THE BASICS · 4 min read
A good face swap starts with a good photo.
Light, angles, and a little breathing room. Small choices that make a difference.
Start with the light
Choose a portrait with soft, even lighting. A window or an overcast day usually works better than harsh midday light. Keep the face clear of deep shadows.
Match the angle
A front-facing replacement works best with a front-facing scene. For a turned head, choose a portrait with a similar angle. Dramatically different poses can reduce realism.
Give the face some space
Keep the full forehead, chin, and both sides of the face visible. Use an image that has not been heavily compressed, and avoid sunglasses or objects that cover facial features.
Keep expectations honest
Hair, lighting, occlusion, and motion can change the outcome. Check your result closely before sharing. Always get permission from the people pictured.