I wanted to see what people would say, because I think that’s where we are right now: testing the waters, trying to understand what’s real, what’s useful, and what’s “enough.”

• My mom commented, “My beautiful girl.”
• My sister asked: “Is this AI?”
• Most people? A quick thumbs up or heart emoji, and they moved on.

And I don’t blame them. The image was nice. It was well-lit, direct, and honestly flattering. But when I looked at it longer, I felt something I didn’t expect:

It felt empty.

Not in a dramatic way, just in a quiet, hard-to-explain way. Like a picture that checks the boxes but doesn’t hold a real moment. No story behind the eyes. No memory. It looked like me… but it didn’t feel like me.

Full disclosure: Yes, I intentionally used AI to help write this. And I’m choosing to keep my human voice front and center, because that’s what I’m really talking about.

I’m not here to argue with AI. AI-generated headshots will be enough for many people. Cost matters. Convenience matters. And we’re living through a major shift that professionals, business owners, and society will have to navigate together.

But here’s the clarity my little experiment gave me:

• Trust is the real product
  
• A headshot isn’t just a photo. It’s a trust signal.

And trust is exactly why authenticity is becoming more valuable, not less. Getty Images’ VisualGPS research found 98% of consumers say “authentic” images and videos are pivotal in establishing trust, and nearly 90% want transparency when an image is AI-generated.

That doesn’t mean AI has no place. It means we should be intentional about when we use it, especially when the goal is credibility, relationship, and leadership. AI can generate an image. A photographer creates presence. When you work with a professional photographer, you’re not just purchasing a file.

You’re getting:

• Guidance so you don’t feel awkward or performative
• Direction that brings out confidence, ease, and expression
• Lighting and composition that match your message and brand
• Consistency across your website, social media, and marketing
• A human experience that helps you feel seen—and helps others feel connected

AI can imitate polish, but it can’t replace a collaborative process where you’re supported, where your story matters, and where the final images reflect who you really are.

• This is a change we’ll all have to navigate
  
• Professionals are being challenged to adapt fast. And clients are trying to make smart choices with time and budget. Both can be true.
  
• I don’t believe the answer is panic. I believe it’s clarity .
  
• Because the more automated the world becomes, the more valuable it is to feel human - and to be trusted.

My conclusion:

• Yes, AI will keep improving.

And still:

• AI can make a picture of you.
• A photographer helps you be seen.

If you’re stepping into a new season of visibility, growing your business, updating your brand, refining your message, and you want images that feel real, grounded, and aligned, I’d love to create them with you ;). Leticia.