If you’ve explored our Photo Studio, you've probably seen our collection of 18 free virtual models, readily available in the image gallery. These photorealistic models were generated entirely using our Create Image Tool—no physical shoot required.
We understand that virtual models aren't for everyone. Many seasoned creatives cherish the traditional photography process—setting up lighting, working with professional models, and collaborating on-set. There’s a deep sense of community and craftsmanship that comes from physical fashion shoots, built over decades of experience and human connection.
However, not everyone has a vast network or the capital required to support this traditional pipeline.
Fashion photography is expensive—very expensive. A typical editorial shoot can range anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000+ for a small fashion brand, depending on the scale, talent, and production needs.
Here's a breakdown of standard fashion shoot costs:
Source: Siobhan Beasley Photography
Large brands are pouring billions annually into visual content. But that landscape is changing rapidly. Generative AI is now offering a dramatically cheaper, faster, and more scalable alternative.
Retail giant Zalando announced it expects to reduce 90% of content creation costs using AI-generated models and imagery.
Source: Reuters, May 2025
According to McKinsey, generative AI in the fashion industry could drive up to $275 billion in new profits over the next few years, primarily through automation and cost-cutting.
Source: McKinsey & Company
The message is clear: major disruption is already underway.
Recently, I presented our generative tool to over 100 professionals in a traditionally conservative and affluent country (not The Netherlands, where I’m based). Midway through, someone asked:
“How would you feel if someone used AI to replace your job?”
It’s a valid, emotional question—and one I deeply respect. I’ve experienced similar shifts in my own career, like the arrival of smartphones and SaaS platforms that disrupted film production.
The only advice I can give is this: start learning about AI now, before it becomes a mandatory part of your workflow. It's not about being replaced by AI—it's about being replaced by someone who uses AI better than you.
Technological leaps often feel threatening—until they become standard. The history of innovation—from electricity and the automobile to the internet and smartphones—shows us that faster, cheaper, and ultimately better wins.
Now, AI in content creation is taking its place on that list. Whether we embrace it or resist it, the shift is already happening.
Virtual models are not just a trend—they’re a powerful tool for democratizing creative content. For startups, solo creators, and even established agencies, the ability to create professional-quality visuals without the cost and complexity of physical shoots is game-changing.
Explore our Photo Studio, test out our Create Image Tool, and see how easy it is to adapt. Because in the era of AI, the most successful creatives won’t be the ones with the biggest budget—but the ones who learn to build with the tools of the future.
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