I have a confession. I tried using one of those artificial intelligence tools to get new headshots. I didn’t have high expectations, to be honest, but the photos in the ad looked good.

But: oh no.

I pretty much hate all 40 options it gave me.

I plunked down the money for it to see how well AI photos might work. I understand the temptation to try AI on this, especially if you hate having your picture taken. But I now see it’s the epitome of fakeness.

And authenticity is the thing that will really make you and your business or nonprofit standout.

What’s wrong with these AI photos? Let me count the ways …
1. The facial expression is weird on a bunch of these. I’d never share that as something that reflects my personality.

2. My hair grew 5 inches, then got cut 7 inches. Except it didn’t. Why is my hair different lengths in these?

3. Earrings in several of them. My ears aren’t pierced.

4. I have bangs. Why did they remove them from some of these? Again, doesn’t look like me.

5. Turtlenecks? Goodness, why???? I don’t like the way I look in them, so I haven’t worn one since college. Maybe.

6. A bunch of the clothes that I’d never wear. So again, just inauthentic to me.

7. One of the more formal-looking ones has a necklace that’s a bit too cross-looking for this Jewish girl.

My advice? Skip it. Get your picture taken for real. If you want a great photographer who will make you look like you and have a good time, ask me. I know several all over the country.

Plus, how does it make you feel if I tell you I’m sharing something fake?