I started my career as a professional headshot photographer, so this topic is near and dear to me.

First, let’s look at the current state of the photography industry where we know a few things:

• We know that most photography services are trending downwards (some exceptions are elopements, weddings, etc.), this makes sense with the advent of the smartphone (see smartphone vs camera sales), ie. everyone has a pretty decent camera on them at all times.
• Headshots however, saw the drop since smartphones came in, but have stayed relatively neutral and have seen a slight resurgence (image featured above).

My theory on this is because with the advent of real estate services like Zillow, Redfin, et. al., you need a good headshot to stand out. About 1/3 of my headshots business is realtors, or realtor adjacent. I know from my personal experience, just browsing Zillow we picked a realtor based on the friendliness of their photo! I mean, of course I’m a bit biased but if you see two realtors, one with a high quality headshot, and another with an iPhone photo – who are you picking?

And then of course we can’t forget other high paid professionals such as lawyers, doctors, dentists, etc.

The Impact of AI-Generated Headshots on the Photography Industry

The advent of AI-generated headshots has the potential to impact the headshot photography industry, but it is challenging to accurately gauge the extent of this impact. AI technology has made remarkable strides in producing realistic and high-quality images, including headshots. These AI algorithms possess the capability to manipulate your existing photos into headshots.

Here’s how it works: I have no affiliation to any service (nor do I want to be), but there are many out there and they work on the same premise. Essentially you submit a dozen or so selfies with different outfits, expressions, lighting conditions, etc. You pay $20-30 and it outputs a range of different headshots you can choose from.

Nonetheless, certain aspects of headshot photography may prove challenging for AI to replicate entirely. Professional photographers bring their artistic vision, compositional skills, and ability to capture an individual’s unique personality through their photographs. They offer guidance on poses, expressions, and lighting, resulting in headshots that truly stand out. Additionally, some individuals may prefer the personal touch and experience of collaborating with a photographer for their headshots.

Ultimately, although AI-generated headshots provide a convenient and accessible alternative, it is improbable that they will completely replace the headshot photography industry. I’m betting most of the people opting for AI headshots probably aren’t people who would pay for a professional headshots to begin with.

The demand for the expertise and creativity that professional photographers offer is likely to persist. Furthermore, industries such as modeling, acting, corporate branding, and professional profiles may continue to rely on photographers’ skills and artistic sensibilities to create compelling headshots.

I’m a Professional Photographer that did the AI Headshots, Here’s How It Turned Out…

I went more in-depth on my personal experience with AI headshots here, but to summarize here’s my real headshot (left) vs one of the best AI headshots (right).

Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with what AI can do. But again it’s an algorithmic approximation of my face based on a set of inputs. That’s not my jawline, those aren’t my lips or ears. Other AI generated images fail to match skin tone, eyes still are off, etc.

For $20-30, I can see why it’s an appealing option to many – especially those who don’t want to go through the process. I get it. There’s services that I hate to have to do, eg. the dentist.

But, in my honest, humble opinion, if you wanted to stay around $30, you could easily take a real, good quality headshot with your phone, and touch it up with one of the apps. I’m even starting to see virtual headshot sessions for under $50 that do just that, plus edit your favorite photo onto a studio background along with standard skin retouching, teeth whitening, etc.

Or if you really dig, you can find photographers getting started who’ll shoot headshots for $50-100. Heck, I specialize in headshots and charge just $200 for a Headshots Mini session.

Either way, I don’t think (nor have I seen) AI headshots have that big of an impact on the headshots industry. And yes, people know about it beyond social media because if you search for a “headshot photographer near me” you’ll see these AI headshot services advertising heavily to people actively looking for headshots.

Overall, the continued progression with smartphone cameras will have a much bigger impact on the industry then AI headshots will but I doubt this will stop certain segments of professionals from getting headshots.