Why Fast and Cheap Isn’t Always Better When It Comes to Showing Up Online


Lately, there’s been a huge wave of AI-generated headshots hitting social media feeds and LinkedIn profiles. With a few uploaded selfies and a couple of bucks, AI apps can churn out dozens of polished portraits in seconds. It’s tempting: fast, cheap, and kind of fun to play with. But if you're using them to represent yourself professionally, they may be doing more harm than good.

As a photographer who specializes in personal branding and portraits, I’ve had more and more people ask: Should I just use AI headshots instead of booking a session? Here’s the honest answer: not if you care about building trust, showing up authentically, and standing out in a meaningful way.


Why AI Headshots Are Tempting


Speed: Upload some selfies, wait a few minutes, and you’ve got 20-plus versions of professional-looking photos.

Cost: Most apps charge 10 to 30 dollars. Compared to a full photo session, it’s a low risk investment.

Convenience: No scheduling, no prep, no real effort.

For someone in a pinch or just testing the waters, AI might seem like a smart choice. But if you're using your headshot to network, market yourself, or land a job, you're missing out on what actually builds connection.


What AI Headshots Get Wrong


They Don’t Look Like You: AI smooths, sharpens, and stylizes your face until it barely feels human. Most people can spot an AI headshot instantly and that erodes trust.

They Feel Generic: AI doesn’t understand your vibe, energy, or brand. You end up with a random assortment of poses and outfits that don’t align with your story.

They Can Feel Deceptive: When people meet you in person or over Zoom, and you look noticeably different from your AI generated headshot, there’s a disconnect. That subtle loss of credibility matters more than you think.


Why Real Headshots Still Matter


Authenticity: A real photo shows who you are, not just what you look like. It captures your presence and personality in a way AI can’t.

Trust and Relatability: When someone sees a well lit, confident, natural image of you, it communicates that you're real, reliable, and approachable.

Tailored for Your Brand: A good photographer asks what you do, who you want to reach, and how you want to come across. AI doesn't.


The Bottom Line


AI headshots are a novelty. But if you’re trying to build a personal brand or show up with confidence and clarity, they fall flat. They might save you time, but they cost you authenticity.

Your headshot should feel like you. Because when people feel like they already know you, they're more likely to trust you, hire you, and remember you.


Is it golden hour yet?


Andrew

Four professional headshots showing a blonde figure in a navy blue sleeveless top posing with hand gestures and warm smiles.

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Andrew Fein is a magazine-published brand and family photographer serving Fort Lee, Hoboken, Montclair, Jersey City, Hackensack, Ridgewood, Tenafly, Paramus, and the greater Northern New Jersey area.