Are AI Headshots Worth It?

Still, it’s fair to wonder if it’s worth spending a few dollars on services like BetterPic, or if it’s just another tech trend that wastes your money and time. In this article, we’ll go over the pros and cons of AI headshot generators to understand if and how they can help.

AI headshots are studio-like photographs generated from selfies uploaded by users (typically 5 to 20). To achieve this, AI headshot generators use machine learning models such as FLUX.1, which are known for creating ultra-realistic images.

These models thoroughly analyze and interpret the images provided, including facial features, lighting, and angles, to generate highly realistic headshots. Since everything can be processed from the comfort of your home, you don’t need to worry about cameras, photographers, commuting to a studio, clothing, or makeup.

This means that, compared to traditional photography, AI headshot generators save you time and money. It’s also important to mention that the output quality and level of resemblance can vary, depending on the models.

AI headshot generators are more affordable than hiring a professional photographer. While a photography session can cost $100 to $1,500 or more, AI headshot generator basic packages typically start at around $30.

AI headshot generators can deliver headshots in less than an hour, whereas photography sessions can last between 30 minutes and several hours and often involve a commute.

Some AI headshot generators offer plans for businesses that allow them to generate similar headshots for all of their team members. In turn, businesses get consistent corporate branding across all channels.

Since the software just needs selfies, you don’t need to prepare for an in-person photoshoot. The headshot generator will collate the photos sent and make you look as good as possible.

AI headshots may lack the authenticity and genuine feel of photos. AI-generated images are known to struggle to capture genuine facial expressions and natural lighting.

With AI headshots, it’s nearly impossible to replicate the artistic flair and original spin that a human photographer offers. In turn, AI headshots may all look the same.

Most AI headshot generators offer limited resolution (most of them limit the output resolution to 1080p), which means they’re not ready to deliver headshots for large-format applications. One exception to this is BetterPic, which offers 4K ultra-realistic headshots.

Due to their limited realism and creativity, AI headshots often produce eerie-looking photos that, despite not appearing seemingly flawed, produce subtle details that look weird.

AI headshots are primarily worth it for anyone on a budget who prioritizes speed. This may include:

• Entrepreneurs, remote workers, and freelancers: Individuals running a business or working remotely often require professional headshots for work-related scenarios. AI headshots can deliver realistic headshots quickly and easily.
• Urgent situations: Sometimes, we run into situations that require professional photos, but all we have are outdated headshots. In those cases, AI headshot generators can email a set of headshots in less than an hour.
• Short-term solution: Even if you plan to hire a professional photographer for a photoshoot, it may take up to four weeks to receive the final photos. In the meantime, you can use an AI headshot generator to provide a temporary solution while you wait.
• Ongoing headshot updates: Professionals who must update their photos frequently can leverage the speed of an AI headshot generator.
• Business headshot consistency: Organizations that need their team members’ headshots to look uniform across platforms can achieve this with an AI headshot generator.

Even though there’s no way to deny the power of AI headshot generators, there are still scenarios where you won’t benefit from them.

Creative industries: Industries like modelling and acting require polished and authentic photos that capture a person’s unique essence, which AI headshot generators fail to deliver. The same applies to influencers, whose audience values versatility and authenticity.

Promotional materials: Marketing and promotional materials call for high-resolution and print-ready photos, which AI headshots can’t deliver. Plus, in some instances, you may need headshots in large formats without losing quality, which AI headshot generators can’t promise.

Press: Media appearances, corporate bios, and press releases must convey unique credibility, professionalism, and authenticity. We do not recommend using AI headshot generators for these cases.

AI headshot generators are worth the hype mostly because they are convenient. They’re cheap and remove the hassle of looking for a photographer, hiring them, scheduling a session, worrying about how you look, and waiting for the photos to be delivered.

Even though more tech-savvy users can make AI headshots themselves, for the typical user, these services also remove the effort of learning how to do it. Additionally, AI headshot generators can be especially practical for teams due to their consistency.

No software is perfect, though. AI headshot generators still have a few drawbacks, like a lack of resolution and limited creativity, so it’s important to understand which situations require a real photographer.

If you’re looking for a way to generate headshots, we recommend BetterPic, as it’s one of the best AI headshot generators we’ve tested so far. We invite you to check out our extensive BetterPic review (with headshot examples).