Have you experienced AI headshots yet? Let me know what you think! Don't forget to sign up for my email newsletter using the link in the description :)
It’s like you’re in my head! I went through all these thoughts over the past 2 days. Took a client out to coffee today and showed her AI examples. She said she’d rather have her team members get the morale boost from being photographed by me and feel the love that their company paid the big bucks for something professional.
7:37 Same here! I have been racking my brain the last few days and came to a similar conclusion. Gary made an excellent point, and I suspect a pretty decent forecast on the impact it will have within the headshot market as a whole.
People who understand the value and benefit of a high end headshot will always want the best which is something this cannot do at the moment. Great video Gary. Thanks for sharing
I agree, I have spent 40 years in the design and illustration business and have seen technology make the indispensable dispensable, sometimes gradually, sometimes overnight. The value of service, care and attention will be lost to cost and time savings. Buckle up kiddos because from where I sit I don't think you have two years....
Everything you said is accurate. It is about the experience and the results. When someone is willing to spend the $ for their headshot, they are investing in themselves. They want a great headshot represent them and their work. The right people/clients will come for the type of work that will be represent who they are knowing the price. Set yourself for what your worth is.
@@briannawinn5079 that's very unfortunate that you and your team had bad experiences. If they misrepresented their work, shame on them. Sometimes, not all the time, the subject/client just doesn't like taking photos or are their own biggest critics. I had that experience with one person, even though everyone that has seen the headshot was very honest with me and said the headshot was great. Just had a headshot session this weekend and the client was very happy and I have had many clients come in with no regret. At times I surprise myself when I see their headshots after months of taking them. Sometimes, well, most of the times I critique myself very harshly even though the clients are very happy. Sounds like 2 photographers misrepresented their work.
Agreed. I truly believe in perceived and actual value. Some consumers want great service and a great product and will pay for such. Others will pay because they perceive that there is value because of the higher price tag. It’s just consumer behavior. Also, how long has photoshop been around? Many photographers feared Adobe for similar reasons. Yet, I have tons of headshot clients that are adamant about not looking “photoshopped.” My clients want to look like themselves and I think we are a ways away from A.I generating a “true to life” image.
I just stumbled upon this video. I'm in a position where I don't really need headshots in healthcare, but it would be nice to have a couple for linkedin. I'm definitely on the low end like he says and yup, this might work for me... probably wait for next gen though because spending a lot of money on a photographer doesn't make sense. My company has it's own media/marketing team though so if I ever needed a real one, they'd do it and if I ever wanted to go independent then I'd definitely want a human professional even if its to just collaborate on the looks like combining my preference with their expertise.
I suspect that this AI app may not be genuine, but rather a group of low-end photo retouchers posing as an AI service to transform selfies into professional headshots. One clear indication that this service may not be powered by real AI is the fact that an authentic AI application would produce results almost instantly rather than taking several days to complete.
I see your point, but having gone through the process, I get the sense that it is a little of both. I think their AI generates images and they have human editors that curate the results. Thanks for watching!
There is, obviously, a component to headshots that involves a camera. But I find that there’s as much or more that relates to the experience we deliver.. as you said, the expertise we deliver.. problem solving when it’s needed.. and the ability to draw out personality. Headshot photography is as much about ‘feel’. AI isn’t there yet and will never check all those boxes. We still have a job. 😊
I love it. I also jumped into the AI headshot generator to see what I got… mixed bag of weird and uncanny-valley style images. I still use the image @lindsaycoulter took of me in 2019. I was younger then… thinner. I feel like AI portraits are suited for a different market of people (like you said). This is a good reminder of how quick, cheap and dirty will always be someone’s menu item of choice. Every ladder has a bottom rung, don’t be that bottom rung.
I think for general use, photographers will absolutely get washed. There's not point in denying it. But, for those of us who can develop a specific style, and deliver on it consistently and with good quality, we'll maintain our place in the mid to upper market. I also think that for situations like events and conferences, headshots will remain a fun amenity to offer, which will give headshot photographers bulk jobs as well.
I think commercial photography will take a big hit, but weddings, events, and family portraits will likely see an integration of AI rather than a takeover
I get the babies especially now that you have “professional” who only excel at Instagram photos for 600 an hour it’s understandable and tempting. But if you find a great professional who’s reasonably priced and I mean regionally as well then in it definitely worth it
Rich isn’t always your ideal client. Most people find a way to purchase the nicer things that really matter to them. Some of my biggest spending clients aren’t rich by any means, but they value what I do
I understand the trepidation, but AI can only replicate, not replace creativity. Work on creating a unique product and experience and you can find a place in your market :) good luck!
As a new headshot photographer AI generated headshots worries me because I'm logically starting at the lower price point in the market. It takes time to develop the connections with the higher end clientele.
Just because you are new, it doesn’t mean that you have to be priced low. Headshots have a market price given your area and companies are often working from a budget. Being too low can be just as bad or worse than being too high. My advice is to research the average price in your market and make sure you are competitive but not too low. Give the clients a great experience and add value that way while you build up your portfolio, good luck!
@@GaryHughesOfficial Thanks for the advice. My problem is that I'm new and my prices are in the ballpark of my competitors but visitors to my website aren't biting. I assumed it was due to being relatively unknown while charging similar rates. $150.00 session fee and $150.00 per image. Others in my area are closer to 200
@@johngallagher2554 there might be a number of issues. First is, where is the traffic coming from. A disconnect in conversion is often due to the quality of traffic. Second, is your website built the right way to convert visitors into leads or customers? Pricing is often not the issue, it's how the information on the website is presented. Try sharing your website with some non-photographer friends and see if they can tell you what's missing, what's confusing, and what doesn't work. Get data and make adjustments. Racing to the bottom on price is a recipe for burnout and failure. You got this!
I am no photographer and want a good headshot for linked in maybe other social media. Headshots cost 100s by a photographer near me. So as long as it actually looks like me is perfect, especially for that cost.
I hear you. 3D modeling has also hurt commercial photography when rendered graphics are photographic quality…certain areas of the industry are going to suffer more than others, like stock photography
@@GaryHughesOfficial 3d modeling need years to get really good at, need long time to modeling, texturing, lighting, render. you need expensive hardware, etc. being a good 3d artist is not that different than being a good photographer, and it takes a lot of time and in several aspects an artistic vision. writing a prompt in seconds from a smartphone that's quite different
@@kaotic2007 I agree completely. That being said, having played with AI image generators, it's easy to make cool images, not easy to get exactly what you want in terms of specific images for advertising specific products. My experience in the genre tells me that art directors and marketing people are often very specific about how their products are presented and I don't think that AI is exactly there yet (especially with text) but it is definitely concerning.
@@GaryHughesOfficial yes i am playing myself a lot with AI. that's true, but some engines can be guided more easily, and you can start to define a better and more précise character acting how you need m, or redefine only some area of the images. i mean this is just the beginning, these tools will be much better in few years. anyway even the creative brief will change with time, taking in account the AI characteristics.
I think you're spot-on. Higher-end markets are about customer service. Funny about the teeth--you'd think that would be something AI could do easily with all those images!
I'm definitely going to try it. But just for me. It's $29 and my photographer shot headshot is a hot mess. I can pick which image I love best. ALSO, my company continues to use that same terrible head shot I took 17 years ago. I don't think this will replace photographers...
Nearly 30 years ago, I worked at a one-hour film lab and one of the owners was certain digital cameras wouldn't get near the quality of film for 10 years. I think his estimate turned out to be fairly accurate, but it sure has just about replaced film except for those that like the art, chemicals, and analog feel of it, or whatever their reason is. I think with how things are progressing with AI that we are in a lot of trouble. Sure, it doesn't get hands and eyes and some other things right, but how long will it take to refine the algorithm? Heck, even AI itself is working on improving the algorithm. Young people today don't care about spending money on things. They just want what they want now, video games and things that aren't real.
It’s certainly changing things fast, no question. I do wonder, though, about painting all “young people” with the same brush. People have been signaling the end of professional photography for decades every time a new piece of tech comes out. I guess we’ll see.
@@GaryHughesOfficial I agree. I don't really mean all young people. I'm curious to see what happens with AI and where it goes. I guess I'm in a bit of panic and need to sharpen my skills LOL! And honestly it is fun to play with, so there's that. Have you tried using it in any photoshoots? I've seen backgrounds created with it that people use and people adding models to AI images.
So cheaper options for customers (who don't like AI) will become unavailable? Not everyone can afford an expensive photographer. Maybe the low end will stay because not everyone, rich or poor, like the fake AI.
I mean that it will soon be an attractive option for the lowest end of the market. In the next year or two they won’t look so crappy. Offering not only a better product, but a great experience will ensure that you can stay in business. If you are shooting at the lowest end of the market and this technology becomes more widely used and widely known by non-photographers, it will start to eat away at the pro market on the low end first.
Have you experienced AI headshots yet? Let me know what you think! Don't forget to sign up for my email newsletter using the link in the description :)
What does AI stand for?
It’s like you’re in my head! I went through all these thoughts over the past 2 days. Took a client out to coffee today and showed her AI examples. She said she’d rather have her team members get the morale boost from being photographed by me and feel the love that their company paid the big bucks for something professional.
That’s great to hear!
7:37 Same here! I have been racking my brain the last few days and came to a similar conclusion. Gary made an excellent point, and I suspect a pretty decent forecast on the impact it will have within the headshot market as a whole.
you sound like a real estate agent saying the market is stabilizing
People who understand the value and benefit of a high end headshot will always want the best which is something this cannot do at the moment. Great video Gary. Thanks for sharing
no worries, thanks for the feedback :)
As the models improve, more people will turn to this. Two years and this will be a better option for everyone.
Maybe, time will tell
I agree, I have spent 40 years in the design and illustration business and have seen technology make the indispensable dispensable, sometimes gradually, sometimes overnight. The value of service, care and attention will be lost to cost and time savings. Buckle up kiddos because from where I sit I don't think you have two years....
Everything you said is accurate. It is about the experience and the results. When someone is willing to spend the $ for their headshot, they are investing in themselves. They want a great headshot represent them and their work. The right people/clients will come for the type of work that will be represent who they are knowing the price. Set yourself for what your worth is.
Right on!
I paid 1k for head shots for my executive team of 3 TWICE from two different t photographers and both were not great. I give up. I’m going with AI.
@@briannawinn5079 that's very unfortunate that you and your team had bad experiences. If they misrepresented their work, shame on them. Sometimes, not all the time, the subject/client just doesn't like taking photos or are their own biggest critics. I had that experience with one person, even though everyone that has seen the headshot was very honest with me and said the headshot was great. Just had a headshot session this weekend and the client was very happy and I have had many clients come in with no regret. At times I surprise myself when I see their headshots after months of taking them. Sometimes, well, most of the times I critique myself very harshly even though the clients are very happy. Sounds like 2 photographers misrepresented their work.
Agreed. I truly believe in perceived and actual value. Some consumers want great service and a great product and will pay for such. Others will pay because they perceive that there is value because of the higher price tag. It’s just consumer behavior. Also, how long has photoshop been around? Many photographers feared Adobe for similar reasons. Yet, I have tons of headshot clients that are adamant about not looking “photoshopped.” My clients want to look like themselves and I think we are a ways away from A.I generating a “true to life” image.
Well said!
Very well said, sir. Thank you for posting this.
No problem :)
I just stumbled upon this video. I'm in a position where I don't really need headshots in healthcare, but it would be nice to have a couple for linkedin. I'm definitely on the low end like he says and yup, this might work for me... probably wait for next gen though because spending a lot of money on a photographer doesn't make sense. My company has it's own media/marketing team though so if I ever needed a real one, they'd do it and if I ever wanted to go independent then I'd definitely want a human professional even if its to just collaborate on the looks like combining my preference with their expertise.
Well if you are ever in the orlando area I would be delighted to work with you ;) thanks for the feedback!
Great points! See you in St. Louis!
See you there!
I suspect that this AI app may not be genuine, but rather a group of low-end photo retouchers posing as an AI service to transform selfies into professional headshots.
One clear indication that this service may not be powered by real AI is the fact that an authentic AI application would produce results almost instantly rather than taking several days to complete.
I see your point, but having gone through the process, I get the sense that it is a little of both. I think their AI generates images and they have human editors that curate the results. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the perspectives
My pleasure!
Great video and interesting perspective. Thank you for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for taking the time
There is, obviously, a component to headshots that involves a camera. But I find that there’s as much or more that relates to the experience we deliver.. as you said, the expertise we deliver.. problem solving when it’s needed.. and the ability to draw out personality. Headshot photography is as much about ‘feel’. AI isn’t there yet and will never check all those boxes.
We still have a job. 😊
I think you might be right
Any updates on the best results/site now?
Not at the moment. Seems like a lot of them are popping up, but it doesn't seem to have hurt business too much
I love your take and oponion on this topic 👌 Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
I love it. I also jumped into the AI headshot generator to see what I got… mixed bag of weird and uncanny-valley style images. I still use the image @lindsaycoulter took of me in 2019. I was younger then… thinner. I feel like AI portraits are suited for a different market of people (like you said). This is a good reminder of how quick, cheap and dirty will always be someone’s menu item of choice. Every ladder has a bottom rung, don’t be that bottom rung.
Exactly! Thanks for watching :)
I think for general use, photographers will absolutely get washed. There's not point in denying it. But, for those of us who can develop a specific style, and deliver on it consistently and with good quality, we'll maintain our place in the mid to upper market. I also think that for situations like events and conferences, headshots will remain a fun amenity to offer, which will give headshot photographers bulk jobs as well.
I think commercial photography will take a big hit, but weddings, events, and family portraits will likely see an integration of AI rather than a takeover
What website or ai app did you use please ?
Studioshot AI :)
I get the babies especially now that you have “professional” who only excel at Instagram photos for 600 an hour it’s understandable and tempting. But if you find a great professional who’s reasonably priced and I mean regionally as well then in it definitely worth it
thanks for the feedback
Bons arguments pour le moment. Dans 5 ou 10 ans, la technologie sera encore plus performante. En tant que photographe, notre temps est compté.
I think it all depends what you do. People have been predicting the end of photography for decades and yet we are still here. I guess we’ll see.
This is on point.
Thanks, dude!
Thanks Gary. You always bring something new to the debate. Do you still have nightmares after testing that AI headshot?
Nightmare fuel for sure!
Love this insight!
Thanks for watching, Ryan!
That reminds me, I gotta raise my prices! Lol. 😅
And make the experience amazing. Travel safe, bud!
Agreed but finding that rich clientele will be harder in most areas forcing photogs to travel further to meet them and the competition is higher
Rich isn’t always your ideal client. Most people find a way to purchase the nicer things that really matter to them. Some of my biggest spending clients aren’t rich by any means, but they value what I do
I gulped when I saw that website to create your own headshots. Especially when I just started photography last year. Ugh
I understand the trepidation, but AI can only replicate, not replace creativity. Work on creating a unique product and experience and you can find a place in your market :) good luck!
As a new headshot photographer AI generated headshots worries me because I'm logically starting at the lower price point in the market. It takes time to develop the connections with the higher end clientele.
Just because you are new, it doesn’t mean that you have to be priced low. Headshots have a market price given your area and companies are often working from a budget. Being too low can be just as bad or worse than being too high. My advice is to research the average price in your market and make sure you are competitive but not too low. Give the clients a great experience and add value that way while you build up your portfolio, good luck!
@@GaryHughesOfficial Thanks for the advice. My problem is that I'm new and my prices are in the ballpark of my competitors but visitors to my website aren't biting. I assumed it was due to being relatively unknown while charging similar rates. $150.00 session fee and $150.00 per image. Others in my area are closer to 200
@@johngallagher2554 there might be a number of issues. First is, where is the traffic coming from. A disconnect in conversion is often due to the quality of traffic. Second, is your website built the right way to convert visitors into leads or customers? Pricing is often not the issue, it's how the information on the website is presented. Try sharing your website with some non-photographer friends and see if they can tell you what's missing, what's confusing, and what doesn't work. Get data and make adjustments. Racing to the bottom on price is a recipe for burnout and failure. You got this!
@@GaryHughesOfficial Thanks! I''l try those suggestions and will tweak accordingly!
I am no photographer and want a good headshot for linked in maybe other social media. Headshots cost 100s by a photographer near me. So as long as it actually looks like me is perfect, especially for that cost.
Hey well I suppose that proves my point. Some people will be just fine with it :)
Just a concern that is no related... your specs are a little off and it just triggers me... i can't seem to watch this video properly...
What specs are off?
@@GaryHughesOfficial ur glasses.. are a little tilted.
Oh yes, drives me nuts too. Lol
Yes The Polar Express movie scared me bc of the lifeless shark eyes. Lol
Same!
commercial photographers (like me) feel like a phone cabin in 1995...
I hear you. 3D modeling has also hurt commercial photography when rendered graphics are photographic quality…certain areas of the industry are going to suffer more than others, like stock photography
@@GaryHughesOfficial 3d modeling need years to get really good at, need long time to modeling, texturing, lighting, render. you need expensive hardware, etc. being a good 3d artist is not that different than being a good photographer, and it takes a lot of time and in several aspects an artistic vision. writing a prompt in seconds from a smartphone that's quite different
@@kaotic2007 I agree completely. That being said, having played with AI image generators, it's easy to make cool images, not easy to get exactly what you want in terms of specific images for advertising specific products. My experience in the genre tells me that art directors and marketing people are often very specific about how their products are presented and I don't think that AI is exactly there yet (especially with text) but it is definitely concerning.
@@GaryHughesOfficial yes i am playing myself a lot with AI. that's true, but some engines can be guided more easily, and you can start to define a better and more précise character acting how you need m, or redefine only some area of the images. i mean this is just the beginning, these tools will be much better in few years. anyway even the creative brief will change with time, taking in account the AI characteristics.
I think you're spot-on. Higher-end markets are about customer service. Funny about the teeth--you'd think that would be something AI could do easily with all those images!
AI is still improving and quickly.
I'm definitely going to try it. But just for me. It's $29 and my photographer shot headshot is a hot mess. I can pick which image I love best. ALSO, my company continues to use that same terrible head shot I took 17 years ago. I don't think this will replace photographers...
I agree. At least for the moment. It’s not quite there yet, and it creates a lot of work for someone at the office who has to sort through them all
What does AI stand for?
Artificial Intelligence :)
Tried leaving a comment with my thoughts, but my thoughts aren't that powerful, so I had to use my fingers.
I see what you did there, lol.
Nearly 30 years ago, I worked at a one-hour film lab and one of the owners was certain digital cameras wouldn't get near the quality of film for 10 years. I think his estimate turned out to be fairly accurate, but it sure has just about replaced film except for those that like the art, chemicals, and analog feel of it, or whatever their reason is. I think with how things are progressing with AI that we are in a lot of trouble. Sure, it doesn't get hands and eyes and some other things right, but how long will it take to refine the algorithm? Heck, even AI itself is working on improving the algorithm. Young people today don't care about spending money on things. They just want what they want now, video games and things that aren't real.
It’s certainly changing things fast, no question. I do wonder, though, about painting all “young people” with the same brush. People have been signaling the end of professional photography for decades every time a new piece of tech comes out. I guess we’ll see.
@@GaryHughesOfficial I agree. I don't really mean all young people. I'm curious to see what happens with AI and where it goes. I guess I'm in a bit of panic and need to sharpen my skills LOL! And honestly it is fun to play with, so there's that. Have you tried using it in any photoshoots? I've seen backgrounds created with it that people use and people adding models to AI images.
So cheaper options for customers (who don't like AI) will become unavailable? Not everyone can afford an expensive photographer. Maybe the low end will stay because not everyone, rich or poor, like the fake AI.
I mean that it will soon be an attractive option for the lowest end of the market. In the next year or two they won’t look so crappy. Offering not only a better product, but a great experience will ensure that you can stay in business. If you are shooting at the lowest end of the market and this technology becomes more widely used and widely known by non-photographers, it will start to eat away at the pro market on the low end first.
its over just wait 2 years
Time will tell