The Day I Realized I’d Been Fired by an Algorithm (A Headshot Photographer’s Confession, November 2025)
My Google Calendar still says “Headshot sessions – fully booked through February.”
It’s lying.
In reality, I’ve shot exactly three paid headshots since August.
All three clients were over 65 and wanted “the real thing” for their retirement announcements.
Everyone else cancelled or ghosted.
Here’s what actually killed my business, in order.
January 2025
Still fine. Maybe 15 % of inquiries mentioned AI, but they all booked anyway “because human connection.”
April 2025
First red flag. A law firm that used to book 40 executives every year switched to AI for 38 of them. They kept me for the two senior partners “who don’t trust the tech.” Paid my full rate for two people instead of 40.
July 2025
The tools crossed the line I didn’t think was possible. A repeat client sent me a “before and after”: his old $1,100 session with me vs. his new $42 AI batch.
I opened both folders side-by-side and felt physically sick.
His AI shots were cleaner, more consistent, and (this hurts to type) better lit than anything I ever delivered him.
September 2025
I started secretly using AI to create mockups for clients before the shoot. Saved me hours of setup. Then one day I showed a client the AI version and asked, “Want this style?”
He said: “Perfect. Can you just send me 50 more like that?”
I quoted my normal rate.
He laughed and said he’d do it himself for $49.
That was the last session I booked.
Current state of my business
Website still up (ego)
Lights sold on eBay last week
Using the same AI tools my ex-clients use to keep my own portfolio current
Teaching lighting workshops on weekends because at least people still pay to learn theory
What the algorithm does better than I ever did
Never has an off day with light setup
Never forgets to mirror-lock or clean the sensor
Never charges extra for “additional looks”
Never makes you stand around for 20 minutes while I tweak a hair light
Delivers 180 keepers, not 6
The one thing it still can’t do
Create the memory of a fun morning in the studio with coffee and bad jokes.
That’s literally it.
Everything else is gone amazing AI headshot site
So if you’re reading this and you’re a headshot photographer still charging 2023 prices: update your own portrait with AI tonight.
Because your clients already did.
And they’re not coming back.
Posted by Waivio guest: @waivio_marina-ordynat