Brian Hepburn / CEO at Empowered Networks
Why Real Portraits Still Matter in a World of AI-Images
AI-generated photography is getting better every month. Some of it looks polished. Some of it looks almost believable.
So it’s fair for a corporation, a university or college, or a tech start-up to ask:
“Do we really need real portraits anymore?”
My answer is simple—YES!
If your organisation depends on people, trust, and reputation, real imagery still matters. In fact, it may matter more than ever.
Here’s why….
1) People trust what feels real
When someone lands on your website or sees your campaign, they’re not only reading the words.
They’re asking one quiet question:
“Is this real?”
Real headshots and portraits answer that instantly. They show you’re proud of your team, and you’re willing to be seen.
AI portraits—even when well made—can create a subtle feeling of doubt. People might not know why something feels “off,” but they feel it. And that small doubt can affect decisions.
Trust matters in:
recruitment
enrolment
donations
partnerships
customer confidence
employee pride
long-term sales
Real portraits help people believe you.
2) Real imagery shows accountability
Using real portraits sends a clear message:
“We’re proud of the people behind our work.”
“We stand behind what we do.”
“We’re part of a real community.”
That’s especially important in sectors where reputation matters most—education, health, finance, public service, charities, and government-adjacent organisations.
AI imagery can unintentionally suggest the opposite, even when that’s not the intent.
3) Real portraits communicate culture quickly
A good portrait does more than show what someone looks like.
It communicates:
warmth
confidence
approachability
inclusivity
professionalism with personality
For schools and universities, portraits also help students and families feel:
“I can picture myself here.”
“This feels welcoming.”
“People like me belong here.”
AI-generated images can’t truly reflect a real environment—because they aren’t showing the people who actually make that place what it is.
4) AI-images can create brand risk
This is the part many organisations don’t consider.
Even if AI images are used with good intentions, they can raise questions like:
“Why didn’t they show real staff or real students?”
“Are these people even real?”
“What else are they making up?”
That kind of doubt spreads fast.
And once people start questioning authenticity, it’s hard to rebuild trust—especially for organisations whose role depends on credibility.
5) Real imagery supports recruitment and enrolment
People don’t only choose a job or a program based on salary or curriculum.
They’re choosing the environment.
Real photos help answer:
Who works here?
What does this place feel like?
Is this a modern organisation?
Will I feel comfortable here?
AI portraits may look perfect—but perfection can backfire. The more “too clean” it feels, the less believable it becomes.
6) Portraits build internal pride
Professional headshots are also for the people already inside the organisation.
Real portraits help employees and staff feel:
recognised
valued
included
respected
They also help teams connect faster—especially in remote and hybrid workplaces where face-to-face interaction is limited.
AI imagery doesn’t build culture that way. And in some cases, it can feel like a replacement for the people doing the real work.
7) Where AI can still be useful
This isn’t an anti-AI argument.
AI can be helpful in many places, such as:
abstract background visuals
concept illustrations
mood graphics
internal mockups
non-human scenes
ideation
post-production
But when the subject is people—leadership, staff, faculty, students, and alumni—real portraits almost always communicate trust and authenticity more clearly.
A simple rule of thumb
If your goal is trust, credibility, recruitment, pride, and connection → use real portraits.
If your goal is decorative or abstract concept visuals → AI can be fine.
Final thought
If your organisation is built on people, your photography should show real people—clearly, proudly, and with care.
That’s how trust grows. And trust is still the most valuable thing an organisation can earn.
Cheers, Dwayne Brown