Personal Branding Headshots Outperform AI-Generated Headshots.
AI-generated headshots are everywhere, but guess what? Personal branding headshots outperform AI-generated Headshots. 66% of people say they would be turned off of you or your services if your headshot were AI-generated. When it comes to personal branding, authentic, personal branding headshots outperform AI-generated headshots. Think deeper connection, real personality, and noticeably better engagement. So why are personal branding headshots outperforming AI-headshots? Let’s take a look.
The Allure and Limits of AI-Generated Headshots
AI headshots promise convenience: upload some selfies and boom! professional-looking portraits. And yes, many recruiters seem to lean that way. Recruiters were able to spot a free AI-generated headshot almost 89% of the time. Giveaways such as glitches or the images being too perfect make it easy to spot an AI-headshot. What is most interesting to me is how, when presented, AI-generated headshots make people feel.
A 2024 Ringover survey of 1,087 recruiters revealed a striking contradiction: 66% say they’d be put off by a candidate if they recognized their headshot was AI-generated, (Ringover, TechRadar). That adds up to a real trust gap and a golden opportunity for authenticity.
Why Real Headshots Resonate More
Custom photography goes beyond a face in a frame. You get nuance, genuine smiles, real expressions, and visual energy that AI can’t replicate. Plus, ethical and aesthetic concerns around AI-created images give custom headshots a credibility edge.
Real Photos Crush It Over Stock (And AI)
Studies show that real, custom imagery converts way better than stock photos (CXL). A fresh, personalized headshot doesn’t just look different, it feels different. And even when AI tries to approximate “real,” it usually still lacks that subtle human touch. Having all of your human “flaws” retouched or AI-generated perfection is working against you.
Practical Tips for Vancouver Professionals & Teams
- Invest in real sessions: A headshot shoot with a photographer who gets your vibe. Not only will you receive authentic headshots, but also a great experience that is good for team building.
- Use them everywhere: LinkedIn, company bios, community campaigns, your cell phone photo, dating profiles, Uber profile, email signatures and a million more places.
- Blend if needed: Most photo retouching software has AI tools built in. Allowing your photographer to turn around the photos instantly with the quality control of a trained professional eye. If you want zero AI tools used on your job (a request being more and more common) simply let your photographer know not to use any AI tools.
- Regular updates: Even two-year-old headshots feel dated. Refresh often to stay current and authentic. New hairstyle? Get a new headshot. New glasses? Get a new headshot.
Are AI-Generated Headshots For You?
Now that you know most people would feel put off by an AI-headshot, is it worth it to use one?
Is it worth the risk?
Maybe a headshot session with me, a professional headshot photographer in East Vancouver, is a better option for you.