Look, I never thought I'd be the person composing an article about AI headshot generators. Yet here I am.
My LinkedIn profile pic was actually from 2019—pre-pandemic, pre-that extra 15 pounds. Every time I opened LinkedIn, that photo mocked me.
The problem: I can't stand getting professional photos taken. Something happens when standing in front of a camera that makes me suddenly forget what to do with my hands. Plus, professional photography isn't easy on the wallet. Think $200-500 for a decent session, and that's on the lower end.
Enter AI headshot generators came to save the day.
Starting With Free Options
So picture this: I started with the free options since I'm not made of money. I began with some random free AI headshot generator I found on Google's third page of results.
Dropped in about 10 selfies—some from good lighting days, some from what I call my "copyright photo" collection. Hit generate. Waited.
The result looked like someone had put my face through a blender. This thing gave me someone else's jawline. Honestly, I looked like a Sims character.
Big takeaway: Free doesn't always mean good.
The Mid-Tier Experiment
Not one to give up, I started exploring the paid options. This is where things got interesting.
ProfilePicture.ai
First up ProfilePicture.ai. Cost me about $29 for what they call the "starter pack". You upload 15-20 photos, sit tight for what felt like forever, and boom—you get over a hundred headshots.
What I got? Actually pretty decent. The AI managed to maintain my actual features, just slightly upgraded. My skin looked clearer, lighting was on point, and most importantly—I actually appeared competent.
Picture this: business casual perfection. Professional backgrounds instead of "I took this in my car."
Good variety. Suit and tie—plenty to choose from.
Aragon AI
Next Aragon AI, which cost a bit more $39. You know the routine: upload photos, practice patience, receive your AI-enhanced glory shots.
Here's what I noticed: Aragon had a knack for capturing my actual vibe. Where ProfilePicture.ai gave me "corporate professional," Aragon provided "the cool colleague."
Aragon pulled off something cool with how I looked at the camera. Each shot seemed like I was actually engaging. You know that thing where the eyes have it? Bingo, that.
When I Went All In
On a roll, I went for some high-end options.
Secta.ai
Secta.ai specifically markets itself the LinkedIn headshot specialist. Roughly $49 for their basic package.
The difference here? They got the LinkedIn aesthetic. You know how professionals looks like they definitely have a corner office? That's what Secta does.
Upgraded backdrop game. Instead of plain colors, I got modern office spaces. Artistic workspace backgrounds—the visual language of "I know what I'm doing."
HeadshotPro
Don't sleep on HeadshotPro (about $29-39 depending on the package). Plot twist.
HeadshotPro allows customization of specific styles. Going for a creative professional? There are style options.
Played around with options, and real talk, this was fun. One minute I'm corporate overlord, then I'm startup founder energy.
Results were solid across all the styles. Unlike some other platforms where different presets could result in wildly different quality.
What You Actually Get
Time for real talk: you're usually getting a gamble with free services. Perfect when not serious about results. For real professional needs? Invest in paid services.
What that $30-50 buys you:
Superior technology: Paid services use more sophisticated AI that gets what makes a good headshot.
Better control: The free stuff offer no control. Paid services provide options for the whole vibe.
Better image quality: Free headshots often give you compressed files. Premium options give you professional resolution ready for large displays.
Batch processing: Most paid services create dozens or hundreds of options. No-cost options? Maybe 5-10 at best.
Privacy: Important point. Free generators often might use your photos to build their technology. Paid services typically have clearer privacy policies.
What Happened When I Updated My Profile
Once I swapped out the old photo. Used one from ProfilePicture.ai that showed me as professional but approachable.
Seven days later:
My profile views basically doubled
Received multiple connection requests from recruiters
Someone from my company hit me up with "New headshot? Looking sharp!"
Apparently, your photo matters. Your LinkedIn photo is often the opening statement you make.
Fun With AI
Not everything was perfect. The technology have their moments.
Sometimes the AI would generate accessories I never wore. In one shot I somehow had a pocket square I definitely don't possess.
The hands—if they appear in the shot—can get weird I'm counting more than 5 fingers. Pro tip: go for traditional headshots.
Backgrounds too—every once in a while you'd get bookshelves with titles in an alien language. Zoom in and you could notice abstract art that hurts to look at.
What I'd Actually Suggest
Having invested around $150 and way too much time on this:
On a tight budget: ProfilePicture.ai at $29. Excellent ROI, reliable results.
For LinkedIn specifically: Secta.ai gets the LinkedIn aesthetic. Spend the additional cash.
For variety and experimentation: HeadshotPro lets you play around.
For the "I just need something decent": Aragon AI is reliable.
The Ethics of AI Headshots
Look, I get it there's debate about using AI instead of human professionals. How I see it: AI headshots are a solution, not eliminating human professionals.
If you need high-end commercial photography, book a human. However, for basic business headshot that you'll update every year or two? This technology works.
This democratizes professional photos. Many people can't justify $300 for photos. This technology place professional imagery within reach to more people.
What I Learned
After all this, I'm rocking an digitally created photo. Engagement is higher. Inbox is busier. My imposter syndrome about not using a "real" photo? Completely gone.
These days, your professional brand is everything. That profile picture is your digital handshake. Whether it's created by technology or tradition takes a backseat to presenting yourself this documentation well.
Would I do it again? 100%. Is it for everyone? It depends—for anyone delaying getting a new headshot because it's expensive, AI headshot generators are definitely worth exploring.
Perhaps skip the free options. Trust me on this one.
Certain things are not worth learning the hard way.
Anyway, I have to change my Instagram profile pic. The rabbit hole continues.