The professional headshots market is changing rapidly with the arrival of AI. But can technology really compete with an experienced photographer? We analyze both options in detail.

Cost Comparison

Traditional Photography

• Basic session: $150-300
• Premium session: $300-600
• Professional retouching: $50-100 additional
• Additional photos: $25-50 each
• Typical total: $250-500 for 5-10 photos

AI Headshots

• AI Portrait Studio: $12.90
• Includes 30+ photos in 4 styles
• No additional costs
• Unlimited use of photos

For the price of one photo session, you can generate headshots for your entire team with AI.

Time Comparison

Traditional Process

• Find and book photographer: 1-2 weeks
• Travel to studio: 30-60 min
• Photo session: 30-60 min
• Wait for retouching: 3-7 days
• Total: 1-3 weeks

AI Process

• Upload selfies: 2 minutes
• AI processing: 5-10 minutes
• Total: 15 minutes

Quality of Results

Quality depends on the context of use:

Where Traditional Photography Wins

• Photos for large prints (posters, billboards)
• Situations requiring very specific poses
• When you need full body photos
• Creative sessions with complex lighting

Where AI Wins

• Digital profiles (LinkedIn, email, social media)
• Need for multiple variations quickly
• Limited budget
• Teams needing visual consistency
• Frequent image updates

When to Choose Each Option

Choose Traditional Photography If:

• You're a C-level executive needing maximum quality
• You need photos for high-end print media
• You have ample budget and available time
• You need full body or group photos

Choose AI Headshots If:

• You need professional photos quickly
• Your main use is digital (LinkedIn, web, email)
• You have a limited budget
• You want to try different styles
• You need to update your image frequently

The Verdict

For 90% of professionals who need headshots for digital use, AI offers an unbeatable price-quality ratio. Traditional photography remains the best option for very specific high-end needs.