Good, Better, Best: Understanding Your Headshot Options in the Age of AI
When I worked at an electronics store during my early college years, the goal was to know the customers' needs well enough to make three recommendations that would be considered "Good, better, and best." One TV gets the job done. One gets the job done and looks and sounds a little better. One has the better picture and sound plus some bells and whistles that make the experience next-level. But I'm a headshot photographer, what does that have to do with selling TVs? Let me make a surprising confession… I think AI headshots are good. If they weren't good, nobody would buy them even at the insanely low price they are currently sold for. Just like those TVs on the shelf from years ago, though, there are options that are better and best. Let's explore what makes AI headshots good, what makes professional headshots better, and what you can experience when you want the best.
The "Good" Option: AI-Generated Headshots
Let's start with the elephant in the room. AI headshot generators have flooded the market, and for good reason—they solve a real problem for a specific group of people. If you need a LinkedIn profile picture by tomorrow morning and you're working with a tight budget, AI can deliver something usable in minutes for less than $50.
What AI headshots do well:
Generate multiple style options quickly
Provide consistent lighting and backgrounds
Remove the anxiety some people feel in front of a camera
Offer an extremely low barrier to entry
The technology has improved dramatically. Modern AI can smooth skin, adjust lighting, and even change your outfit or background. For someone just starting their career, testing the job market, or maintaining a casual online presence, this option gets the job done. It's the equivalent of that entry-level TV—functional, affordable, and perfectly adequate for basic needs.
However, there's a catch. AI headshots work from existing photos of you, and the results can sometimes feel uncanny or slightly "off." The eyes might lack depth, skin texture can appear plastic, or the overall image might have that telltale AI smoothness that makes people do a double-take. For Minneapolis professionals who value first impressions, this might not convey the credibility you're aiming for. And honestly, when you look at your headshot, do you want the voice in your head reminding you that it isn’t really you?
The "Better" Option: Professional Headshot Photography
Now we're stepping up to the mid-tier TV with better picture quality and sound. A professional headshot session with a photographer like Excalibur Portraits takes everything AI can do and adds the human element that makes all the difference.
When you work with a headshot photographer in Minnesota or anywhere, you're investing in more than just technical quality. You're getting an experience designed around you. Here's what separates professional photography from AI generation:
Authentic connection and coaching: A skilled photographer directs you through poses, helps you relax, and captures genuine expressions that reflect your personality. That warmth in your eyes and confidence in your posture? That comes from human interaction, not algorithms. This is especially valuable for corporate professionals who need to project approachability and competence.
Real lighting and environment: Professional studio lighting creates dimension, depth, and that subtle glow that makes you look energized and professional. The way light falls across your face, creates catchlights in your eyes, and defines your features—these are elements AI simulates but can't truly replicate. When you're representing your company at a Minneapolis conference or networking event, this level of polish matters.
Wardrobe and styling guidance: Before you even step in front of the camera, a professional photographer helps you choose outfits that photograph well and align with your industry. They'll notice if a collar needs adjusting or if your jewelry is catching light in a distracting way. These details compound into a polished final image.
Immediate feedback and variety: During your session, you can review images in real-time, make adjustments, and try different approaches. Want a more serious look for the board presentation and a warmer smile for client-facing materials? A photographer captures both in one session.
Professional headshots typically range from $200-500 for a session, depending on the photographer and package. This investment pays dividends when you consider how often your headshot represents you—on LinkedIn, company websites, conference materials, and marketing collateral. For most Minneapolis professionals, this is the sweet spot where quality meets value.
The "Best" Option: The Premium Headshot Experience
Here's where we get to the top-of-the-line model with all the bells and whistles. The best headshot experience isn't just about the final image—it's about the entire journey and the level of personalization that goes into your session.
At Excalibur Portraits, the premium experience means understanding the specific context where your headshots will be used. Are you a keynote speaker who needs images for event promotion? An executive whose headshot will appear in annual reports and press releases? A corporate team that needs cohesive imagery across your website? Each scenario requires a different approach.
What the best experience includes:
A consistent look for your event or corporate team: For companies that are looking for a set of headshots for a their website or for event organizers who are providing headshots as incentive for attendees, a consistent final product is essential. You can expect a professional photographer to keep notes that make lighting, backgrounds, and even retouching consistent. For employers who might add new hires to their gallery later, this consistency is difficult to replicate.
Multiple setups and creative options: Rather than one standard look, premium sessions include various backgrounds, lighting styles, and poses. You might get traditional corporate looks alongside more creative environmental portraits. This variety gives you a library of images for different purposes. See a small example of that variety at minnesotaheadshot.com/gallery
Retouching that enhances without erasing: Professional retouching goes beyond basic adjustments. It's about making you look like the best version of yourself—well-rested, confident, and polished—while keeping you looking undeniably like you. Skin retouching maintains natural texture, and color correction ensures you look great in any context.
Ongoing relationship and updates: The best photographers become your go-to resource for all professional imagery needs. As your career evolves or your branding changes, you have someone who already understands your style and can capture updated images that feel cohesive with your previous work.
Making the Right Choice for Your Career
So which option is right for you? Just like those TVs, the answer depends on your needs, budget, and how you'll be using the product.
Choose AI if you're in a pinch, need something immediately, and the stakes are relatively low. It's good enough for initial LinkedIn profiles or casual networking platforms.
Choose professional photography when you're serious about your professional image and want authentic, high-quality headshots that represent you accurately. This is the right move for most Minneapolis professionals who regularly attend corporate events, conferences, or need images for company materials.
Choose the premium experience when your image is a crucial part of your brand, when you need versatility, or when you're representing an organization that demands the highest level of professionalism.
The beauty of understanding these tiers is that you're empowered to make the choice that fits your current situation. Your first job out of college? Maybe AI works for now. Five years into your career and positioning for a promotion? Time to invest in professional headshots. Building your executive brand or launching a business? Go for the best.
Ready to Upgrade Your Professional Image?
Whether you're ready for the "better" or jumping straight to "best," Excalibur Portraits is here to create headshots that open doors and make lasting impressions throughout Minnesota and beyond. Our Minneapolis-based studio specializes in corporate headshots, event photography, and conference coverage that showcases professionals at their finest.
Don't let your headshot be an afterthought—make it an asset. Book your session today and experience the difference that professional photography makes in how you're perceived, remembered, and valued in your professional community.
