AI Photography vs Real Photoshoots: A Conversation About What Still Matters

Jan 2

Over Christmas, while recovering from the nasty flu that swept through Calgary, I found myself scrolling social media and noticed a trend popping up everywhere: AI-generated Christmas portraits.

They were beautiful. Truly. Perfect lighting, styled outfits, pink sparkly, dreamy backdrops.

And I could tell…instantly…that they were AI.

What surprised me wasn’t the trend itself. Trends are fun, and I completely understand why people jump on them. What surprised me was who I saw using them. Influencers. Personal brands. Even a few photographers.

I’ll be honest… I paused.

Not in a judgmental way. More in a curious, “huh… that’s interesting” way.

First, Let Me Say This: I Use AI Too

Before we go any further, I want to be really clear about something.

I use AI all the time.

I use it to:

Help me write and organize my thoughts
Plan content and projects
Brainstorm ideas
Speed up my workflow
Assist with photo editing

AI is an incredible tool. I’m not anti-AI, and I don’t think it’s the enemy.

But tools are meant to support the work, not replace the heart of it.

And that’s where these AI portraits made me stop and think… especially as a portrait photographer.

Why Those Images Felt Off (Even Though They Were Gorgeous)

The images themselves were stunning. There’s no denying that.

But they didn’t feel real.

Not bad. Not wrong.

Just… slightly hollow.

After photographing hundreds of women over the years, you start to notice the little things:

The tiny shifts in expression
The softness behind a confident smile
The way warmth shows up in the eyes
The small imperfections that make a woman uniquely beautiful

Those details are subtle, and they’re hard to fake.

AI portraits tend to smooth away the very things that make someone feel human. The result is a version of a person that looks perfect, but doesn’t quite feel like them.

The Difference Between an Image and a Presence

Here’s the part that matters most to me.

AI creates images.
A real photoshoot creates presence.

Presence is the thing people feel before they can explain it. It’s what makes someone seem trustworthy, approachable, and believable.

That comes from:

Real body language
Natural expressions
Confidence that’s grown, not generated

You can’t upload that into an app.

What Happens During a Real Photoshoot (That No One Talks About)

One of the biggest misconceptions about photography is that the magic happens after the session.

In reality, so much of it happens during the session.

I’ve watched women walk into sessions nervous, uncomfortable, and convinced they’re “not photogenic.”

And then something shifts.

Between the gorgeous makeover, the girl conversations, the gentle guidance and encouragement, they begin to relax. Shoulders drop. Smiles soften. Confidence grows, and it’s real.

AI can’t create that experience.
And it can’t replicate the result.

So Where Do I Land on AI Photography?

I see AI as a powerful assistant.

I don’t see it as a replacement for human connection.

I’ll happily use AI to help me think, plan, and edit more efficiently.

But when it comes to personal branding, trust, and credibility?

People don’t connect with perfection. They connect with people.

Looking Ahead

I’m currently still on sabbatical, so studio sessions aren’t available just yet. But while I’m resting, I’m also thinking, dreaming, and quietly planning for what’s next.

Right now, I’m tentatively planning to reopen for studio headshots and personal branding photoshoots in late 2026 or early 2027.

When I do, my focus will be simple:

To offer a confidence-building experience, and to capture your true beauty and authentic self.

In a world moving faster and faster toward artificial perfection, being real still matters. Especially if you’re trying to build connection and trust with your clients.

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