Why AI-Generated Images Feel More Authentic for Me Than Traditional Photos

When you run a personal or professional website, you’ll often hear the same advice:

“People like to see a real face.” And I get it — faces create connection.

But for me, showing up online with traditional photography has always felt more like a drain than a gift. So I’ve chosen a different path: using AI-generated images of myself.

And here’s why that feels not only practical, but actually more authentic for me.

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1. I’d rather invest my money elsewhere (for now)

Professional photo shoots are important, beautiful work — and the skill of a good photographer absolutely deserves recognition and fair pay. Right now, though, my priorities lie elsewhere. I choose to direct my budget toward projects, tools, and experiences that feel more urgent for me at this stage of my journey.

2. Time is precious

A photo shoot doesn’t just take an afternoon. There’s research, planning, booking, getting ready, traveling… all of which takes time I’d rather spend on what truly matters to me — my work, my creativity, my connections.

3. My energy has limits

Energy is my most precious resource. For someone like me, whose capacity has natural limits, a day of posing in front of a camera can mean days of recovery afterwards. Choosing AI images allows me to show up visually without draining myself.

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The balance between what people want and what I need

I know many people feel more connected when they can put a face to a name. That’s why, on my Soulsearch Coaching website, I use illustrations — a way to give people a visual while staying true to my capacity.

For leylastuber.com, I wanted to go a step further. With AI-generated images, I can offer realistic portraits that actually look like me, while still avoiding the time, cost, and energy of a traditional shoot.

My ongoing relationship with AI tools

I’ve integrated AI into many areas of my creative process — from images to brainstorming to writing. If you’d like to read more about how AI supports my creativity,

I’ve written about it here: Creativity with AI – Why I Can’t Imagine Working Without It.

Staying true to myself - authenticity through AI

For me, authenticity isn’t about doing what’s “normal” or what’s expected — it’s about making choices that work for my values, resources, and wellbeing.

Using AI-generated portraits means I can share my face with the world without compromising my time, energy, or priorities.

It is a way for me to unmask, even if it sounds like a contradiction at first.

In that way, it feels like the most authentic choice I could make.