15/06/2026
What do you think of my new AI-generated LinkedIn Headshot? ๐
I figured it was time to try the LinkedIn AI headshot trend, where people attempt to look like models posing for a stock image library. ๐
Iโve seen so many posts about it lately, so I thought, why not give it a shot!
So I uploaded a photo, put in a "quality" prompt and waited to see what would happen. ๐คโจ
Letโs just say the result was unexpected. ๐
Or maybe it wasnโt? ๐ค
Ok.
Setting aside the jokes about those saying how great these AI images are and how much easier their lives have become. ๐
I have to admit, watching the whole debate about AI headshots has been really interesting.
On one hand, you have:
โThis is brilliant โ fast, cheap, and good enough.โ
โNo one can tell the difference anyway.โ
and on the other:
โThey all look fake and lack personality.โ
โYou can spot them instantly.โ
Meanwhile, Iโm here wondering if I should work on my ChatGPT prompts. ๐
My take:
AI is just a tool.
As a photographer, I donโt recommend AI Headshots (obviously, without being too self-serving ๐), but I understand that for some people, they could be a quick, accessible option or even a temporary placeholder option until you're ready for a real shoot.
It's a shame we may never work together because of that, but
You do you. ๐คท๐ฝโโ๏ธ๐
It's your online reputation ๐
However, I do find it a bit ironic that so many professionals use AI to create the same polished look, all hoping to "stand out" online.
However, if youโre curious about authentic brands and standing out, look up The Von Restorff Effect to see why you might want to rethink your AI image strategy. ๐ก
Whether your headshot LinkedIn profile photo is AI-generated or taken by a professional, the goal is usually the same: trust, connection, and authentic representation.
You have to decide what's best for your brand.
What do you think?
* Are AI headshots a perfectly good business tool, and have you used them? ๐
* Are they useful for some situations? (If so, what are they?)
* Is real photography still king ๐
No judgment either way. Iโm genuinely interested to hear what you think. ๐