AI isn’t coming for your job. Not yet, at least. While there are many facets of our work that can be automated, we haven’t yet reached a point where we can ChatGPT-prompt away all of our day to day activities. There is still a need for filtering an AI’s output through our own eyes and editing it to make sure it passes the smell test.

I’ve been seeing a lot of ads for AI headshots, and the service looks convincing. Could this be a viable route for companies in lieu of hiring a photographer for their business headshots? As a corporate headshot photographer in NYC, I decided to test this out and see what the tech has to offer.

Putting AI-Generated Headshots to the Test

I used the top-ranked provider on Google and gave the system 10 images to work with. Nothing professional, just simple cell phone photos that their average customer might have. I was then asked my age, race, gender, and profession, which presumably informs what kinds of attire and backdrops will be generated for the headshots. Here is one of the reference images I provided, alongside the AI’s best result.

First Impressions

Of the 100 AI-generated headshots they provided, the above image was one of the very few that felt like “me”. If I overlook the lack of detail and clarity in my skin and beard, it could conceivably pass for a photo of myself at a quick glance. From there, things went downhill. One image had my tie disappearing halfway down my shirt, the pocket appeared on both sides of my blazer, and another image had me wearing a backpack with one of the straps vanishing into my jacket.

Uncanny Valley

Wardrobe aside, the AI taunted me with the thick hair I’ve always coveted, and sometimes removed the graying from my beard. But most importantly, my expressions just felt fake. There was that element of the uncanny valley where something feels… off. Perhaps someone who doesn’t know me might be convinced, but I would feel like an impostor if I used these AI headshots to represent myself.

Should You Use AI For Your Headshots?

While there were a few images that approached the realm of plausibility, AI headshots are still a ways off from becoming a viable solution. The facial expressions felt insincere, it changed some fundamental aspects of my face, you can’t choose your own wardrobe, and many images had glaring errors with the AI generated clothing and backgrounds. For those that wear makeup, you’d be at the mercy of whatever makeup choices the AI makes for you.

AI Headshots vs A Professional Photographer

While AI-generated headshots will definitely save you some money, they’re not yet a suitable replacement for a professional headshot session. Working with a professional photographer will allow you to have full control of your attire, choose a backdrop that fits with your brand, and have input on how the image is edited and retouched.

Most importantly, it will provide you with headshots that feel authentic to who you are. Integrity and authenticity are your brand’s most important currency, and current gen AI misses the mark in a big way here.

Takeaways

While there are many applications for integrating AI into your workflow, headshots might still be best left to the pros. Your headshot is the first insight into your personal brand, and you’ll want to have full control over how you’re represented.