11 minutes ago4 min read

Authentic Intelligence Over AI Headshots: Why Real Wins Every Time

I’ve been seeing it everywhere lately—AI headshots, AI-generated ads, AI-generated videos. Hey, I’ve even used a bit of AI to help make my content more engaging and easier to consume.

But there’s one thing that doesn’t sit right with me: AI headshots. Even worse are those AI-generated images where people place themselves in environments they’ve never been to IRL. Sure, it’s tempting, but when it comes to connecting with your audience, there’s no substitute for the real you. Authenticity matters. And AI-generated headshots? They often break that trust before it even starts.

This year, let’s talk about Authentic Intelligence. Because in 2025, real photos of real people will win every time.

Trust Starts with Authenticity

When people look at your picture, that’s the first layer of trust. An AI headshot? That’s just a collage of images stitched together to create a not-so-realistic version of you. If your photo isn’t authentic, why would people trust anything else about you?

Chart from Getty Images. — Courtesy of Getty Images via zdnet.com

Curious if others felt the same, I did some research—and the numbers don’t lie. A new Getty Images VisualGPS report, which surveyed 30,000 adults across 25 countries, found that 98% of consumers agree that authentic images and videos are pivotal in establishing trust. Meanwhile, a YouGov report in the UK revealed that 73% of UK consumers worry about AI-generated content.

Your headshot is often your first impression—whether on LinkedIn, your website, or a company profile. If that image looks fake or AI-generated, it plants a seed of doubt. And let’s be real: the second you create doubt, the trust is gone.

The AI Headshot Problem in Action

It’s not just photographers who see the problem with AI headshots. The Washington Post ran a story where journalist Danielle Abril tested AI headshots. The results? Distorted features—six fingers, stretched necks, unrealistically broad shoulders. AI turned professional headshots into caricatures.

And here’s what happened when I tried it myself: (No, I didn't get six fingers, but wait 'til you see my body changes in the gallery below.)

Here are two headshots:

One is AI-generated.

One is actually me.

AI Mil (My best Steve Job's Impression) The Real Mil Patel

For anyone interested, here’s what the process was like. First, it was easy to use—I uploaded several images of myself, some smiling, others with a more serious pose. After about 30 minutes, the software spat out a selection of headshots.

To my surprise, the AI chose a serious pose over a smiling one (guess it wasn’t a fan of my grin). The results? Absolutely all over the place. In some shots, my neck and torso looked slim. In others, I seemed to have gained a few pounds. And, what’s up with my oversized head? Wow!

I’m still laughing at how hilariously disproportionate some of them turned out.

It even dressed me in everything from sharp suits to a Steve Jobs-inspired turtleneck. And don’t get me started on the lighting or technical aspects of the AI headshot—let’s just say they missed the mark. One image had me looking like James Bond; another had me ready to pitch the next big tech startup. Flattering? Maybe. Accurate? Not even close.

At the end of the day, the problem is it didn’t feel like me. It didn’t look like me. And it definitely didn’t represent who I am or how I want to show up in the world.

Sure, the experience taught me something—I know now that I’m not a “suit guy” for business. But jokes aside, what I learned most was this: AI-generated headshots might be quick and easy, but they can’t capture the authenticity of the real you.

What’s Your Brand Worth?

You have an AI headshot that costs you 20 bucks. Are you a $20 brand, or are you trying to be a more visible, larger brand?

AI headshots are cheap, but cheap doesn’t always equal value. It’s like buying a $100 vacuum that breaks after a few months when you could have invested in one that lasts for years. Your image represents your brand, your worth, and your commitment to quality. What’s the long-term cost of cutting corners on your reputation?

Authenticity Creates Connection

Here’s the thing: real images of real people create real connections. When you invest in a professional headshot, you’re showing up authentically. Your eyes, your expression, your environment—all of it tells a story that AI can’t replicate.

Clients want to know who they’re working with. Employers want to know who they’re hiring. Authenticity is critical for building trust and not just a nice-to-have.

Where Does AI Fit In?

Do I think there’s room for AI-generated content? Absolutely! AI can enhance and augment what people are doing. Used tastefully, it can be a helpful tool. But go too far, and you cross a line where reality turns into fantasy.

As a professional photographer, I get it. We use tools like Adobe Photoshop to retouch small details—a blemish here, a lighting adjustment there—but never to the point where it no longer looks real. We’ve all seen what happens when that line gets crossed. Remember when Kamala Harris’s Vogue cover was called out for being airbrushed too much?

Even in high-profile work, there’s a tipping point.

We’re all still figuring it out, but one thing is clear: People have a gut sense for authenticity. And when something feels off, trust starts to erode.

The Real Mil Patel This experience confirmed for me that no matter how advanced AI gets, it can’t capture the authenticity of a real photo. Your image is more—it’s your story, your identity, and your first opportunity to build trust in the world.