How AI is Changing the Way We Edit Photos

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has dramatically transformed how photographers approach image editing, offering tools that enhance creativity, streamline workflows, and save time. AI is not just about automation—it’s about enhancing artistic vision and providing photographers with new ways to refine their work.

AI in Editing: Efficiency and Precision

AI tools can now tackle tedious editing tasks, such as object removal and skin retouching, with unprecedented accuracy and speed. For instance, Adobe’s integration of Generative Fill in Photoshop has made removing objects, retouching skin, and altering backgrounds easier than ever before​.

Similarly, AI-driven tools allow photographers to upscale image resolution, restore old photos, and even correct colour imbalances automatically​

These advances free up time for more creative tasks, like colour grading and artistic manipulation, which photographers traditionally handle manually.

AI in Culling: Smart Organization and Selection

AI’s impact extends beyond editing into the realm of photo culling—an often time-consuming process where photographers sort through thousands of images to select the best ones. Using AI, photographers can now rely on image recognition algorithms to sort, tag, and recommend the best photos based on content analysis​.

This not only speeds up the workflow but ensures that photographers spend more time focusing on their creative vision rather than sifting through images.

Balancing Automation and Creativity

While AI is making many aspects of photo editing easier, it’s important to preserve the photographer’s unique style. The challenge lies in finding the balance between using AI for technical tasks and maintaining a personal, artistic touch. Some experts worry that over-reliance on AI might dilute a photographer’s individual voice, but personalised AI assistants are emerging that adapt to each photographer’s style, providing tailored suggestions and enhancements​.

At the end of the day, AI is simply a tool, and its impact depends on how we choose to use it. While AI can automate time-consuming tasks and enhance workflows, the creative decisions remain in our hands. It's about finding the right balance between technology and personal expression, ensuring that AI serves as a supportive aid rather than a replacement for artistic vision​.