An AI headshot is a portrait photo generated using artificial intelligence. Unlike traditional headshots taken by a photographer, AI headshots are created by feeding an algorithm different portrait photos so it can analyze features like facial expressions, lighting, angles and more. The algorithm then generates a new AI composite image based on its learnings.
AI headshots have become popular for a few key reasons:
- They’re affordable – Starting at just $5-$20 for basic AI headshots versus $200-$500+ for pro photographer headshots
- They’re convenient – AI headshots can be created instantly online without having to book a photoshoot
- They’re customizable – Most AI headshot generators allow you to customize variables like facial expression, image background, outfit, hairstyle and more
AI headshots can be a great option for simple yet professional headshot needs on a budget, like basic social media avatars, company websites, job applications and internal employee directories. Though for uses where image quality is critical, like executive portraits or branded company collateral, professionally photographed headshots are still the gold standard.
How are AI headshots created?
There are a few common techniques used to generate AI headshots:
Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs)
GANs work by training two neural networks against each other to produce new images. One AI network generates images based on the input data it’s trained on, while the second AI network tries to determine if images produced are real or fake. This pushes the generator network to constantly improve, creating more photorealistic images over many rounds of training. Popular AI headshot creators like Anthropic and Rosebud AI use advanced GANs to generate headshots.
Variational Autoencoders (VAEs)
VAEs are neural networks that compress input images into a latent-space representation and then reconstruct images from this representation. By learning the latent patterns of real human portraits, VAEs can decode new images that conform to patterns they’ve learned. Some advantages of VAES are they can morph input images smoothly and generate diverse outputs. Startups like MegaPixel are using VAEs for headshot generation.
Diffusion Models
Diffusion models work by taking an image and gradually adding noise until it becomes unrecognizable. Then in the generation phase, the process is reversed by successively removing noise until a new image emerges. Compared to GANs, diffusion models allow fine-grained control over attributes and can produce sharper image quality. AI headshot apps like Represent use diffusion models.
Transformers
Transformers are a type of neural network architecture particularly well-suited for generating language or photo descriptions. They can be trained on portrait dataset captions to understand semantic relationships between facial features and attributes. Some AI headshot startups fine-tune transformer networks like CLIP to guide image generation based on text prompts for attributes like “smiling” or “looking to the left”.
What steps do you take to create an AI headshot?
Here is an overview of the typical workflow for creating an AI headshot:
1. Select an AI headshot generator
Dozens of apps and websites exist to produce AI headshots. Some popular options include Anthropic, Rosebud AI, Represent, MegaPixel, Lexica and Bragg. Consider factors like image quality, customizability and pricing to choose the best fit.
2. Provide input photos
Most generators will ask you to upload 3-5 headshot style photos showing different poses and facial expressions. The more photos provided, the better quality results. For best results, upload high resolution, well-lit photos with the face centered and clearly visible.
3. Customize settings
Depending on the app, you may be able customize parameters like:
- Facial expression – smiling, neutral, serious etc
- Lighting – Rembrandt, split, tone etc
- Angle – straight on, side profile, tilted up or down
- Background – solid color, gradient, bokeh, office setting
- Framing – full body, waist up, head and shoulders
- Outfit – clothes, eyeglasses, jewelry
- Hair – updo, down, short, long etc
This allows you to tailor the AI headshot to your needs.
4. Generate image
Once settings are configured, the algorithm will process your inputs and generate a new composite headshot image. Generation time varies but is usually nearly instant.
5. Download image
The finished AI headshot can then be downloaded as a PNG or JPG file. Most generators allow re-generating with new settings if needed.
What are best practices for AI headshots?
Here are some tips for getting the best results from your AI headshot:
- Submit high quality input photos – Straight on, well-lit, high resolution photos work best
- Focus on the face – Input shots should have the face clearly centered and not obstructed
- Provide diverse photos – Different poses, expressions and angles give the algorithm more data to work with
- Customize for consistency – Pick settings that align with your brand or needs
- Frame tightly – AI generators work best on head to shoulder shots, not full bodies
- Output JPGs at high resolution – For crisp detail on 300dpi outputs, export at 3600×3600 pixels or larger
- Refine until satisfied – Regenerate with tweaked settings if needed to get your ideal image
Following these tips will help ensure your AI headshot looks natural, professional and tailored to your needs.
What are common uses for AI headshots?
Some popular uses cases for AI generated headshots include:
- Social media avatars – For LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook etc
- Company websites – For about pages, staff directories etc
- Job applications – For online profiles and digital resumes
- Presentations – As polished speaker photos for slide decks
- Virtual backgrounds – As custom backdrops for video calls
- Email signatures – To personalize and brand your emails
- Online dating sites – To showcase your best self as a profile pic
- Gaming avatars – As representation in metaverse environments
- Prototyping – Mockups before investing in pro headshots
The convenience and low cost makes AI a popular choice for basic headshot needs online.
What are limitations of AI headshots?
Some current limitations to be aware of with AI headshots include:
- Image quality – Still not as crisp and high resolution as pro SLR camera shots
- Unnatural details – Subtle imperfections like blurry ears, teeth, hair etc
- Limited control – Less ability to art direct vs. working with a photographer
- No negatives – Can’t re-edit RAW photo files like with traditional shoots
- Artifacts – Odd visual anomalies like wavy lines from generation process
- Lack of originality – Relies on recycling patterns from input data
For many casual use cases the convenience outweighs minor limitations. But for high-stakes corporate or executive needs, professionally taken headshots may still be preferred.
How much do AI headshots cost?
AI headshot pricing can range from:
- Free – Basic versions with limited features or watermarks
- $5-$20 – For simple social media avatar outputs
- $20-$50 – Increased image sizes and resolution
- $50-$100+ – For advanced control and customization features
- $100-$300+ – Commercial licenses for branding usage
Factors like image size, intended usage, customization options, and generator brand can impact pricing. But overall AI headshots offer significant cost savings compared to traditional headshot photography.
Conclusion
AI generated headshots provide a new data-driven way to create professional portrait photos. By submitting your own photos, you can instantly generate custom headshot composites from leading AI image generators. While still an emerging technology, AI headshots offer great convenience and affordability for basic headshot needs online. Just be aware of current limitations in image quality and creative control compared to working with a professional photographer. But for many applications like social media avatars, AI headshots present an exciting new option for personalized portrait photography.
