AI is everywhere these days.

ChatGPT writes emails and outlines marketing plans. Midjourney creates photorealistic art from a few keywords. Tools like Grammarly and Photoshop’s Generative Fill quietly work in the background, speeding up creative work. Even your phone's camera uses AI to smooth skin and enhance skies before you tap the shutter.

And yes—AI headshots are out there too. Just upload a few selfies and, within minutes, you can have dozens of professional-looking images: sharp suit, flattering lighting, flawless skin, and every hair in place. All without stepping into a studio.

But there’s a question worth asking here: Are those photos really you?

Because in a world full of image manipulation and curated personas, authenticity still matters—especially when it comes to your headshot.

Why Your Headshot Still Needs to Look Like You

During a headshot session, I use AI to break down barriers, build confidence, and keep things moving. It doesn’t replace the human connection — it enhances it. You can relax, be yourself, and know you’re in good hands.

A headshot isn’t just a photo. It’s a first impression. It’s how a potential client, employer, or colleague connects with you before you ever say a word. And if your headshot doesn’t feel true to who you are—if it’s too polished, too fake, or too generic—it can do more harm than good.

That’s why I believe in showing the best version of you. Not an AI-rendered fantasy of what a professional looks like. You. Just amazing.

Confidence. Approachability. Competence. These qualities can’t be faked with software. But they can be captured—with the right process.

**Where AI Does Help in My Process**

Now, don’t get me wrong—AI isn’t the enemy here. In fact, I use it every day in my headshot studio. But I use it with my clients, not instead of them. Here’s how:

When someone comes in for a session, we start by capturing a test shot and doing a quick, collaborative retouch together. We’ll lightly remove temporary blemishes, soften under-eye shadows, maybe smooth skin just a bit—just enough so you’re not distracted by things you’d want edited out later.

Once we land on a retouching look that feels natural and flattering, I save that setting. From that moment on, every photo I take during the session is instantly displayed with those edits applied.

The result?
You see a version of yourself that already looks polished—but still like you. That boosts your confidence in real time, and that confidence shows up in the images we create together.

You’re not worrying about how tired you look. You’re not guessing how much retouching will happen later. You’re fully present, focused on expression and energy. And that’s where the magic happens.

Great! Picking up where we left off, here’s the next section of your article:

Where AI Headshots Fall Short

AI headshots are quick. They’re cheap. And they’re improving fast. But they still miss something essential.

For one, the results can be wildly inconsistent. Some images look almost real—until you spot an extra tooth, mismatched earrings, or hands that melt into a blazer. Others just feel off. It’s like the image is wearing a mask of professionalism without any of you underneath.

And that’s the bigger issue: AI doesn’t know who you are.

It doesn’t know the way your smile crinkles just slightly at the corner of your eyes when you’re genuinely happy. It can’t sense when you relax into a pose that feels natural. It doesn’t know how to coax out that confident, grounded energy that says, “I’ve got this.”

In short, AI can generate a headshot. But it can’t draw you out. That’s the job of a real photographer.

Tech That Serves, Not Replaces

For those considering AI-generated headshots, it’s tempting to believe that a few uploaded selfies and clever algorithms can replace the time, cost, and effort of a traditional photo session. But here's what that approach misses: the experience matters.

“The thoughtful emails leading up to my session set the tone. Then, the personalized welcome signage as I arrived, the warm greeting at the door, and the clear overview of what to expect each played a part in helping me feel immediately at ease.” — Kenya Jacobs

That sense of being seen, understood, and cared for can’t be automated. And it’s not just about emotional comfort—it impacts the final image. Relaxed, confident people take better photos. No amount of pixel-level retouching can fix tension in the eyes or a forced smile.

At the same time, the right use of technology behind the scenes can elevate the experience.

“You leveraged technology thoughtfully, enhancing the photos and ensuring we used our time efficiently.” — Kenya Jacobs

That’s where I see the future of headshot photography: not in replacing people with AI, but in using AI (and other tools) to serve people better.

Authenticity Isn’t Optional—It’s Your Superpower

You wouldn’t fake your résumé. Or send a stand-in to your interview. So why settle for a fake version of yourself in the image that often makes your first impression? For professionals, your headshot shows up in all kinds of meaningful places:

Your LinkedIn profile, where you’re building trust with potential employers and collaborators.
Company websites and team bios, where clients want to know who they’re working with.
Speaking engagements, press releases, author profiles, and personal branding content.

In all these cases, people aren’t just scanning for a face—they’re looking for a sense of you. Do you look approachable? Confident? Professional? Friendly? Are you someone they can relate to? Work with? Hire? That kind of connection requires real expression. Real presence. A real you.

That’s why I’ve built my process around collaboration, not simulation. We talk. We laugh. We try poses that feel a little silly until something clicks. I show you previews on screen, we make adjustments together, and we keep going until we both say, “That’s the one.”

And yes—we use AI tools to help smooth the process, speed up the workflow, and make small distractions disappear. But the heart of the session is always human.

Because when you feel seen, you show up. And when you show up, the camera sees something AI never can: Confidence that comes from being comfortable in your own skin.

You’re Amazing. Show the World.

In a world of quick fixes and generated content, it’s tempting to let a computer handle the details. But when it comes to your headshot—the image that says “This is me”—authenticity still wins.

You don’t need to look like someone else. You don’t need to be airbrushed into perfection.
You just need to be you—at your best.

That’s what I do in every session. I help professionals show up with clarity, confidence, and presence. Whether you're updating your LinkedIn, launching a new business, or just stepping into a new season, you deserve a headshot that’s not just professional—but personal.

So if you’re wondering whether to go with an AI headshot or a real photo session, here’s my take:

AI can fake a face. But it can’t replace the person behind it.

Let’s work together to create images that reflect the best version of you—because the real you is already amazing.

AI Headshots: Use Them? Or Choose Authenticity Instead?