I'm skeptical about AI-generated headshots. As a photographer, I think they promise more than they deliver. I'd like to discuss the downsides and misconceptions surrounding this service.
Doesn't look like a real photo
AI headshots look too good to be true at first, but they have some major flaws. The skin always looks too smooth and fake, like a drawing. And when it comes to body accuracy, the algorithm just makes things up. It's hard to guarantee the headshot will look like the person in real life. Plus, the catchlights in the eyes often don't match the lighting on the face, which is a dead giveaway that it's a fake.
It requires much more time than you would expect
It takes a lot of time to get everyone's headshots done through AI. The process is a hassle because we need 10-20 photos of each team member, which can be hard to get. Most people don't have that many photos of themselves, and taking new ones can be a pain. Selfies from phones also distort our faces, so we need to get photos taken at a distance, which is harder to set up. In reality, it's a lot of work for the person organizing it to keep reminding people to submit their photos. It's way more time-consuming than just having a professional photographer come in for a few minutes.
These images are not in high resolution
The AI can only generate up to 2,400 pixels on the long edge, which isn't ideal for print materials. I usually provide images that are 6,000-8,000 pixels on the long side, which should work for any situation.
Support not available
Unlike AI headshot websites, I provide guidance on what to wear and how to prepare for headshots before the photoshoot. During the session, I work with you to get the best angles and expression. Afterward, we select the best headshot to be retouched and finalized. My retouching is natural and subtle, not overdone.
Sends the incorrect message
Using AI-generated headshots on the company website can give the wrong impression. It suggests we're not willing to invest in quality photography. There are great photographers worldwide who can meet your guidelines, even if team members are remote. This can affect how potential clients, employees, and investors perceive us.
Uneven outcomes
AI headshot algorithms can be hit or miss. They use big datasets to generate images fast, but the results can be inconsistent. If the input data is bad, the image might not look like the person. This can lead to issues with lighting, skin tones, and facial features. In a competitive business, a bad AI headshot can make people question our professionalism.
AI headshots might be cheap and fast, but they have some major downsides - no human connection, limited customization, inconsistent quality, ethics concerns, etc. It's worth investing in proper headshots for a more personal and impactful image.
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