One of the most important things a person can do to make a good first impression is take great photos. This is true for business headshots as well as for personal pictures, like family photos and wedding portraits. But not everyone has access to a professional photographer and the price of a studio photoshoot can be prohibitive for some people. So, to address the need for low-cost headshots, some companies have turned to AI headshot generators. These algorithms combine multiple input images to create a headshot that looks realistic.
AI headshots aren’t without their faults, however. They can result in lifeless, mannequin-like images that look very unnatural and fake. The uncanny valley effect can be especially striking in AI-generated photos when the eyes look off to the side, or appear to be staring at something completely different than what’s in front of them. In addition, the photos can look too glossy or over-processed and may make the person’s skin look unnaturally smooth.
Many of the best AI headshot generators have a learning curve, and it takes a few tries to get results that are realistic and natural looking. To get the best possible outcome, the user should vary the expressions in the source photos, and make sure the lighting is consistent. It is also helpful to use a variety of background images, to give the algorithm as much information as possible about what a person looks like.
Fotor, for example, offers an AI headshot generator that is fairly easy to use and produces high-quality images. The service requires fewer input images than others on this list, requiring only 5-8 photos, and it can produce results in less time, too. In most cases, the process is completed in about an hour. The service also allows users to tweak their output photos, making them more believable and accurate.
If your company has a large number of employees to photograph, AI headshot generators can be a useful solution for producing a lot of high-quality images quickly and inexpensively. However, it’s important to consider the limitations of AI headshots before implementing them for your team.
The lack of a human connection, limited customization, inconsistent quality, ethical concerns, and missed opportunities for unique visual branding are all drawbacks to using AI headshots for your team. If you are considering using them, do your research and choose a provider that is trusted and has good reviews. And if you are still interested in getting a professional headshot, do your homework on headshot photographers before booking an appointment. You may be surprised to find that you can get an excellent headshot at a reasonable price. Just be prepared to shop around, as prices can vary a lot, depending on where you are located and how busy the headshot photographer is. For example, in Los Angeles, the best headshot photographers are booked months in advance. Those who book early will have the best options and the best value.