Professional headshots in the age of AI

Professional Headshots in the Age of AI

I’ll be honest — I really do not understand the appeal of AI-generated headshots, though some people do! 

Most AI headshots do not fully look like the person. The skin looks strange, the eyes feel empty, the lighting is inconsistent, and the overall image often lands in that weird space where it looks almost real, but not quite. It may fool people for a second scrolling on LinkedIn, but when you meet the person in real life, the disconnect becomes obvious.

And honestly, can employers tell? I think many can. At some point it starts feeling like handing in Cliff Notes instead of reading the actual book.

A professional headshot session is not some painful all-day ordeal. It can be quick, relaxed, and straightforward. A good photographer understands lighting, composition, posing, expression, and retouching without making somebody look fake or synthetic.

AI may eliminate the need for less skilled or mediocre photographers. But it will not replace photographers who understand people, lighting, timing, and how to create authentic images with intention.

There is also the bigger issue nobody seems to talk about much: resources. These systems do not run on magic. Their date centers require enormous amounts of electricity and water supply, all so people can avoid spending an hour with an actual photographer in their own community.

Your professional image is often the first impression you make. Invest in your career the right way.