How to Review and Select Your Headshot: Practical Tips for Choosing the Right Image

Choosing your final headshot from a large gallery can feel overwhelming, especially with multiple looks, outfit changes, and subtle differences in expressions. Which image best represents you? How do you sift through so many options? Here are practical tips to help you confidently select headshots you’ll genuinely like.

1. Create a “Favorites” Folder for Easy Reference
Create a dedicated “Favorites” folder to keep your selections organized; you can use it to copy any images that catch your eye as you review your gallery. Having your best images grouped together in one place will make it easier to compare them later and focus on your final selection without needing to scroll through the entire gallery repeatedly. If you have many similar images, consider using subfolders within “Favorites” to group images by expressions or poses. This structure can simplify your final comparisons and help you keep everything organized.

2. Do an Initial Pass to Identify Standouts
Start with a quick pass through the gallery to get an overall sense of the collection. Rather than analyzing each image in detail, simply focus on ones that naturally catch your attention or resonate with you. Set these images aside or note them, and don’t worry about narrowing down too much in this first round.

On your second pass, you can start to refine by eliminating images that may feel redundant or by grouping similar poses and expressions together. This process of elimination makes it easier to manage a large gallery and focus on the images that truly stand out.

3. Focus on Expression Over Minor Details
Your expression is what people notice first, making it the key element in a strong headshot. Look for an image where your expression feels warm, approachable, and confident. A relaxed, natural look will convey who you are far better than worrying about tiny details.

It’s normal to notice small imperfections, but remember that minor adjustments can be made in retouching. Ask yourself, “When I look at others’ headshots, do I focus on tiny details or their overall expression?” This helps you see the big picture, guiding you to choose images that capture your personality rather than those that seem technically flawless.

4. Consider the Purpose of Each Headshot
Think about where each headshot will be used—whether for LinkedIn, a company website, or a more casual setting. Let the intended purpose guide your decision, selecting images that fit the context in which they’ll be seen.

This approach gives you flexibility and ensures that each image aligns with your goals. It can also help you decide between a few favorites by focusing on the specific impression each image will make.

5. Zoom Out for a Realistic View
Viewing your headshot at a smaller size, similar to how it will appear on LinkedIn or a website, allows you to see it as others will. This “zoomed-out” perspective keeps you from getting bogged down by minor details that are easy to notice close-up but don’t impact the headshot’s overall impression.

By focusing on the impact of the headshot as a whole, you’ll notice expressions, energy, and overall feel that make it memorable. Remember, others will notice your confidence and authenticity, not small imperfections.

6. Label or Tag Finalists to Track Key Qualities
Once you’ve narrowed down to a select group, use labels or tags to mark qualities you like, such as “confident expression,” “natural smile,” or “professional look.” Notes on each image’s strengths make it easier to compare final options and help with decisions if you plan to use different images for varied purposes, like LinkedIn vs. personal websites.

By tracking qualities you value, you can quickly review and finalize your choices to align with the look and feel you’re aiming for.

7. Group and Compare Similar Images
If your gallery contains several similar images with only slight variations, try grouping them together by look, angle, or expression. Comparing within each group allows you to pick the strongest image, which can simplify your final choices and ensure you’re not distracted by small lighting or angle changes.

Grouping similar images ensures that you stay focused on finding the best version from each look and style without getting sidetracked by slight variations.

8. Get Feedback from a Trusted Friend
Sometimes, a second opinion can help you see qualities you might miss. Show your top selections to a trusted friend or colleague and ask which image captures your personality best. An outside perspective can give you added confidence in your final choice and remind you of what others truly see in your headshot.

9. Embrace Imperfections
When reviewing close-up images of yourself, it’s easy to notice small imperfections. Don’t worry about these minor details—retouching can address them if needed. Instead, focus on choosing an image that captures your personality. A relaxed expression or warm smile will make a memorable impression and help others feel connected to the real you. Embracing the authentic qualities in your headshot creates a relatable, inviting image that conveys confidence and approachability.

A genuine expression and relaxed posture often make a bigger impact than an overly perfect appearance.

Conclusion
Choosing a headshot doesn’t have to be complicated. By focusing on expression, organizing your favorites, and trusting an outside perspective, you can confidently select images that reflect your best qualities. Remember, what stands out to others isn’t the minor imperfections but the warmth, confidence, and authenticity in your expression. A great headshot captures your personality, leaving a positive impression that resonates with viewers.

AI-Generated Headshots vs. Professional Photography: Why Authenticity Matters

As AI technology advances, many people are drawn to the idea of quick, low-cost AI-generated headshots. While these automated solutions may seem convenient, they come with significant downsides that can affect your personal brand, credibility, and the trust you build with others. If you’re serious about presenting yourself professionally, investing in authentic, professionally-taken headshots is crucial. Here’s why.

1. Lack of Authenticity and Personalization

AI-generated headshots might seem polished, but they lack the human touch that only professional photography provides. A professional headshot captures your individuality, personality, and unique expressions, which AI simply cannot replicate. Professional photographers take the time to understand your goals, your industry, and the image you want to project, making your headshot a true reflection of you.

In contrast, AI-generated images often come across as overly generic or artificially perfect, which can create a disconnect between how you look in real life and how you appear in the generated image. In professional settings, authenticity is key—people prefer connecting with real individuals, not a digitally created version of them.

2. AI Struggles with Realistic Details

AI-generated headshots can fall short in capturing realistic details, such as skin texture, natural lighting, and subtle facial expressions. These details are essential in making your headshot look professional and authentic. AI-generated images might appear too smooth, exaggerated, or oddly lit, creating an unnatural or artificial look that can undermine your credibility.

Professional photographers, on the other hand, know how to use lighting, angles, and composition to highlight your best features naturally. They bring out your true expression, ensuring your headshot not only looks flattering but feels genuine.

3. AI Needs Quality Photos to Train—and Most People Don’t Have Them

AI-generated headshot services often require you to upload a series of quality photos so the system can properly generate a realistic image. However, most people don’t have access to high-quality, well-lit images that are suitable for training an AI model. Selfies, casual pictures, or low-quality photos won’t give the AI enough data to create a polished headshot.

This puts you in a difficult position—if you need to spend time trying to capture high-quality photos on your own, you might as well book a session with a professional photographer. A professional will take care of all the details, ensuring that the lighting, composition, and expressions are perfect, saving you the time and frustration of doing it yourself and producing a far superior result.

4. AI Headshots Lack Professional Direction

A significant benefit of working with a professional photographer is the personalized direction and guidance they provide during a shoot. Photographers coach you on body language, facial expressions, and posing techniques to ensure you look confident, approachable, and aligned with your brand’s image.

With AI-generated headshots, there is no feedback loop or professional guidance. The AI simply generates an image based on what it "thinks" will look good, without understanding the subtleties of what makes someone appear professional or approachable. In contrast, a professional photographer tailors their approach based on your needs and goals, helping you present the best version of yourself.

5. AI Can Introduce Errors and Inaccuracies

AI is far from perfect when it comes to replicating human faces accurately. AI-generated headshots can sometimes produce awkward errors—such as misaligned eyes, uneven skin tones, or unnatural proportions. These subtle mistakes can make your headshot look artificial or “off,” and while you may not notice them right away, others viewing your headshot might.

A professional photographer eliminates this risk by capturing you as you truly are, ensuring no such errors or distortions occur. The result is a headshot that reflects your true appearance and professionalism.

6. AI-Generated Headshots Can Harm Trust

When someone views your headshot—whether it’s a potential client, employer, or business partner—they’re trying to get a sense of your professionalism, reliability, and trustworthiness. An AI-generated headshot, especially one that looks overly perfect or artificial, can raise doubts about your authenticity. People might question whether you’re trying to hide behind a digital façade instead of presenting the real you.

A professional headshot, on the other hand, helps build trust by showcasing your authentic self. A well-taken headshot communicates that you’re genuine, approachable, and invested in your personal or professional brand. It’s an investment that reflects positively on your credibility and helps establish real connections.

7. Missed Opportunity for Brand Alignment

Your headshot is a key element of your personal or company brand. A skilled photographer works with you to ensure that the image aligns with your brand’s values, whether you want to appear approachable, authoritative, creative, or corporate. They take into account your industry, audience, and the message you want to convey, helping you create a headshot that speaks directly to your professional goals.

AI-generated headshots, on the other hand, are typically one-size-fits-all and lack the customization needed to truly represent your unique brand. They cannot adapt to the specific visual tone you need to create lasting impressions with your audience.

8. Limited Control Over the Final Result

With AI-generated headshots, you have little control over how the final image turns out. You can’t provide feedback or make adjustments during the process. The result is simply what the algorithm thinks looks good, which might not align with your personal preferences or how you want to be portrayed.

In a professional headshot session, you work closely with the photographer to ensure everything—from pose to lighting and expression—is just right. You can review and adjust the shots as needed, and professional photographers offer retouching services that maintain a natural, polished look. This level of control ensures the final result is exactly what you want.

Conclusion: Choose Authenticity Over AI

While AI-generated headshots may appear to offer a quick and affordable solution, they fall short in areas that matter most—authenticity, trust, and brand alignment. Professional headshots, taken by a skilled photographer, capture your true essence, reflect your personality, and help build meaningful connections with clients, partners, or employers.

In a world where first impressions are made online, authenticity and human connection are more important than ever. By investing in professional headshots, you’re choosing to represent yourself or your company with credibility, trustworthiness, and confidence. Don’t settle for artificial images—choose authenticity and make a lasting impression.

Ready to elevate your personal or company brand with authentic, professional headshots? Book your headshot session today!