Artificial intelligence, or AI, has become a useful tool for many business owners. From helping with social media captions to culling your photos, there’s no denying that technology definitely helps streamline much of our time in the office. As AI grows and changes, everyone is looking for new ways to use it. You might remember a few months ago, when everyone was using AI to create portraits of themselves. Honestly, most were pretty funny and super unrealistic. But, we all got a good laugh out of it. However, I’ve also seen a few people still try to use AI to create new headshots of themselves to try and save some money and time. So… as a branding photographer here in Nashville, I decided to give it a go. The results are hilarious (scroll through the whole post to see them!). I want to share why you shouldn’t use AI for headshots – because I can tell you, it’s SO not worth the effort and you won’t like the results! 

Lack of Authenticity and Personality

AI-generated headshots may look polished, but they lack the authenticity and personal touch that only a real photographer can capture. A professional photographer gets to know you, understands your personality, and brings out your unique qualities. This personal connection is crucial for creating a headshot that truly represents who you are. A computer simply cannot replicate that experience! Your headshot should reflect your personality, your brand, and your story, not just a generic, computer-generated image. Trust me, there’s something really amazing about what a human can capture during a headshot session. 

Computer-Generated…

From a Photographer…

Limited Customization and Creativity

AI tools are programmed with a set of algorithms that can produce decent results, but they are limited in their ability to think outside the box. Professional photographers bring years of experience, creativity, and an artistic eye to the table. They can experiment with different angles, lighting, backgrounds, and poses to create a headshot that stands out and resonates with your target audience. Not to mention, the real life quality that comes from being in a particular setting. That matters when showcasing who you are! This level of customization and creative flair is something AI cannot offer, making photographers irreplaceable.

AI-Generated…

From a Photographer…

Quality and Professionalism

A high-quality headshot is more than just a photo; it’s an investment in your personal and professional brand. Professional photographers use top-of-the-line equipment and editing techniques to ensure your headshot is of the highest quality. They understand the nuances of lighting, composition, and retouching to enhance your best features while maintaining a natural look. AI-generated images often fall short in these areas, resulting in photos that may look artificial or lack the polish needed for a professional setting. When it comes to making a strong first impression, nothing beats the expertise and professionalism of a real photographer. After seeing my own AI-generated headshots, all I did was laugh. It may have saved time and money (sort of), but it looked nothing like me – or like the person I want to show to the world. 

My Real Branding Photos…

When it comes down to it, a headshot photographed by a real photographer is going to truly showcase who you are. AI-generated photos may make us laugh, but they’re not really helpful when it comes to marketing our business. They’re lifeless and boring – plus, I’ve never seen one that actually looks like the person it’s supposed to be! The bottom line? Work with a real branding and headshot photographer when it’s time for new photos for your business! 

Ready to book your branding session? Grab my tips here to make sure your portraits feel genuine and true to you and your brand!