In previous blogs, I've shared how many of the photos on my website and social platforms are AI-generated from my own source photos. As a Consultant deeply immersed in AI, this practice allows me to explore evolving AI tools while keeping my photos refreshed across various platforms.
Exploring AI-Generated Images
AI-generated headshots are created through a machine learning process that uses your uploaded photos to produce professional-looking images. These AI headshots are available from various online vendors, with prices ranging from $29 to $600. These include vendors such as Aragon, Multiverse AI, HeadshotPro, Studioshot AI, and Try It On AI. My current favorite is Secta Labs. I am a paying subscriber to their AI Headshots because after trying several options, they had the quickest turnaround, most remix options, and largest # of photo options per gallery from the vendors that I tested.
I want to clarify that I have no financial or commercial connection to Secta Labs. I paid for my photos when I initially tried the tool last year and recently upgraded to an annual subscription because I've seen great value in their product. This investment helps me continually refresh my branding across all platforms. Although I get asked a lot, I never partner with a vendor so that I can give my own unbiased opinion on these AI tools.
Rapid Advancements in AI Technology
AI image generation technologies are evolving at an astonishing pace. Over the past year alone, I've witnessed significant advancements in the capabilities of AI-generated headshots. Secta Labs, for instance, requires users to upload a minimum of 25 photos (check their guidelines for best practices). Within an hour, you'll have 300+ photos to choose from. One standout feature of Secta Labs is the "remix" option, which allows you to alter aspects of an AI headshot like clothes, backgrounds, hair, settings, and expressions. This feature means that even if you start with a small selection of favorites, you can remix them to create many additional options. I recently did this with 35 photos and ended up with 140+ photos.
Creating a Versatile Gallery
From my initial uploads, I typically love about 25% of the original gallery and end up with approximately 100 photos, before remixes, that I use across various platforms. Secta Labs also offers fun tools like holiday-themed galleries (Christmas and the 4th of July are personal funny favorites) and personas (CEO, speaker, traveler, etc.), making it easy to find the perfect image for any occasion.
Inclusive and Personalized Features
Not all AI-generated pictures are perfect, and some may not closely resemble me at all. Some even make too many physical enhancements, making the photo completely unrealistic and unusable. However, many of these AI headshot vendors have made impressive strides in improving their tools these past 6 months to better represent different races, skin tones, ethnicities, body sizes, eye colors, hair textures, and clothing options. They are continuously testing new features and actively seek user feedback, ensuring the technology evolves to meet diverse needs. When I first tried AI generated headshots, it was obvious that my blue eyes sometimes generated into a wildly fake aquablue color giving my headshots a cartoonish appearance. Sometimes my teeth look strange, errors (broken necklace chains, lighting issues, or extra teeth for example) or the haircut is nothing like my own. Issues like that have been mostly corrected over time with many of these tools. You can see some of my "AI fails" below.
Authenticity in AI-Generated Photos
As a plus-size, 47-year-old woman, I want my headshots to reflect my age and physique, complete with laugh lines and crow's feet. My current AI headshots allow me to hopefully still look like me while providing a large number of high-quality images that enhance my online presence at a fraction of the cost of professional headshots. I understand that this type of service is undermining local headshot photographers. For the average new professional or small business owner, this is a more affordable and accessible way to get a large number of headshots for a relatively low cost.
I get it, it's not for everyone. That's ok.
AI-generated photos have become an essential part of my branding strategy, thanks to the innovative and inclusive approach of companies in the marketplace. Whether you're looking for versatility, personalization, or just a bit of fun, AI-generated photos offer an alternative to more expensive and time-consuming photoshoots.
Here are some recent AI-generated headshots that I like and plan to use:
I prefer AI-generated headshots that reflect my natural personality—smiling, with bright, open eyes, appearing approachable and polished but not too stuffy. It's also important that the fullness of my face and the general size of my body is clear and not obscured in any way.
There are always some absolute AI Headshot fails that give my family a good giggle! Below are some samples of the headshots that did not make the cut:
I don't have a discount code to share because as you know, I don't do that on this blog. Many of the vendors mentioned in this blog run regular promotions. Be sure to follow them on LinkedIn to learn more!
What do you think about AI headshots using your uploaded photos?
Have you tried AI-generated headshots- what was your experience?
Would you consider trying this for yourself or for your staff?
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