The rise of AI-generated headshots has added a new option for companies seeking a set of new profile photos for their teams. AI tools promise speed, convenience, and affordability – but how do they really compare to a an in-person headshot session with a professional photographer? In this post, I’ll break down the pros and cons of each approach across the areas that matter most.
1. Timing & Turnaround
AI Headshots:
Most platforms deliver your images within minutes to a few hours. Prior to that, someone will need to coordinate and select photos for all of the people In your organisation who need headshots. Individual team members will need to spend some time salecting which photos to use to generate their headshot.
Admin time to organise = 2 hours
Time for each team member: 20-30 minutes
In-Person Photography:
You’ll spend some time up front organising the shoot, and booking a room for the shoot. The photographer should be able to coordinate booking time slots for people or you can run drop in session. Once that’s done each person will require approximately 10 minutes per person for their headshots. Delivery of final images usually takes around 3 days.
Admin time to organise = 2 hours
Time for each team member: 10 minutes
2. Convenience
AI Headshots:
Once people have chosen their photos to be processed, your people can upload their photos to the app whenever they are ready.
In-Person Photography:
The photographer will set up in a convenient space in your office and people can drop in to see them or book a time slot.
3. Pricing
AI Headshots:
Costs typically range from £30–£50 for a set of edited images.
In-Person Photography:
Professional sessions are based on the number of people, for teams of 20 or more the cost per person is £20-£40 per person.
4. Realism & Accuracy
AI Headshots:
AI models can over-enhance or hallucinate features, resulting in an overly airbrushed or even not-quite-you appearance. Details like skin texture, natural expressions, or how you dress often feel off. Sometime they look like a better version of you, which some people like.
In-Person Photography:
A good photographer captures real shots—not just a likeness. The results are more human, believable, and nuanced.
5. Trust & Perception
AI Headshots:
There’s a growing awareness that AI images may not reflect reality. In client-facing roles or industries where trust and authenticity are paramount, an AI headshot might feel disingenuous.
In-Person Photography:
The authenticity of a real photo can’t be overstated. A professionally lit and composed portrait communicates that you take yourself—and your work—seriously.
6. Image Usage & Copyright
AI Headshots:
Usage rights can be murky. Some platforms retain rights to your image or use them to train future models. Always read the small print. Additionally consider that you will be requiring your team to upload their own images (that they own) to an AI company.
In-Person Photography:
Professional photographers typically license the images to you with clear terms. Many also hand over full usage rights for corporate and marketing use, with no hidden clauses.
7. Environmental Concerns
AI Headshots:
AI generation consumes energy and water, especially if done at scale—but there’s no travel, lighting gear, or physical resources involved.
In-Person Photography:
In London most photographers will travel by public transport and lighting is done with energy efficient lighting.
Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?
| Factor | AI Headshots | In-Person Photography |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Convenience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Cost | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Realism | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Trust | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Copyright Clarity | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Environmental Impact | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Go AI if: you need something fast, cheap, and “good enough” for internal use or a temporary placeholder.
Go in-person if: you want to be seen as credible and trustworthy.
In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, authenticity may become one of your greatest assets.