Real talk, 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-whatever happened to my hairline. Every time I opened LinkedIn, that photo reminded me of better times.
The problem: 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. I'm talking about $200-500 for a decent session, and that's before you get upsold on the "premium package".
So AI headshot generators entered the chat.
My First Attempt
Let me tell you: I started with the free options because budget-conscious. First up was some random free AI headshot generator I found on Google's second page.
Fed it about ten selfies—some from good lighting days, some from less flattering situations. Hit generate. Twiddled my thumbs.
The result looked like an AI had done me dirty. The AI gave me a forehead that could land aircraft. NGL, I looked like a corporate stock photo model from an alternate dimension.
Big takeaway: The free cheese is in the mousetrap.
When I Actually Spent Money
Determined to find something better, I started exploring the paid options. This is where things got interesting.
My First Paid Service
I tried ProfilePicture.ai. Set me back about $29 for one session. You give them 15-20 photos, sit tight for about 2 hours, and boom—you get like 100+ headshots.
What I got? Surprisingly good. This one managed to maintain my actual features, just slightly upgraded. It smoothed out my skin, lighting was on point, and best part—I didn't look terrified.
We're talking about: that "I definitely have my life together" vibe. Professional backgrounds instead of "I took this in my car."
Nice range. Suit and tie—they gave me options.
Aragon AI
Next Aragon AI, which ran me about $39. Same drill: upload photos, practice patience, receive your professionally generated headshots.
The difference: Aragon had a knack for capturing my actual vibe. If ProfilePicture.ai was "corporate professional," Aragon gave me "approachable expert."
The AI here had this feature with my gaze. All the images had like I was actually engaging. You know that thing where you can tell someone's really there? Exactly, that.
When I Went All In
Riding the high of decent headshots, I went for some premium services.
The LinkedIn Specialist
This one specifically positions itself as the corporate headshot solution. Roughly $49 for their basic package.
What separated this from the others? It nailed the professional social media look. You've seen those profiles where everyone on LinkedIn looks like they definitely have a corner office? That's Secta's jam.
The backgrounds were more sophisticated. Not just basic backgrounds, I got modern office spaces. Blurred conference rooms—the visual language of "I'm definitely not winging it."
The Dark Horse
Don't sleep on HeadshotPro which runs similar pricing. Plot twist.
HeadshotPro allows customization of what vibe you want. Going for an approachable consultant? You can select the vibe.
Played around with options, and real talk, this was fun. One minute I'm C-suite material, the next I'm creative director.
Results were solid across all the styles. No weird variations where different presets could result in wildly different quality.
What You Actually Get
Let's be real: the free options are hit-or-miss. They're great for just curious. When you legitimately need? Spend the money.
Here's what you're paying for:
Better training data: Paid services have better training that gets professional photography.
Better control: The free stuff leave you at their mercy. Paid services provide options for the whole vibe.
Professional-grade output: No-cost generators usually come in lower resolution. Premium options give you quality files ready for print.
Multiple options: The premium platforms produce dozens or hundreds of options. The free stuff? Limited selection at best.
Data security: Important point. Free generators often could be using your images to improve their models. Premium platforms usually offer actual privacy guarantees.
The "Does Anyone Actually Notice?" Test
After changing my profile pic. Used one from ProfilePicture.ai that had me appearing professional but approachable.
Within a week:
Views on my profile jumped significantly
Got three connection requests from recruiters
A coworker hit me up with "Who took your new headshot? Looks professional"
Apparently, people do notice. Your LinkedIn photo is often the initial thing people see you make.
When the Algorithm Gets Creative
Some entertaining moments. AI headshot generators have certain... characteristics.
Occasionally the AI would generate accessories I never wore. In one shot I magically acquired a watch that cost more than my car.
If hands are visible—in the occasional full-upper-body shot—can get weird I'm counting more than 5 fingers. Word to the wise: choose photos that crop at the shoulders.
Backgrounds too—occasionally you'd get architecturally impossible windows. Check the details and you sometimes find windows that defy physics.
My Final Recommendations
Having invested somewhere north of $100 and several weeks testing:
For budget-conscious professionals: ProfilePicture.ai for under thirty bucks. Great bang for your buck, consistent quality.
If LinkedIn is your priority: Secta.ai gets the LinkedIn aesthetic. Worth the extra money.
For variety and experimentation: HeadshotPro lets you play around.
Quick and easy solution: Aragon AI won't let you down.
The Ethics of AI Headshots
Look, I know there's debate about using AI instead of real photographers. My perspective: these are a tool, not a replacement professional photography.
If you need specialized creative shoots, book a human. But for basic business headshot that you'll change periodically? It's a viable solution.
It's democratizing professional imagery. Some folks don't have $300 for a photo session. AI generators make professional-looking headshots available to a wider audience.
Bottom Line
Having tried everything, I'm still using an AI-generated headshot. Engagement is higher. Recruiters are messaging. That voice in my head about not using a "real" photo? Completely gone.
These days, your digital presence is crucial. Your headshot is part of that brand. If it comes from an algorithm or a photographer takes a backseat to making a good impression.
If I had to start over? Absolutely. Is it for everyone? Depends on your here needs—when you're avoiding refreshing their profile picture because it's expensive, this technology is absolutely worth trying.
Perhaps don't go with the platforms that charge nothing. Take my word for it.
Some lessons are better learned through others' experiences.
Now if you'll excuse me, I should probably refresh my Instagram profile pic. This journey isn't over.