Why you really don't want that AI headshot | Phoenix Headshot Pro Anjeanette Photography

It’s tempting, just send in a few of your favorite bathroom selfies and be done with the awkwardness and venerability of in-person headshot sessions with a photographer. It’s cheap! It’s easy! Send them old selfies and look 20 years younger! The only problem is nothing that is cheap, easy, and promises eternal youth ever really pans out like we want.

Ask yourself, is that what you want clients to be looking for when they need the services you provide? Cheap, easy, and unrealistic?

The growing trend of using artificial intelligence (AI) to create headshot portraits is often touted as being more convenient and affordable than traditional headshot portraits taken by professional photographers. However, there are a number of reasons why you may not want to use AI for your headshot portraits.

1. AI-generated portraits lack realism.

One of the biggest drawbacks of AI-generated portraits is that they often lack realism. Sure it will get better. For now, AI algorithms are trained on a limited dataset of images, they may not be able to capture the nuances of human facial features. As a result, AI-generated portraits can look unnatural or even "uncanny valley" in some cases. AI-generated headshots can be disappointing—either looking nothing like someone’s real face, or suffering from warped elements like crossed eyes, stretched and pinhed lips, or hands. Don’t get me started on the hands!

2. AI-generated portraits lack personality.

Another problem with AI-generated portraits is that they often lack personality. This is because AI algorithms are not able to capture the individual's unique expressions or quirks. As a result, AI-generated portraits can look extremely boring, generic, and lifeless. Maybe that is what you want…but AI portraits are easy to pass by and dismissed by our brains which know something is ‘off’. You definitely do not want someone skimming over your LinkedIn profile or website to think “something is off” or worse simply dismiss you in favor of a competitor’s headshot that stands out. In a sea of faces, a great headshot can help you stand out and be remembered.

 
 
“Do I feel good about these images? Not really. The thing that unnerved me the most about these photos, warped teeth and cross eyes aside, was the fact that AI had completely edited my features, creating a version of me that I guess you could say was conforming to some sort of weird societal beauty standard.”
— VICTORIA CHANDLER


3. AI-generated portraits lack personalized attention.

When you work with a professional photographer, you get personalized attention that is tailored to your individual needs. The photographer will take the time to understand your goals for your headshot portraits and will work with you to create a portrait that accurately reflects your personality and style. In contrast, AI-generated portraits are mass-produced and do not offer the same level of personalization.

And I get it, it’s overwhelming. It is hard to feel confident when stepping in front of a camera. We see all the flaws nobody else sees because while you may absolutely rock your business as a kick-ass boss we don’t always have that objectivity when seeing ourselves, especially for an up-close portrait. The thing is…sometimes, a lot of time, we are just WRONG about how we look. My personalized sessions include several tips from posing to expression to experienced high-end editing that help you look confident, intelligent, and accomplished. Because you ARE.

4. AI-generated portraits are not always affordable.

While some AI-generated portrait services offer free trials, the cost of these services can quickly add up as you struggle to try different variations that you like or look better. In addition, the cost of AI-generated portraits may not be covered by your professional association or able to be used on taxes, as is often the case with traditional headshot portraits taken by a professional photographer.

5. AI-generated portraits are not always secure.

When you work with a professional photographer, your headshot portraits are stored on the photographer's secure server. In contrast, AI-generated portraits may be stored on third-party servers that may not be as secure. This means that there is a greater risk of your headshot portraits being hacked or stolen.

6. AI-generated portraits are not always ethical.

This one is personal to me. It hurts. Trying to put fears and feelings aside, it harms an industry of real people - photographers and their families now and in the future taking away from possible income by stealing from photographers’ past work. Some AI-generated portrait services use facial recognition technology to create their portraits, usually images stolen from databases and other photographers’ portfolios. It’s basically taking bits from other work around the internet and mashing it together with the photos you sent in. This raises ethical concerns about the potential for this technology to be used for surveillance or other harmful purposes.

Why do you need headshots in the first place? I’m guessing to help you attract new clients, and connect with potential clients and colleagues …so that you build trust and credibility and get the job or the promotion or sale. How do you do that authentically with a faked headshot?

There are a number of reasons why you may not want to use AI for your headshot portraits. If you are looking for a portrait that is realistic, personalized, affordable, secure, and ethical, then you should consider working with a professional photographer like myself.

Phoenix headshot photographer Anjeanette Photography specializes in dynamic & modern portraits that enhance professional branding. She offers a variety of packages and uses her 15 years of experience to develop a strong brand image in a competitive world. Entrepreneurs enhancing business profiles, office teams looking for professional consistency, or individuals aiming to make a lasting impression hire Anjeanette to create a modern, visually compelling headshot that stands out. 

Whether it's for a corporate website, LinkedIn profile, or personal branding, Anjeanette Photography is the go-to studio for capturing headshots that make a powerful statement and leave a lasting impression.

Phoenix Professional Headshots & Easy Branding Portrait Sessions 

BY PHOENIX, PEORIA, GLENDALE AZ PHOTOGRAPHER 

Anjeanette Photography

http://www.phoenixheadshotpro.com

TEXT (615) 944-1356 

IG @phoenixheadshotpro

  On-Location or In Studio • Peoria, Glendale, and Phoenix Arizona area  

What kinds of headshots does Anjeanette Photography offer?

At Anjeanette Photography, I offer three styles of professional portraits, each style is it’s own 20 min session. Usually, two styles can fit into a 30 min session. All include high-end skin retouch, and a gallery is delivered with 10+ images for your use. Which style expresses your business, and best connect you with your ideal clients?

The Modern Professional Headshot

Stylish business portraits on hi key white, grey, or black. Clean and sleek images that focus on you. These are delivered with traditional landscape horizontal cropping and the currently trending Modern Crop. Also perfect for Linkedin, Twitter, or anywhere your headshot will get you noticed online!

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Personal Branding Environmental Business Portraits

Environmental headshots are a fantastic way to break out of the box and tell the story of your business in a real way. Instantly connect with prospective clients when they see you doing what you do, or in the place where you make the magic happen for them. A headshot isn’t just a picture of your face. It is a business card showing what values matter most to you, why your company is different, and why folks should choose your work!

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The Casual Outdoor portrait

The outdoor headshot is sweet and simple- but this is no phone picture in the backyard. Professional lighting to enhance and soften skin put you in your best light with real beautiful bokeh, with included high end retouching before delivery.

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Kym Allison Artist & Art Therapist | The Art Studio at Eagle Ranch

I visited Kym Allison’s Art Studio at Eagle Ranch a little while ago on one of those rare rainy Arizona afternoons with overcast skies and deeply saturated colours. Surrounded by greenery and a peaceful prayer flags under her large trees gently waving to send blessings across the desert. The mood was perfectly set in Kym’s open-air studio for her environmental personal branding portraits!

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“I use a client-centered approach that nurtures self discovery & personal growth. This therapy is suited to individuals moving through life transition periods such as divorce, aging, teens, career changes, brain injury, life style changes, emerging self awareness and addiction recovery. I use traditional talk therapy or a combination of talk therapy and art psychotherapy. Using art works around verbal defense mechanisms and intellectualizing that can stall the therapeutic process. The combination of talk and art therapy works well for clients that have not had good progress in traditional talk therapy or feel that they relapse into old thinking or patterns.
If the client chooses to work with visual communication, I use directed art activities designed to facilitate a deeper understanding of present life circumstances, promote deep healing and encourage greater client self awareness and self actualization. I work with the client to find solutions, encourage personal growth and improve life quality.
I also work with children and teens in attachment assessments in response to divorce and blended families. Art psychotherapy provides a safe way to communicate feelings, thoughts, and experiences thought too taboo or frightening. Clients can also express feelings they do not know how to put into words.”
— Kym Allison Art Therapist, MA, ATR-BC
The serenity corner at Kym’s studio. Tibetans believe the prayers and mantras will be blown by the wind to spread the goodwill and compassion into all pervading space. Therefore, prayer flags are thought to bring benefit to all.

The serenity corner at Kym’s studio. Tibetans believe the prayers and mantras will be blown by the wind to spread the goodwill and compassion into all pervading space. Therefore, prayer flags are thought to bring benefit to all.

Michelle Lorts Furniture | Environmental Professional Headshots | Anjeanette Photography Phoenix

“If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
— Marc Anthony
best headshots phoenix business portraits professional pictures arizona

Michelle is the new CEO of her family’s furniture company Lorts in Goodyear, and wanted headshots that were fun, pretty, relaxed, and approachable! With her irresistible laugh and beautiful smile, she projects the joy and pride of doing what you love. Because Lorts Furniture is known for its warm hospitality and beautiful style, it made perfect sense to meet up at Michelle’s home- which is, of course, unbelievable gorgeous and furnished completely with her companies’ craftsmanship! What better way to get welcoming, friendly environmental headshots than surrounded by the work of her company?

Lorts Manufacturing was founded in 1966 by Andy Lorts who was operating a small independent furniture store in Phoenix.  In 1984, Andy’s son Mike bought the company, and in 2005, Mike sold the company to his son, Ty, and his wife Michelle, ensuring that 3 generations of Lorts would run the company. The company has since moved to its current Goodyear, Arizona manufacturing facility. Lorts has also made a name in custom furniture, either from a rough sketch or a simple modification of an existing item. In 2010, Lorts began to sell wood exposed upholstery, allowing for its beautiful wood finishes to be combined with fine seating choices. Lorts has also earned a reputation for having some of the best customer service in the industry. The Lorts family and the more than 100 Lorts employees ensure each piece is worthy of the Lorts name and tradition: furniture passed down from generation to generation because of quality and style that transcends time, fashion and fads. And now Michelle has taken the helm as CEO insuring that Lorts will continue to be successful and gorgeous.

Find out more about Michelle’s company at Lort.com

In addition to managing her family’s legacy at Lorts Furniture, Michelle also has a successful, fabulous wedding & more floral business Studio Fiore! Check out these amazing artistic creations: Studio Fiore Az

Shout out to @vickydivine_makeup for gorgeous camera ready work!

Shout out to @vickydivine_makeup for gorgeous camera ready work!

Why environmental business portraits appeal to clients:

I offer three styles of headshots to clients- all professionally lit, beautifully retouched, and ready for use in newsletters, websites, and company profiles as well as cards, email signatures, postcards, flyers, mailers, and social media platforms-you name it!

The type of style of professional portrait you choose says a lot about your personality and what you do- which helps people develop an instant relationship with you. The reason clients find environmental headshots so appealing is… they make you look like the real person you are. You in your element, on the job, working towards goals.

The environment can be anywhere you do the work, a garage, a conference room, a Doctors office, a salesroom floor, your workspace or desk, or a warm welcoming home full of beautiful furniture like Michelle chose!

When a client is choosing your work- they want the confidence that they will be taken care of. They react positively to an image of someone on the job surrounded by the tools of their trade so much because they can actually visualize what happens, and how you will meet their needs! We trust what we see with our own eyes.

Project the confidence and ability to land and impress clients with headshots that illustrate both your personality and the work you do! Brand your company with your personality!

I can help: click here to contact Anjeanette info@anjeanette.photography

best headshots phoenix business portraits professional pictures arizona

Anjeanette Photography

Phoenix, Peoria, Arizona

(615) 944-1356

Contact


Confidence is your best accessory | Phoenix Professional Headshots →

“A great customer experience consists of small details and one of the most important is the smile. This simple action can have a dramatic impact on the way you relate to a customer and the impression that this will give about your brand. A smile costs you nothing, but if you don’t offer one you can lose all when it comes to your customers. A good smile can even increase confidence by up to 10%! It helps build a good first impression of your business; a customer will always prefer to do business with someone who is happy.”
— Germán Castaño, TOKY
best headshots phoenix business portraits professional pictures arizona

Great session with Ashley and Jared this month. Fun couple, super relaxed and ready to smile!

After a quick 20 minute session including a few outfit changes they were off to play on a golfing date.

Easy, breezy…oh wait thats someone else’s jingle. Well anyway, Ashley & Jared made it an ideal session!

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Now, this good looking power couple didn’t have to worry about taking a bad photo, for most of us however it can cause anything from mild concern to near panic attacks when getting our photograph taken. Regardless of not if there is any truth in the perception that you are “unphotogenic” (seriously- almost everyone tells me this and none of you have been right about it yet!)

The first thing we see in a picture of ourself is a laundry list of perceived faults. I always say, getting your picture made can be VULNERABLE! I want to earn your trust so that you believe me when I say nobody sees what you think is a fault when they look at your portraits (who would want to be around anyone who was looking for the worst anyway?) The first things people see in a headshot is your SMILE, and they don’t care if you think one tooth is a little bigger than the rest. They see in a split second if its a fake smile, and they write off fake overly airbrushed skin even faster. Show your genuine smile and earn their trust. Earn their business with a laugh and smiles that reach the eyes!

Get the free phoenix headshot guide!

WHAT TO WEAR FOR A SUCCESSFUL HEADSHOT PORTRAIT? | ANJEANETTE PHOTOGRAPHY PHOENIX AZ

In the most successful headshot images,

attire is simple with well-fitting lines and has neutral colors.

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Classic examples are dress shirts and blouses, with or without ties. Blazers, Sports Jackets, and suits...really consider what you wear to work. What are you wearing when you greet clients? Or to events, opening, concerts, and shows? What you wear in your headshot should be recognizable in person, yet not take away from your face. SO yes, it is both neutral and identifiable. I know I know...did I just contradict myself?

For example, a tuxedo would be overkill if you normally meet with employers and employees in a great Ann Loft sweater and tee. Are you on-brand in company logo tees? Do you show up to galleries in eclectic shawls and fantastic art piece jewelry? What about paint-splattered jeans and tailored shirts? Your headshot should also convey your professional personality. Start with a favorite top item, and in your session, we can run through 2-3 different top choices ranging from fancy to casual. Starting in a favorite piece will help you feel comfortable. And unless you want a full-body shot- don't worry about shoes. Wear flip flops, heels, sneakers, or heck be barefoot if it helps you feel relaxed. Nobody will know and I won't tell! For more example of what folks are wearing in headshots head over to my website and look through the images:

Or wear your uniform! For some, the uniform is a specific company issued uniform, for others it is the outfit you were when you get the job done- and that speaks volumes to potential clients.

best headshots phoenix business portraits professional pictures arizona

Patterns are fine- only avoid very tint stripes or houndstooth. large stripes and patterns are fine but small ones can create optical illusions called moire on images. Bold bright colors may express your image, skin tone, and what you do best, The only colors I ask you to avoid are coral and hot pink. orange is fine, pink is fine. when combined the result is not flattering to most skins

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Because what should stand out is YOU:

YOU are your business’s image.

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Editorial & Environmental artists headshots | Rone | Jeff Bertrand | Abby Coppage | Jason Webb

Why do visual and musical artists need professional headshots? Because your work, your brand is a business- and you want to be taken seriously by fans, galleries, publications, and more! But what artist wants a stuffy old fashioned portrait of their face that says nothing about what they create?

Artist Abby Coppage of Deer Abagail can be found at Follicles

Artist Abby Coppage of Deer Abagail can be found at Follicles

Jason Webb musician and composer. Find Jason at: Jason Webb composer Page & https://jasonwebbmusic.com/

Jason Webb musician and composer. Find Jason at: Jason Webb composer Page & https://jasonwebbmusic.com/

Environmental headshots are a fantastic way to break out of the box and tell the story of your business in a real and fun way. For visual and recording artists this is vital to connect them to their fans. A headshot isn’t just a picture of your face- they can tell a story of your art, what you do, what values matter to you, why your company is different, and why folks should choose your work. And its important that they match your brand!

Environmental Headshots are great for artists websites, press releases, Artlist & Daisie profile pics, Etsy about me info, blogs, business cards, LinkedIn, and any media you can imagine.

See more work by Fine Art Muralist RONE here: r-o-n-e.com

See more work by Fine Art Muralist RONE here: r-o-n-e.com

Professional portraits of you in your workspace element- surrounded by your creations!

Nashville’s Pop Dark Artist Jeff Bertrand can be found at: Jeff Bertrand

Nashville’s Pop Dark Artist Jeff Bertrand can be found at: Jeff Bertrand

Visit Ecocentric Expressionist & Art Therapist Kym Allison at this link: kymallison.com

Visit Ecocentric Expressionist & Art Therapist Kym Allison at this link: kymallison.com