Using AI headshot generators to create professional headshots is a rising trend. Mixed reviews are floating around about whether this is good or bad.
You may wonder if this method is deceiving since AI can create unrealistic photos. However, you’re still presenting photos of yourself, and when used properly, AI generators can be a beneficial and helpful tool.
The ethics of these AI platforms can be subjective, but let’s look at some factors that can influence your viewpoint.
What Are the Benefits of Using an AI Headshot Generator?
Using an AI headshot generator offers two main benefits: saving money and time.
Let’s first discuss how it can save you money. Depending on session length or if it’s basic or high-end, a traditional headshot photo session with a professional photographer can range from $150 to $600+. AI headshot generators cost a fraction of that price and, when used correctly, still offer quality photos.
Then there’s the time element. When using a professional photographer, you may have to commit to a three-hour session, which won’t include the time you spend getting ready for that session and driving to and from it. Afterward, you have to wait days, weeks, or sometimes months to receive your headshots, depending on the photographer’s availability to edit and return them.
When using an AI generator, such as the high-quality platform Portrait Pal, your headshots can be completed and ready for use in two to three hours. That time savings is not inconsequential!
The AI generator creates professional headshots on your computer, so you don’t have to leave home (or even your seat!). You also don’t have to stress about putting together professional outfits, deciding on a hairstyle, or applying makeup. Based on the information you share during the creation process, the AI generator will create a professional look for you.
What Are the Potential Concerns of Using an AI Generator?
You may have heard of AI mishaps with created pictures turning out strange or way off target. For example, you have heard about photos with distorted backgrounds or subjects having extra limbs. These mishaps are a potential concern when using an AI generator, but they can be avoided by choosing a better platform.
Another concern may be that the image looks like it has been AI-generated. Some AI images don’t look realistic and may not accurately represent you. They could look too perfect and too good to be true. There’s always a way to bypass these concerns with the right prompts, which makes using an AI generator a good option for creating your professional headshots.
How You Can Use an AI Generator to Your Advantage
Choosing a high-quality platform, having a solid idea of your headshot-style vision, and uploading quality photos for the generator to work with can help you mitigate concerns and use an AI generator to your advantage.
Pick a High-Quality AI Headshot Generator Platform
If you try to save all the money and go with a free platform, you’re setting yourself up to experience AI mishaps. Something as simple as choosing a better platform can increase your likelihood of getting headshots you’ll actually like.
A high-quality platform will incur some expense, but it’ll still be a fraction of the cost of a professional photographer. A high-quality platform will also be easy to use and understand and give clear instructions to follow to help return better results. A quality platform is built by AI researchers who understand the importance of using fine-tuning technology to train the AI generator to create professional headshots that are realistic and true to your likeness.
Have a Solid Idea of Your Headshot-Style Vision
Another way to use an AI generator to your advantage is to go into the process with a solid vision of your headshot style. The more information you can give in a written prompt, the better your chance of getting the type of headshots you want.
If you aren’t sure what your headshot style is, consider your ideas for any makeup (if applicable), backgrounds, hairstyles, and outfits you might want. Also, think about whether or not headshots should be strictly business professional, or if they can be more casual based on the overall nature of your profession. Going into the process with a vision in mind will help you answer any questions about how you want the AI generator to develop your headshots.
Upload Quality Photos
Another way to use AI to your advantage and help the AI generator create good headshots is to upload quality photos. To ensure that AI technology can better capture your features and likeness, you want to upload clear images that show different angles of your face. Good lighting is a must, as is an uncluttered background so that there aren’t distractions from your face.
Most platforms will ask you to upload candids, selfies, and portrait photos for the AI generator to work with. You can use any from your phone’s camera roll, or you can quickly snap selfies before uploading. Don’t worry about your hair or outfits in these photos, as the AI generator will create hairstyle and outfit looks for you based on the prompt you write.
Is Using an AI Headshot Generator for Professional Headshots Bad?
If you’ve put the work into making the headshot generator produce photos of the real you, then no, it isn’t bad to use in a professional setting. On the other hand, using a headshot generator to alter your image so much that it doesn’t look like you would be unethical. Be true to yourself, and make sure to share that in your photos and prompts with the AI generator so it can create a realistic image.
Of course, there are always benefits and potential concerns that come with using AI to create professional headshots. But if you’re honest about how you should be portrayed professionally, there shouldn’t be anything wrong with using an AI headshot generator to your advantage. When using a high-quality AI platform, you can get realistic results to create an honest and good impression on clients and employers when you share your headshots.