I fell victim to a Tik Tok trend. I tried AI-generated headshots.
This trend particularly interested me as a brand designer who has spent hours (over the last 14 years) photoshopping an outfit change, clone-stamping out the random person that walks into the shot or placing someone in a different setting. I’m equally impressed and unimpressed. AI technology has come a very long way, but none of the photos generated are usable.
In fact, I’m not really sure who the person is in these photos. While putting elements of my face in several different scenarios, it somehow stripped the subtle nuances that make me, well, me. These photos feel devoid of my personality; my eyes are paired with someone else’s smile, one of my eyes is blue and one brown, or they put me in a rodeo costume.
AI-generated headshots lack authenticity.
While AI-generated images can look unique and create variety, they often lack the natural imperfections and individuality that make us unique. Headshots generated by these tools look generic and uninspired, failing to capture the essence of the person being portrayed. This can be a significant disadvantage for those who rely on their headshots to stand out in a competitive job market or social media landscape.
AI-generated headshots fall short on diversity and representation.
AI algorithms are only as good as the data they are trained on, and if the data is biased or limited in some way, the resulting images will also be biased and limited. For example, if the training data only includes images of people with lighter skin tones or certain facial features, then the AI-generated headshots will likely be biased towards those characteristics. This can result in a lack of representation for underrepresented groups.
AI-generated headshots can be misleading.
We all know that, with. the birth of Photoshop in 1990, all images can be misleading. This is yet another technology that allows people to not accurately portray themselves. My mind immediately goes to the online dating space. AI-generated image may not accurately capture the person’s age, gender, or other defining characteristics. This can lead to misunderstandings and misrepresentations, which can have serious consequences.
AI technology cannot replace the human touch and expertise that comes with professional photography
Finally, relying solely on AI-generated headshots can also be a poor substitute for professional photography. While AI technology has advanced, it cannot replace the human touch and expertise that comes with professional photography. A professional photographer can work with the subject to capture their unique qualities and showcase their personality in a way that AI cannot replicate. Professional photographers also have the experience and knowledge to make adjustments to the lighting, background, and other factors to create the best possible image.
Case in point, take a look at these professional headshots vs. the AI-generated headshots in the hero.
While these AI-generated photos are not me, I can’t deny that I’m pretty impressed that this tool generated 127 unique headshots of “me” within 24 hours using the 15 photos that I uploaded. The technology can only be improved from here and I’ll be watching as it gets better. For now, I will be sticking with my local photographer.
