My Experience with an AI Headshot Generator: A Cautionary Tale
On August 31, 2024, I published my second blog article, "Should I Use an AI-Generated Headshot?" In that piece, I aimed to provide an objective perspective on the emerging practice of AI-generated headshots, recognizing that while AI is here to stay, it's crucial for creatives to learn how to use this technology ethically.
Why I Decided to Try It
I felt compelled to follow up my article by personally submitting my photos to an AI headshot generator. You know, the classic "don't knock it till you've tried it" mantra. I wanted to experience the process firsthand and share my insights.
The Company and the Offer
I won’t mention the company by name, but they are one of the more popular options. I didn't identify myself as a headshot photographer to keep the experience unbiased. Taking advantage of a promotional offer, I used their free service, which promised the full experience at no cost, including 100 low-resolution final images. Editing and other features were available as paid add-ons.
The Wait
After submitting my six required photos, the company estimated a 12-day processing period. Considering the high demand for their free service, this seemed reasonable. However, 20 days passed with no update, prompting me to contact support. They assured me my patience was appreciated and to wait a bit longer. Eventually, it took a staggering 60 days to receive my headshots.
The Process
Upon finally receiving my headshots, I had to start over. The initial six photos were still there, but I had to answer a series of questions about my physical characteristics. The simplicity of creating AI headshots from existing photos turned out to be misleading. After three attempts to resolve the issue, support finally provided a link to complete the process. Once done, the headshots were generated in about 30 minutes—confirming that the actual processing time was minutes, not months.
The Results
The results were disappointing. Out of the 100 thumbnails, most images were unflattering, making me appear significantly larger. My hands and facial features were distorted, and only one image reflected my facial hair accurately. The rest were embarrassing, to say the least. I’m sure the fact they deliver 100 pictures at the end is hoping customers would find at least a handful of usable pictures. In my case, there were none that I thought captured my best self to use as a profile picture. In my work, I try to deliver four or five shots to my clients when finished, so this makes sense.
What Went Wrong
In the final questionnaire, I reluctantly selected the "heavy-set" option for my stature since "skinny" and "muscular" didn't apply. Despite providing my photos, the AI exaggerated my features, resulting in a less-than-flattering representation. This, I’m sure was my undoing, but the expectation was that artificial intelligence would create a pleasing outcome. This is their claim after all.
My Response
I reached out to support, explaining my dissatisfaction and requesting a redo, but received no response. While support had been responsive during the initial stages, they went silent after delivering the product. I left an honest review through their internal rating system, reflecting my disappointment.
Final Thoughts
This experience revealed that AI-generated headshots might not be worth the effort, especially for someone with limited photos. Though this was just one company, and others might offer better results, I personally wouldn’t pay for this service. AI in photography is still evolving, and while it may work for some, traditional photography remains my go-to for professional headshots. Sure, as a photographer I’m biased, but I’m also a consumer and understand it’s important to have options.
Have you had any experiences with AI-generated headshots? Share your thoughts or questions below! 📸
