New Year, New You? Nah... New Year, Real You.

(AKA How AI Headshots are Hurting Your Brand)

Did anyone jump on the AI holiday photo trend a couple weeks ago? I saw some cute ones on social media that were very festive, albeit too perfect to actually look real. And while that trend was pretty harmless, there's another trend I've been seeing a lot more of with the advance of AI that does more harm than good - AI headshots.

You might think to yourself, "Oh, this is great. I'll get a quick updated headshot and it will only cost me like $50!" And while the $50 part might be nice, there are some real drawbacks to using AI to represent yourself.

Here's the thing: people can spot an AI headshot. It's not that it isn't a great photo, it just looks a little...off. It's not really your smile, or your expression is a little too perfect. It's a version of you that doesn't actually fully exist.

I get why it's tempting to use AI to update your headshot. Maybe you don't feel like you have the time for a full photoshoot. Perhaps you feel self conscious about your weight, or you don't think you're "photogenic." (Newsflash: 95% of my clients say they aren't photogenic. I just say, you haven't met the right photographer!) It's also tempting for me to use Chat GPT to write this blog, but I don't, and here's why. IT'S NOT ME. It's not my voice that you would be hearing, it's the computer's version of my voice, or maybe not my voice at all. And while there might be some truth to what you read, it's not fully transparent, fully real.

While AI can give you a general likeness and might even fool a few people, it can't capture your presence. And it's your real, authentic presence that builds trust and connection.

Here are some reasons investing in an actual, real live headshot photoshoot is incomparable to AI:

• You get a real experience. Yes, a photoshoot is about getting beautiful photos that you feel proud to use. But a great photoshoot will also leave you feeling amazing. Beautiful, confident, ready to take on the next big challenge. Working with me is about embodying that confidence, so that it's not just something you think might be true about yourself, it's something you've lived and continue to live on a daily basis.

• You're in the hands of a professional. Remember what I said about people not being photogenic? Left to my own devices, I'm not either. Especially when we're talking about selfies taken with my short arms (hello, flattering angles) or the photo my 4 year old snapped of me right after I wake up. In all seriousness, though, the way your body needs to move to appear most flattering to the camera (which is a 2-D rendition of your 3-D self) is really different than how you naturally move. I've studied posing and lighting that will bring out the best in you.

• Together, we build brand imagery that tells your story. Your clients aren't looking for perfect. They're looking for real. They want to see how your expertise, your life experience, and your gifts culminate in the way you show up for them in your business. From a pre-session consultation to a customized photoshoot and marketing strategy support, I'm your guide in making sure that you walk away with headshots and branding imagery that will help you stand out from the crowd and attract your ideal clients.

Maybe you've looked at photos of yourself (AI or otherwise) and said, "Those don't feel like me." I would love to show you what it feels like when they do. If you're in the Lake Country or Milwaukee areas and you're ready to invest in your brand and yourself in a way that helps you feel worthy and valuable, let's talk about how we can create authentic portraits you'll actually love.

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