You’re scrolling through LinkedIn when a headshot makes you pause. It looks polished, but something feels off. Maybe the skin is a little too smooth, the lighting is a little too perfect, or the eyes don’t quite connect. As a photographer, I can usually spot an AI headshot right away.

And I get why people try them. They’re quick, accessible, and the results can look impressive at first glance. But I’ve had a few clients book a real headshot session after using an AI photo because they just didn’t feel right sharing it. It looked good, but it didn’t feel like them. That’s the part I think is worth talking about.

When Your Headshot Doesn’t Look Like You

I don’t think using AI is the problem. The tricky part comes when someone meets you on a video call or in person and your photo doesn’t quite match.

Maybe AI changed your features, made you look younger, or gave you an expression you’d never actually make. Even if no one says anything, that little disconnect can feel awkward, especially when you’re trying to build trust with a new client or employer.

Your headshot should help people recognize you and feel like they’re already getting to know you. You don’t need to look perfect. You just need to look like yourself on a really good day.

What Gives an AI Headshot Away?

As a photographer, I spend a lot of time looking at faces and the little details in an image. AI headshots can be impressive, but a few things often make me look twice.

The eyes don’t quite connect. 

The smile might be there, but the expression doesn’t always reach the eyes. In a real session, I’m watching for those little in-between moments when someone relaxes and their personality comes through.

Everything looks a little too perfect. 

The lighting, skin, hair and clothing can all look polished to the point where the person starts to feel less familiar. Sometimes it’s a tiny detail that gives it away. Other times it’s just the overall feeling of the image.

The energy feels unfamiliar. 

Clients, employers and recruiters are noticing more than your features. They’re getting a first impression of you. If your photo gives off one feeling and the person they meet gives off another, it can create a little moment of doubt, even if no one says anything out loud.

You don’t feel like yourself in it.

This is what I’ve heard from clients who tried AI before booking with me. They could see that the image looked good, but they didn’t feel comfortable putting it on their profile and saying, “That’s me.”

It’s More Than Showing Up and Smiling

I think a lot of people picture a headshot session as standing in front of a camera, forcing a smile, and hoping one photo turns out. If that were the whole experience, I’d understand why AI sounds like a pretty good deal!

Here’s what actually happens:

• You don’t have to know how to pose. I’ll guide you through it, including what to do with your hands!
• We choose a setting that fits you. Your headshot should make sense for your work and feel like your personality.
• We try a few things and have some fun. There may be an awkward moment or two, and we’ll probably laugh about it.
• You start to relax. That’s when I get to photograph the person your clients already know.

I’ve had people arrive telling me they hate having their photo taken, then leave saying, “That was actually fun!” Of course I want you to love your headshot. I also want you to leave feeling really good about yourself.

“AI can give you an image. It can’t give you that experience.”

A Photo You Feel Good About Sharing

When you look at your new headshot, I want you to remember more than how you looked that day. I want you to remember feeling confident, seeing yourself a little differently through my lens, and the laughs we shared along the way.

That’s the photo I want you to put on LinkedIn or your website. One that looks like you and reminds you how good you felt being yourself.

Ready for a Headshot That Feels Like You?

Whether it’s been years since your last headshot or you tried an AI version that just didn’t feel right, I’d love to help. We’ll find a setting that suits you, I’ll guide you through the whole session, and yes, we’ll probably share a few laughs along the way.

Take a look at my headshot sessions and reach out when you’re ready. I’d love to create a photo you feel great about sharing.