Listen, I never thought I'd be the person creating an article about AI headshot generators. But here we are.
My LinkedIn profile pic was actually from 2019—pre-pandemic, pre-that extra 15 pounds. Whenever I opened LinkedIn, that photo reminded me of better times.
Here's the thing: I hate getting professional photos taken. I don't know what it is about standing in front of a camera that makes me forget how to be a normal human. Also, professional photography isn't exactly affordable. Think $200-500 for a decent session, and that's if you're lucky.
That's when AI headshot generators entered the chat.
The "This Better Work" Phase
Here's what happened: I started with the free options because cheap (I said what I said). My first stop some random free AI headshot generator I found on Google's page 2 (yes, I was desperate).
Dropped in about ten selfies—some from my "golden hour" moments, some from less flattering situations. Clicked the button. Waited.
What I got looked like an AI had done me dirty. It gave me someone else's jawline. Honestly, I looked like a Sims character.
What I discovered: The free cheese is in the mousetrap.
The Mid-Tier Experiment
Determined to find something better, I decided to services that actually cost money. Now we're cooking with gas.
ProfilePicture.ai
I tried ProfilePicture.ai. Set me back about $29 for what they call the "starter pack". You give them 15-20 photos, wait what felt like forever, and boom—you get a massive collection of headshots.
The results? Actually pretty decent. The AI managed to maintain my actual features, just like I'd actually gotten 8 hours of sleep. It smoothed out my skin, the lighting was professional, and best part—I looked confident.
We're talking about: that "I definitely have my life together" vibe. No more "I took this in my bathroom."
The variety was solid too. Business casual—enough variety to update my profile quarterly.
Aragon AI
Moving on to Aragon AI, which ran me about $39. Same drill: upload photos, practice patience, get back your professionally generated headshots.
Here's what I noticed: Aragon seemed better at capturing my actual vibe. Where ProfilePicture.ai gave me "corporate professional," Aragon provided "approachable expert."
This one had this feature with my gaze. Each shot seemed like I was making a connection. You know that thing where the eyes have it? Yeah, that.
When I Went All In
Feeling confident, I decided to try some premium services.
The LinkedIn Specialist
This one specifically calls itself the corporate headshot solution. Roughly $49 for the entry level.
What separated this from the others? They understood the professional social media look. You know how people looks like they definitely have a corner office? That's Secta's jam.
Upgraded backdrop game. Instead of basic backgrounds, I got that "I work at a tech startup" aesthetic. Blurred conference rooms—the visual language of "trust me with your business."
HeadshotPro
Finally, I tried HeadshotPro (about $29-39 depending on the package). Here's where things got interesting.
HeadshotPro allows customization of specific styles. Going for an approachable consultant? There are style options.
Tried various looks, and not gonna lie, this was fun. First I'm suited up executive, the next I'm startup founder energy.
Results were solid across different looks. Everything looked professional where switching aesthetics sometimes gave you wildly different quality.
The Free vs Paid Reality Check
Let's be real: the free options are experimental. Perfect when testing the concept. For real professional needs? Paid is the way.
What that $30-50 buys you:
Superior technology: The premium options have better training that understands business aesthetics.
More customization: The free stuff leave you at their mercy. When you pay let you choose the whole vibe.
Professional-grade output: No-cost generators usually aren't full quality. The paid platforms deliver professional resolution good enough for any professional use.
Multiple options: When you pay create dozens or hundreds of options. The free stuff? A handful if you're lucky.
Data security: Don't overlook this. Many no-cost platforms might use your photos to build their technology. Paid services typically have clearer privacy policies.
Real-World Results
Once I swapped out the old photo. Went with ProfilePicture.ai that had me appearing professional but approachable.
In less than a week:
Views on my profile basically doubled
Got three connection requests from recruiters
A coworker hit me up with "Great new photo"
Turns out, first impressions are real. That little circle picture is usually the opening statement in your professional brand.
The Weird AI Quirks
Let me share the weird stuff. These platforms have certain... characteristics.
Every now and then the AI would decide I needed accessories I never wore. In one shot I magically acquired a pocket square I definitely don't possess.
Oh, the hands—in the occasional full-upper-body shot—sometimes look like I'm counting more than 5 fingers. Word to the wise: go for traditional headshots.
Backgrounds too—occasionally you'd get architecturally impossible windows. Look closely and you might see abstract art that hurts to look at.
What I'd Actually Suggest
Having invested more than I'd like to admit and weeks of experimentation:
If you're watching your wallet: ProfilePicture.ai for under thirty bucks. Best value, consistent quality.
Focused on LinkedIn presence: Secta.ai understands the platform. Worth the extra money.
For variety and experimentation: HeadshotPro gives you the most control.
No-fuss option: Aragon AI is reliable.
Addressing the Elephant in the Room
Listen, I know some people feel using AI instead of human professionals. How I see it: AI headshots are a solution, not eliminating human professionals.
For situations requiring high-end commercial photography, hire a real photographer. However, for a LinkedIn headshot that you'll change periodically? This technology works.
This democratizes professional imagery. Many people can't justify $300 to spend on pictures. AI generators make professional-looking headshots available to everyone.
The Final Verdict
After all this, I'm still using an AI headshot. Profile views are up. Inbox is busier. Self-doubt about not using a "real" photo? Dead and buried.
Right now, your online presence matters. Your LinkedIn photo is the first thing people see. Whether you use an algorithm or a photographer matters less than looking professional.
In retrospect? Without hesitation. Should you try it? Depends on your needs—for anyone delaying getting a the supplementary guide new headshot because you don't want to schedule a photoshoot, this technology is definitely worth exploring.
Perhaps avoid the platforms that charge nothing. Take my word for it.
Certain things are not worth learning the hard way.
Time to go, I have to change my Instagram profile pic. Down the AI rabbit hole I go.