Why Businesses Should Stay Clear of AI-Generated Headshots
“Why not just use AI for headshots?” This is a question I’ve encountered more than once, and it’s a valid one to ask in our rapidly digitizing world.
I’ll be honest. The first time I saw my own AI-generated headshots, I was shocked.
They looked nothing like me. The skin was airbrushed to the point of plastic, my jawline was oddly sharp, and my eyes looked… lifeless. You know when something looks kind of you but also not really? That was it. The images were technically fine, but they didn’t feel real. And worst of all, they didn’t feel like me.
As a branding photographer, I knew I had to talk about this. Because AI-generated headshots are popping up everywhere right now. They’re fast. They’re cheap. And they seem like an easy fix for business owners who need “something” to throw on a LinkedIn profile or website. But here’s the truth: they can do more harm than good.
Let’s talk about why.
The Allure of AI Headshots:
I get it. You’re busy. You’ve got a million things on your plate, and booking a photoshoot might feel like one more thing to plan, get dressed for, and spend money on.
So when you see those AI headshot ads that promise professional-looking images in minutes for $20? It sounds like a dream. You upload a few selfies, pick a style, and boom—instant “headshots.”
But what you end up with isn’t really you. It’s a version of you that’s been morphed, reshaped, and polished until the real person behind the business disappears. That’s not helpful when you’re trying to build a brand based on connection and trust.
What Do You Actually Get With AI?
The truth is, most AI-generated headshots aren’t built for business owners. They’re designed to be trendy, not timeless. Some of the most common issues I see?
- Weird proportions: Enlarged eyes, off-center features, or a jawline that just doesn’t match reality.
- Bad clothing choices: AI often creates clothing that doesn’t exist, with strange collars or accessories that are totally off-brand.
- Inconsistent quality: One photo might look okay, but the next has hands that melt into the background. Literally.
- Over-editing: The filters and skin smoothing are so intense, you can’t even see your natural features anymore.
- Most importantly, the expressions don’t look genuine. You can’t fake confidence, warmth, or approachability with code. And your audience knows when something feels off.
How It Impacts Your Business
Let’s say someone visits your website. They see your headshot. It’s beautiful, but not authentic. You show up to a client meeting, and they’re caught off guard because you look totally different. That little moment of confusion? It creates doubt.
When your photos don’t look like you, people question the realness of your brand. And if your business is built around trust—like coaching, real estate, health, or personal services, that doubt can cost you more than you think.
Authenticity is currency right now. People are craving real. They want to do business with humans, not highly-polished avatars. A solid headshot isn’t just about looking good. It’s about creating a connection that feels natural and trustworthy.
The True Cost of AI “Quick Fixes”
You might think AI headshots are saving you money, but here’s what you’re really giving up:
- Personal connection
- Control over your image and brand
- Professionalism and polish
- The chance to stand out
When everyone is using the same apps, filters, and AI systems, everything starts looking the same. The same backgrounds, the same lighting, the same stiff expressions. And suddenly, you’re no longer unique—you’re just another AI template.
As a business owner, you’ve worked hard to build your brand. Shouldn’t your images reflect that same level of care?
What You Get With a Real Branding Session
Now let’s flip the script. When you invest in a real photoshoot with a branding photographer who gets your vibe and your goals, everything changes.
You get:
- Images that actually look like you, on your best day
- Posing guidance so you don’t feel awkward
- Wardrobe styling and tips that match your brand
- Genuine expressions that feel confident and natural
- Creative direction that tells a story about your business
And the experience? It’s not just about photos. It’s about showing up, being seen, and feeling like the boss you are. That kind of confidence translates into everything you do—from your website to your social media, to how you carry yourself in a pitch meeting.
You Deserve Better Than AI
You’ve poured your heart into building your business. You’ve overcome doubts, taken risks, and showed up when it was hard. That deserves to be captured with intention, not slapped together by a robot trying to guess what a “CEO” looks like.
Don’t settle for fake smiles and plastic skin. You deserve images that celebrate your real personality, your real energy, and your real journey.
Your brand is personal. Your photos should be too.
Ai Headshots
The Real Me
Ready to Elevate Your Brand?
If you’re a business owner in the Phoenix area who’s tired of AI-generated headshots and wants images that feel powerful, polished, and you, let’s talk.
I offer full-service branding sessions with professional hair and makeup, wardrobe styling, guided posing, and a whole lot of hype. You’ll walk away with images that don’t just look good—they convert.
Let’s create something real together.
