Is it okay to use AI headshots?
The Complete Guide to Using AI Headshots on LinkedIn, Resumes, and Personal Branding Sites. AI-generated headshots are changing how professionals present themselves online — offering a fast, affordable alternative to traditional photoshoots. But before you upload one to LinkedIn or your resume, here's what you need to know about their ethical and professional implications.


Is It Okay to Use AI Headshots?
Everything You Need to Know Before Uploading AI Photos to LinkedIn, Your Resume, or a Personal Branding Site
AI-generated headshots have become a popular alternative to professional photoshoots. But are they really acceptable — legally, ethically, and professionally?
In this guide, we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions about using AI headshots so you can decide if they’re right for you.
✅ Can You Tell If a Headshot Is AI?
In many cases, no — high-quality AI headshots are indistinguishable from studio portraits, especially when generated using professional-grade models like Aragon AI. But telltale signs of poorly made AI headshots include:
- Unrealistic eyes or teeth
- Distorted jewelry, hands, or clothing
- Over-smoothing or over-editing
Aragon uses proprietary models developed by our AI researchers, along with advanced filters, to create realistic, believable photos.
⚖️ Can You Legally Use AI Images?
Yes, you can legally use AI-generated headshots for most personal and professional uses. That includes:
- LinkedIn profiles
- Company bios
- Resumes
- Portfolio websites
Aragon generates your headshots based on your own uploaded photos, meaning you retain the rights to use them. Just make sure you’re not uploading someone else’s photos or generating headshots of another person.
⚠️ What Are the Disadvantages of AI Photos?
Like any tool, AI headshots have limits:
- Lack of spontaneous expression
- Style may be overly polished or generic (with lower-quality models)
- Possible bias in some models if not properly trained
Aragon addressed these by releasing Remix, where users can choose from different outfits, backgrounds, poses, and more to personalize their photos.
📸 Is AI a Threat to Photographers?
Not exactly — AI headshots offer an alternative, not a replacement. Many users turn to AI when:
- They need headshots quickly
- Can’t afford a professional shoot
- Want to experiment with different styles
In fact, some photographers now offer AI-enhanced headshot services or use Aragon-style AI workflows to scale their business.
🏆 What Is the Most Realistic AI Headshot Generator?
Aragon is one of the most realistic and trusted AI headshot generators available today. It’s designed to deliver studio-quality results without the need for a professional photoshoot.
- Realistic results — skin texture, baby hairs, and natural shadows
- Fully customizable with outfits, backgrounds, and poses via Remix
- Fast and effortless — 100+ studio-quality headshots in minutes
- Trusted by over 1.2 million users — professionals, creators, and job seekers worldwide
Users can upload 6+ photos and receive 100+ AI-generated headshots across multiple outfits and settings.
🖼️ Is It OK to Use AI Art for Personal Use?
Yes. AI-generated portraits, including headshots, are perfectly acceptable for personal branding. This includes:
- Dating profiles
- Social bios
- Event materials
Just avoid passing them off as non-AI if that matters contextually!
🙅♂️ What Makes a Bad Headshot?
Whether AI or real, bad headshots usually suffer from:
- Poor lighting or overexposure
- Distracting backgrounds
- Lack of eye contact or expression
- Over-editing or filters
Aragon eliminates these by training its models on high-quality photos taken by professional photographers and curating the best results automatically.
📥 How Many Photos Do You Need to Upload to Make AI Headshots?
With Aragon, you only need to upload 6 varied photos. These should include:
- Neutral and smiling expressions
- Clear lighting and no filters
The more variety, the better the AI learns your face.
😁 Can I Smile in a Headshot?
Yes! In fact, smiling often:
- Makes you look more approachable
- Performs better on LinkedIn and resumes
- Builds trust in professional settings
- Studies show that smiling in your profile photo can significantly increase your chances of receiving likes and messages.
With Aragon, you’ll receive a variety of expressions — including smiling, neutral, and confident — so you can choose what suits your brand.
📸 Is There a Free AI Photo App?
Several apps offer free AI photo features, though usually with trade-offs:
- Aragon AI – free sample outputs available with sign-up
- Remini – offers free photo enhancements with ads
- Fotor – some free headshot outputs with watermark
If you want a high-resolution, studio-quality headshot of yourself without watermarks or distortions, paid options like Aragon are more reliable.
✨ Final Thoughts
AI headshots are no longer just a trend — they’re here to stay and quickly becoming a go-to tool for building your personal brand with confidence, speed, and style. Whether you're updating your LinkedIn profile, launching a portfolio, or applying for your dream job, realistic and customizable AI portraits can help you stand out without the cost or hassle of a traditional photoshoot.
With Aragon, you’re not just getting AI-generated images — you’re getting headshots that feel authentically you.