How to Use AI-Powered Phone Tools to Prep Your Best Portrait Selfie (Before the Pros Get It)

Let’s be honest—some of the photos people send us?
A little... questionable. Cropped heads, weird lighting, or selfies taken mid-yawn.

And while we’re pros at transforming images into stunning vintage portraits, starting with a great photo makes everything better.

The good news?
Your phone already has secret AI tools to help you out—no Photoshop degree required.

Here’s how to prep your perfect portrait photo with just a few taps.

📸 1. Start With a Clear, Natural Selfie

• Use natural daylight (facing a window is perfect)

• Avoid filters, hats, and sunglasses

• Stand still, keep your face visible and relaxed

• Use your phone’s rear camera if possible—it’s usually better quality

✨ 2. Edit with Google Magic Editor (Pixel Phones)

Have a Pixel 8 or newer? Lucky you.

• Open Google Photos → tap Edit → choose Magic Editor

• Remove distracting backgrounds

• Brighten your face or adjust shadows

• Reframe or reposition with AI-powered tools

Why it matters: It keeps your face in focus, your features clear, and eliminates anything that might ruin the vintage vibe.

🌙 3. Try Galaxy AI Photo Assist (Samsung Phones)

If you’re team Samsung:

• Tap your photo → Edit → Photo Assist

• Use Reflection Removal to clean up glasses

• Use AI Eraser to remove objects

• Enhance details with Remaster for higher clarity

Bonus: AI Portrait Mode even simulates better lighting—perfect for getting Renaissance-ready.

🎨 4. Use Canva Magic Studio (Any Phone)

For iOS or Android:

• Upload your image to Canva Magic Studio

• Try Magic Grab to isolate yourself from the background

• Use Auto Enhance to improve lighting

• Export in high resolution

You don’t need to go crazy. Just clean it up so the artist (that’s us!) can see you clearly.

✅ 5. Final Tip: Don’t Over-Edit

Too much editing can make your face look plasticky or unnatural.
We don’t need perfection—we need authenticity.
Just make sure your photo is sharp, well-lit, and expressive. We’ll take it from there.

🎁 Want to See the Magic Happen?

Once your photo is ready, upload it here and become the icon you were always meant to be:
👉 Create Your Portrait