1 aspect ratio for business headshots
✅ Enable Prompt Magic v3 for automatic enhancement
✅ Use detailed prompts from library above
✅ Include negative prompts to avoid AI artifacts
✅ Train custom models for team consistency (optional)
✅ Generate multiple variations using Character Reference
✅ Export at highest resolution for professional applications
Access complete AI portrait prompt library with 30,000+ professional templates: Lucy+ on lucybrain.com
This guide represents comprehensive testing of Leonardo AI PhotoReal v2 for corporate photography applications across multiple industries and business contexts.


