In recent months, artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly entered the world of headshot photography, offering a quick, low-cost alternative to a traditional portrait. With just a few selfies taken on a mobile phone, AI software can generate polished-looking portraits that mimic studio lighting, clean backgrounds, and professional styling. For busy professionals or individuals on a tight budget, this can seem like an appealing shortcut. But the question remains: should you trust your brand image to an algorithm?
One of the biggest advantages of AI-generated headshots is speed. You can upload a few smartphone selfies, choose from pre-set styles, and receive dozens of options in minutes. For some uses—like internal presentations or social media profiles where authenticity isn’t critical—this might suffice. AI headshots can also be helpful as placeholders for new staff pages or team directories when there’s no time for a full shoot. In these contexts, they can provide a uniform and polished look quickly.
However, AI-generated portraits come with significant limitations. Most notably, they lack realism. While they may appear polished at first glance, many of these images fail to capture the subtle nuances of a real person’s expression, posture, or personality. AI software often smooths skin excessively, distorts facial features, or creates inconsistencies in body proportions and lighting. This can result in images that look “off” or even unsettling. Worse, these portraits may not be a true or honest representation of the individual, which can damage trust—especially in client-facing industries where authenticity is essential.
In contrast, a professionally taken headshot is a collaborative experience. A real photographer adjusts lighting, guides your expression, and ensures your pose communicates confidence, approachability, or whatever quality you want to highlight. A good headshot tells your story with precision and credibility, something AI simply can’t replicate. For example, a recent client of mine—a senior consultant—had previously tried AI-generated images but was told by peers they looked artificial and untrustworthy. After a proper headshot session, his new image not only boosted his LinkedIn profile views but also helped secure a client introduction through a contact who felt a stronger personal connection.
While AI has its place for convenience and experimentation, a real photograph still reigns supreme when it comes to professionalism, trust, and brand impact. If your headshot will appear on your company website, LinkedIn profile, or in press materials, it’s worth investing in a session with a real photographer who understands how to capture not just how you look but who you are and how you wish to be perceived.
