The Perfection of Imperfection: Why Real Portraiture Matters More Than AI
/Scroll through LinkedIn or Instagram and you’ll see them—faces that look flawless, polished, and almost too similar. AI tools and heavy filters can smooth away every wrinkle, balance every angle, and brighten every smile. But here’s the catch: the more “perfect” these images become, the less memorable they are.
“As humans, we’re instinctively drawn to imperfection. It’s what makes us real—and it’s what makes us unforgettable.”
© Dwayne Brown / David Wylie
Why Imperfection Stands Out
The people who stick in your mind aren’t remembered for symmetry. It’s the small quirks—the laugh lines, the scar, the crinkle at the corner of the eyes—that stay with you.
Psychologists and artists have long known this: our brains are wired to notice difference. When everyone looks the same, no one stands out. That’s why heavily filtered or AI portraits often fade quickly—they lack the spark of individuality.
Wabi-Sabi: Beauty in the Real and Unpolished
In Japanese culture, wabi-sabi reflects the beauty of imperfection. A handmade bowl with uneven edges is far more compelling than one stamped from a mould. Portraiture works the same way.
A real photograph, complete with quirks and subtleties, carries presence and honesty. It tells a story no filter can replicate.
Why Real Portraiture Lasts
A headshot isn’t just for today’s profile—it’s a marker of presence and connection. When portraits reflect real character, they hold attention and build trust.
Perfection might be appealing in the short term, but imperfection is what makes us human. It’s what makes us memorable. And it’s why real portraiture will always matter more than AI or filters.
