The Scroll-Stopping Dilemma: Real You or Robo You?
Ever scrolled past a headshot on LinkedIn or Instagram and thought… “Is that a person or a Pixar character?” Yeah, same.
Not long ago, I was reading a Facebook post where someone proudly declared they’d exclusively moved to AI-generated headshots for all their social media content. Their logic? It was easier, quicker, cheaper, and they didn’t want to “let people into their lives.” Well, let me tell you, the comment section was going nuts.
Some folks were mad about the unrealistic standards AI represents (whiter, thinner, wrinkle-free versions of us), others were bothered by the environmental impact, the ethics, and, you know, that tiny issue of using fake images to market real services. To be honest, it made me pause. If you are selling something based on your lifestyle but you don’t want to share your actual lifestyle, is there a disconnect?
As a real-life, human photographer in Hertfordshire, I won’t pretend to be objective here. I haven’t used AI headshots myself, and frankly, I’m not interested. Why? Because I believe in showing up as yourself – beautifully, imperfectly, memorably.
Let’s unpick this together before you make that next profile photo decision.
Choosing Between Real or AI Isn’t Just a Tech Decision – It’s a Trust One
I get it: the entrepreneurial juggle is real. Whether you’re a female solopreneur managing client work between school runs or a family-focused parent trying to remember the last time you had a moment to breathe, convenience matters. So maybe AI feels tempting. You upload a few selfies, let the machine work its magic, and voilà – instant “headshots.”
But before you hit download on your 50 AI-generated versions of you (with suspiciously smooth skin and slightly melted ears), it’s worth asking:
- Do these actually reflect me?
- Would someone recognise me from this photo if we met in real life?
- Does this help my business feel more authentic, or just… more polished?
Because here’s the thing: it’s not about what’s quicker. It’s about what builds trust.
Why Real Headshots (With a Human Photographer) Still Matter
1. Your Face Is Part of Your Brand Story
People don’t do business with logos. They do business with people. Especially if you’re in a service-based business such as coaching, physiotherapy, wellness, personal training, or anything that involves human connection, showing up as you is key.
With a real photographer, you’ve got someone who can chat with you, help you relax, and coax out those glimmers of personality – the way you laugh when you’re a bit embarrassed, your natural smile, those little mannerisms that clients connect with.
AI, for all its glitz, just… can’t do that.
2. You Get Professional Experience, Not Just Output
Let’s be honest, AI isn’t always great at anatomy. I’ve seen some AI “photos” doing the rounds where the subjects had either 11 fingers, or hands that looked like they’d been put through a blender. Don’t even get me started on the terrifying Christmas mural with oddly human-animal hybrids lurking in the background or the underwear advert I saw the other day with a model missing a finger… and a head (although it did take my husband an embarrassingly long time to notice 🫣)
When you work with me (or any experienced photographer, of the living, breathing variety), you’re getting:
- Years of experience knowing how to pose you in flattering, comfortable ways (without feeling ‘posed’)
- Light, angles, and prompts that help your confidence come through
- Careful editing that enhances your natural features without turning you into a wax figure
AI learns from data. I learn from you, in real time.
3. You Get More Than Just a File – You Get Guidance and Support
Most small businesses I work with don’t just want a photo… they want reassurance, clarity, and a plan to actually use those images. You’re probably dealing with decision fatigue already – analysing which pose looks more “professional vs. approachable” or wondering if you need to be smiling in every shot.
That’s why I help guide you throughout – from what to wear, to how you can use your images across your socials, website, and more. It’s a full experience, not just a file dump.
AI might give you headshots, but it won’t give you confidence.
Authenticity Always Wins: Let People See the Real You
I know it’s tempting to hide behind the polish. Maybe you’ve not had photos taken for a while, or you’re worried that you don’t look “professional enough.” But as someone who’s photographed hundreds of real people – including tons who felt awkward or unsure at first – let me tell you: you’ve got nothing to hide.
Plus, building that photo library of headshots and lifestyle images makes your social media and website so much easier to manage. You’ll actually want to use them because you’ll finally have pictures that feel like you.
And no, none of them will feature spaghetti fingers or ghost limbs. Promise.
Ready to Show Up Authentically? Let’s Make It Happen
If you’ve been Googling “St Albans branding photographer” or “relaxed personal brand photography in Hertfordshire” hoping to find someone who gets it – hi, that’s me.
My personal branding sessions are designed to take the stress out of the process, help you feel seen and comfortable, and actually enjoy being in front of the camera.
When you’re ready to show up as the confident, relatable, absolutely-belongs-on-your-website version of yourself, get in touch here.
Still not sure? Let’s chat. I’ll help you figure out what feels right for you – AI not required.
