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.”
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