I Tried AI to Create Social Media Headshots That Seemed Actual. I Was Impressed

Whereas I am a sucker for a selfie, getting glammed up for a photoshoot zaps the persona out of me. I overthink how I smile and stand and flip into Chandler. A photographer buddy directed my final shoot, however that was 5 years in the past. It was time for a refresh. 

However I did not have the colourful streets of Antigua, Guatemala, as my backdrop this time. With no journeys arising, I made a decision to check out an synthetic intelligence instrument with a aim in thoughts: to generate a brand new headshot or set {of professional} pictures that appeared actual, not like a caricature of me. 

I selected HeadshotPro as a result of I appreciated the pure look of the images, it appeared like a well-liked instrument, and I spotted I observe its founder — AI entrepreneur Danny Postma — on X. It was based within the Netherlands in March 2023 and is used utilized by many well-known international manufacturers and establishments. 

HeadshotPro’s pricing is a three-tier construction: 40 headshots for $29, 100 headshots for $39 or 200 headshots for $59. I truly appreciated that it is a paid platform as a result of there all the time appears to be a catch with free instruments. There’s additionally a 1- to 3-hour turnaround with HeadshotPro, which could not work for everybody, however I used to be inquisitive about why it wasn’t on the spot and what it might produce. 

There are not any free trials or subscription charges. It is a one-off value, however it is going to refund the price in case you’re unhappy with the outcomes. 

Getting arrange

I signed as much as HeadshotPro and set my login particulars. I selected the essential $29 plan and paid with my bank card. I checked my electronic mail for the directions. HeadshotPro assured I would discover three to 6 profile-worthy headshots. 

The instrument advises you to have no less than 10 minutes to work on it and to “ensure you look contemporary” and take footage in daylight or in a well-lit room. You then must add no less than 15 images for the AI to look at. You may both take new selfies to make use of or add a few of your older images. It suggests ensuring you are trying on the digicam, have a clear background and an excellent angle, have your face take up no less than 20% of the picture, and be sporting a “skilled expression.”

I used to be in no state to take selfies, so I opted to add a mixture of images from my final shoot and up to date candid snaps. Totally different seasons, types, hair colours and areas. 

Importing images

Out of the 15 I uploaded, just one was accredited. It was exhausting to decipher why, so I made a decision to add one after the other.

Once I cropped the bigger images to only my head, it appeared to work. 

A lot of the candid images had been both too small or it could not acknowledge my full face due to the way in which I had tilted my head. I discovered a shortcut: In my iPhone albums, underneath Individuals, Locations & Pets, I clicked on my face. If Apple’s AI can acknowledge my face within the images, absolutely HeadshotPro might too.

There was a scarcity of consistency with what it decided to be a “unhealthy” picture. My full face was displaying in some images, however they nonetheless weren’t accredited.

I additionally discovered my digicam roll is filled with images of me in sun shades, and I all the time tilt my head once I pose. reminder to work on my posture. 

However we received there ultimately.

Subsequent, onto the customization. HeadshotPro wanted to know just a little extra about me, then my structure preferences. 

It requested for my title, age, ethnicity, eye coloration and gender after which whether or not I needed the background of my profile picture to be backyard, marina, workplace, lake, cafe, kitchen, streets or bookshelf. 

I might select my portrait fashion or have the AI choose for me. You can too select from just a few totally different outfit sorts — it picked a turtleneck, which I do not suppose I’ve ever worn in my life, so I selected one myself. I chosen the one which appeared like New York Metropolis within the background, then received to select my outfit. 

I used to be in search of a bohemian-but-professional fashion. I did not dare belief AI to place me in an off-the-shoulder gown, so I went with a traditional white tee. 

I shortly checked out HeadshotPro’s T&Cs and seen they do not use the images to coach their algorithm. Good to see!

Now we wait. It mentioned it will take roughly 2 hours, however I acquired the e-mail with the finished images in simply over an hour. 

The outcomes

I used to be barely nervous to see what AI thought I appeared like, however I used to be pleasantly stunned with its capabilities.

Of the images I appreciated (about half of them), it nailed my options. Nevertheless it received proper the crow’s toes once I smile (an excessive amount of time within the Aussie solar rising up), my balayage hair and even my favourite shades of lipstick.

There have been positively just a few wonky ones, as to be anticipated. It overdid the bronzer, was inconsistent with my eye coloration, made me gaunt and overly wrinkly, and had terrible fashion in some. 

I requested my accomplice which of them she thought appeared like me and we picked 17. Once I confirmed her this picture, she mentioned, “that is my lady.”

Would I take advantage of this picture as my headshot? Most likely not. Nonetheless, in case you do, it is good follow to label images which have been altered or assembled by AI. 

Irrespective of how good these instruments get, I do know it isn’t me. Name me old style, however I believe we should always hold images actual, imperfections and all. 

Now this is me — a photograph taken by my photographer buddy, not manipulated by a machine. I am positive she made a joke to get that shot.

Which one’s higher? I will allow you to be the decide.