Can AI Add Pants to your Headshot or Personal Branding Photo?
By now, it’s no secret that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is nudging its way into every nook and cranny of the professional world. It’s reshaping the way we operate, yet I stand firm in my belief that it’s not ready to steal the spotlight just yet, especially not in the nuanced field of people photography. Let me share a snippet of my experience with AI in the studio.
The Headshot Studio Surprise
A client strolled in for a corporate headshot, wearing a sharp shirt, tie, and suit jacket, and shorts… He was under the impression that a 'headshot' was all we needed. However, the firm’s specs called for a 3/4 vertical portrait, actually quite common.
You see, the term ‘headshot’ has become a bit of a catch-all phrase. Depending on marketing needs, it might entail a waist-up portrait rather than the traditional close-up.
The Suit Pants Saga
So after a laugh, it was time to improvise. A reshoot was not ideal. So, I decided to try my luck with AI. With a full-length image shot, I turned to Photoshop’s new AI generative fill features to conjure up a pair of matching suit pants. Sounds straightforward, right?
The Results
The AI’s performance was, to put it mildly, less than stellar. Beginning with a well-lit, static portrait, the AI embarked on an odd journey of its own. It juggled around with the pose, added phantom accessories, and even concocted some new fashion trends.
A Fail, A Lesson Learned
This experiment was an eye-opener, showcasing AI’s shortcomings in a practical scenario. Perhaps there’s a way to better guide AI to desired results, but that discussion is for another day. The essence is, my clients seek a polished, consistent set of images. They invest in the assurance of quality and consistency, something that AI, is far from providing.
A Word to the Wise
So, the next time you’re heading in for a headshot session, save us both a laugh and some precious time - come dressed in matching attire from head to toe.