What About AI Headshots? Why Do I Need a Photographer?
Are you thinking about using an AI-generated headshot for LinkedIn or your business profile? It’s quick and cheap—but is it the best way to represent yourself? AI headshots might seem like a great shortcut, but they often leave you looking unnatural, overly edited, or just… off. Here’s my take on why a professionally taken headshot is still the way to go.
1. You Want to Look Like You
AI-generated headshots are notorious for smoothing out features, messing up clothing textures, and even altering facial proportions in weird ways. The result? You might end up looking like a glossy, plastic version of yourself—or worse, like someone else entirely. A professional photographer, on the other hand, makes sure you look like the best version of yourself—natural, confident, and approachable.
2. The Quality Just Isn’t There
AI still struggles with getting things right. Ever seen those AI photos where ears look mismatched, glasses are distorted, or hair seems oddly blurred? That’s because AI doesn’t understand light, depth, and texture the way a trained human eye does. A real photographer knows how to use lighting, angles, and retouching properly to create a polished but natural-looking image.
3. First Impressions Matter—Don’t Risk a Bad One
Your headshot is often the first thing people see on LinkedIn, company websites, or professional profiles. A photo that looks fake, over-processed, or just awkward can make you seem less trustworthy or unprofessional. A high-quality, human-made headshot immediately tells people you take yourself seriously—and they should too.
4. Personal Branding Is Everything
Your headshot is part of your brand. Whether you’re a corporate professional, entrepreneur, or creative, your image should align with how you want to be perceived. A professional photographer can tailor your headshot to match your industry, personality, and style—something AI simply can’t do.
The example above is the professional image AI made for me. Needless to say, I’m not impressed!
The Bottom Line
AI headshots may be tempting, but can leave you looking unnatural, generic, and even unrecognizable. A professional headshot is an investment in you—your personal brand, your career, and the way the world sees you. If you want to make the best impression, trust a pro. You’ll look better, feel more confident, and have a headshot that actually represents you.
Ready to ditch AI and get a headshot that makes you look your best? Let’s make it happen!