Why AI Images Give Me The Ick: Because Your Real Presence Is Power.

I Have a Confession to Make

I hate it when I see women — powerful women — using AI images for their personal branding.

It gives me the total ick.

I’ve sat with this feeling for a while because I wondered if it was hypocritical to say it. I use AI in my business. It helps with structure, systems, ideas, copy and all the ways technology is making life easier for female entrepreneurs.

But when it comes to images, I draw the line.

Yes, I’m a personal branding photographer, so of course it affects my industry. But it’s not just that.

It’s about integrity.

And how AI imagery dilutes personal power.

Why AI Personal Branding Images Don’t Land

I’ve researched it. I’ve experimented with it. I’ve even tried generating images for myself.

And there’s just something about them that doesn’t land.

Now, I know the argument.

A personal branding photoshoot isn’t “real life” either.

You choose a location that suits the brand.
You style wardrobe.
You wear makeup.
Your hair is done.
You’re guided into poses you might not naturally sit in.

Yes — there’s art direction.

But it’s still you.

Photography Enhances. AI Replaces.

I think of a personal branding photoshoot like putting on makeup.

You’re taking what already exists and bringing out the best in it.

AI imagery, on the other hand, feels like putting on a mask.

Something shuts down.

The spark disappears.
The light in the eyes is gone.
The essence of who someone actually is just isn’t there.

And you can feel it.

Authenticity Builds Trust

Even my own photography philosophy has changed over time.

Early on, I was very focused on smoothing skin, perfecting every detail and making sure women looked completely flawless.

But I’ve pulled that right back.

Because personal branding is built on trust.

If you present yourself online and then meet someone in real life, they should recognise you immediately.

They shouldn’t think:

“Oh… I didn’t recognise you.”

“You don’t look like your photos.”

Unfortunately, that’s exactly the risk with AI imagery.

The Integrity Problem

And I genuinely don’t understand it.

Aren’t we meant to be building brands around confidence, self-acceptance and authenticity?

Accepting (and celebrating) who we are?

Leading with integrity?

Because AI images blur that line.

Of course AI will help businesses in many ways. It already does.

But when it comes to replacing your real presence with AI-generated imagery in a personal brand, I personally don’t think it’s a good idea.

Why Real Presence Will Become More Valuable

Yes, I understand the appeal.

AI lets you create a fantasy version of yourself — something you might not have the budget, resources or production team to achieve in real life.

But as AI becomes more widespread, I actually believe something else will happen.

Humanity will become more valuable.

The rawness of real images will become more powerful.

The presence of a real person will matter more than ever.

And there will be power in imperfection.

The Way I Work With Personal Branding

I’m a natural light photographer. I focus on getting things right in camera.

Beautiful light.
Colours that suit someone’s palette.
Clothing that flatters their shape.
Positions that help them feel confident rather than awkward.

Yes, I’m bringing out the best in someone.

But in a way they can actually live and embody — not something they have to pretend to be.

The Real Power of Personal Branding

I even considered creating an AI photography service myself. I wondered whether I should learn it and offer it to clients.

But when I tried it, it just felt wrong.

And when I see women in leadership — women I respect — using AI imagery for their brand, something about it breaks the integrity for me.

Because I’ve seen them show up on lives.
On Zoom.
In their real work.

I know what they actually look like.

And when their brand suddenly presents a polished AI avatar, the disconnect is impossible to ignore.

If your brand is built on authenticity, why would you replace the very thing that makes you powerful?

You.

Maybe AI imagery will evolve in ways we can’t imagine yet.
But for now, when it comes to personal branding,

I’ll choose the camera over the avatar every time.