Preserving the raw authenticity of AI-generated portraits requires restraint in post-processing

While AI tools can produce stunning results with minimal input, it’s easy to fall into the trap of making too many adjustments in pursuit of perfection

The key is to recognize when the portrait has reached its optimal state rather than continuously tweaking it

Before touching a single slider, define what you want the portrait to express

Consider the soul behind the eyes—not just the pixels

Without a clear goal, every tweak becomes noise rather than enhancement

Don’t erase every blemish, wrinkle, or shadow—they hold character

Real faces carry whispers of life in freckles, asymmetries, and soft shadows

Excessive smoothing turns faces into wax figures

Allow the AI’s original output to shine by limiting your edits to broad adjustments like contrast, color balance, and cropping

When in doubt, walk away—distance reveals what obsession hides

New perspective exposes overdone work

Place the two images next to each other—honestly, not defensively

If the original feels more alive or emotionally resonant, it’s probably the better choice

Trust your instincts over technical perfection

Stacking tools multiplies errors and muddles the outcome

Layering equals losing

Stick to one reliable editing platform and use Check it out sparingly

Distance reveals what closeness hides

A stranger’s first glance is often the most accurate

A portrait should reflect identity, not illusion

The machine generates; you interpret