Are we growing into lazy photographers because of AI?

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The use of AI provides the ability to create almost life-like images. It has nothing to do with photography. However, AI can also be used to remove unwanted parts of an image. Is this feature making us lazy, less careful when taking pictures? After all, we can easily fix it in post.

It's not really artificial intelligence, far from it. It is only computational power and smart algorithms that can create something based on a learning process by reading many real images. These images are images that we have placed online, shared on social media, and can be found in many other places.

Obtaining the source of these AI learning routines is subject to a lot of copyright and ownership protests. Many people object to using their images for learning purposes, but at the same time, they eagerly use AI-generated content to remove unwanted objects or create fully AI-generated images. .

I don't want to dive down the rabbit hole of AI-generated images. But using AI generative tools to repair images in many different ways has become the norm. I only have experience with the AI ​​generative fill that comes with Photoshop, and more recently Lightroom. But other software manufacturers probably have their own versions or will introduce these options soon.

AI creative content is not always needed

AI generating tools are easy to use and the results are often quite good. Although the new material that is created is not reality, it is often indistinguishable. It is tempting to use it every time because the results look great. On the other hand, it's not always necessary to use AI generated content. After all, we were able to remove minor annoyances before AI was available.

It may be wise to use AI-generated content sparingly for small repairs. Not only because the photo will get a tag on social media saying it was AI-generated, but also because of the costs involved in using AI-generated content. Adobe has already announced a points system for using it, and although it's already caused a lot of angry backlash, I predict it will become the standard for every AI-content provider. .

There is another way to prevent the use of AI-generated content. I observe the way many participants work in my workshops. Some of them are becoming less accurate in building their structure. Yes, they will look for a subject as they have to, they will choose the best possible place in the frame, but they will often ignore any disturbances in the frame or even the distance between elements and borders in the frame. Neglect to remove. of the frame.

If you identify any of these issues in the field, they often refer to post-processing workflows and mention how they use AI-generated content to overcome the issues. will What's frustrating about this is how easily these little problems can be avoided in the first place. Just a small change in position, perspective, or focal length may be enough. These photographers are probably slowing down because AI can fix everything.

Circumstances when AI-generated content can be avoided.

I have a couple of examples that I have come across in the past few months. However, I must point out that the images I used as examples are taken from my archives.

Unwanted elements at the edge of the frame

The most common problem with framing is unwanted elements sticking into the frame. While this cannot be avoided every time, it can be easily done on most occasions. Always check the edges of the frame for these unwanted objects and change your position, perspective and focal length. This way you don't need to use any kind of removal tools, let alone AI generating content.

An element that is blocking the scene.

If you are faced with a situation where something small gets in the way, try to find a solution. Often a step to the left or right can be enough. In other cases, it is possible to get close. There may be situations where disturbing elements can be incorporated into the composition and used to your advantage.

People in the frame

You often see examples of AI-generated content with public spaces where all people are removed. If this is desired, it may be possible to wait a few minutes until people are out of frame. You can even ask people to wait a second before walking through the frame. However, if this is not possible, it is probably best to keep these people in the frame. After all, the truth is the same.

Framing is very tight.

A common problem in construction is tight framing. If it works, that's fine. However, if you need to correct for a tilted horizon, you may run into trouble if the framing is too tight. This can be corrected with AI generated content, but it's much easier to not make the framing so rigid in the first place.

This also applies to false framing. Converting from vertical orientation to horizontal image by adding AI generated content avoids taking different images in different compositions and orientations. You can cut later.

Small items that don't require AI generative content.

Many unwanted items are often small in size. These sensors can be dust spots or small objects that attract negative attention. These smaller items often don't require AI-generated content. A simple cloning brush will suffice for best results.

AI-generated content can be helpful.

Although I try to avoid using AI generated content, it can be helpful at times. I enjoy the possibilities it offers, but only if other options fail.

What do you think about using AI generated content? Do you believe we are in danger of becoming lazy photographers? Let me know in the comments below.

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