10 Ways Real Headshots are Better Than AI Headshots
I’m not gonna lie - the headshots I’m seeing that are coming out of AI image generators are nothing short of incredible. The details, the lighting, the colour - all of it seems perfect. Or, perhaps a little too perfect?
And while I can admit that AI images are technically masterful, I just don’t like them. I can spot them a mile off, and to be honest, I feel a little cheated. When I visit your website or social media to find out more about working with you, I want to get to know you, not a machine’s interpretation of you.
So, in the hope of ‘keeping it real’, here are all the ways I think actual headshots are better than AI generated headshots.
1 . AI photos lack a human connection.
It’s something in the eyes for me, something’s missing. The whole point of having a headshot on your website is to create a connection with your viewers. And while an AI image may accurately represent a person visually, I just don’t feel a human connection like I do with a real photograph.
2. Real photos aren’t perfect (and yes, that’s a good thing!)
People often cringe at a photo of themselves, highlighting their flaws - the wrinkles, the spots, the grey hair, the crooked teeth. But it’s our so-called flaws that make us human and relatable. It’s our scars that show we’ve lived. Let’s embrace our imperfections and be proud to sing alongside Keala Settle “This is me!” 🎶
3. A photoshoot brings personal growth.
Many of the people who contact me for headshots do so hesitantly. They tell me either they feel awkward in front of the camera, they hate having their picture taken, or they don’t look good in photos. To me, just making the enquiry phone call is personal growth, but to actually show up and do the shoot despite all those negative feelings is something extraordinary. Growth happens on the other side of your comfort zone.
4. A photoshoot helps to build your confidence.
Building off my previous point, after doing something hard and way out of your comfort zone, your self confidence will grow. And each time you do something hard and uncomfortable, it will grow more and more. Many times my self confidence has been rocked with the ebbs and flow of business, but when I do hard things, I get that much more confident in my abilities and feel ready to tackle anything!
5. AI generated headshots could be seen as taking a shortcut.
Whether you’re avoiding costs, time, feeling uncomfortable, or you couldn’t be bothered, an AI generated headshot tells your audience that you’ve taken a shortcut which could possibly reflect badly on your business reputation.
6. You’re being intentional about investing in yourself and your business when you book a photoshoot.
Putting it on the calendar, setting goals on how you’ll use the photos in your marketing, and practising how you’ll show up on camera - these all steps require being intentional about where you want your business to go and taking the steps to get there.
7. Real photos are valued more.
When you invest time, effort and money in a photoshoot, you’ll value the photos more. And when you value them more, you’ll use them more. I’ve noticed the things that are easy to come by, things that don’t require effort or sacrifice, are often discarded or forgotten about. But when we have to work hard for for something, that’s when we truly value it. And when we truly value our photos, we’ll use them all the more.
8. Photoshoots are fun!
Even though I mentioned previously that most clients tell me they hate having their photo taken, it’s those same clients who tell me what a fun time they’ve had at their photoshoot. If you just get your headshots created by AI, you really are missing out on a fun experience.
9. Real photos support real people.
By booking a photoshoot, not only are you supporting the small business dream of a local photographer, but possibly also a makeup artist, hair stylist, studio owner and any other creative you might need to execute your vision. By keeping it real, you’re helping small businesses (just like yours) thrive in your local community.
10. Real photos show your audience that you value relationships.
If you’re a service based business or personal brand, relationships are everything - how you treat your customers, how you treat your staff, how you treat your contractors and suppliers. People matter. If you then decide to use AI generated headshots in your marketing, then it’s potentially not supporting your core values.
People are unique, and special, and actually kind of awesome. I want to see and meet real people, not simulated fakes. I want to see you.
So next time you’re tempted to create an AI generated headshot, think about everything you’re missing out on, and get in touch with your local brand photographer.