AI in Retouching: Convenience, Quality, and the Future of Photography
AI in photography—sounds like the future, right? Well, it’s here, and it’s not just sci-fi magic anymore. AI-powered retouching tools are transforming the photography industry, and if you're a client (whether you’re a real estate agent, a business owner, or a designer), you’re probably wondering: Should I care? Is this technology a shortcut to perfection, or does it risk turning your photos into something that’s too… well, perfect?
Let’s break it down, shall we?
What Is AI Retouching, and Why Does It Matter to You?
If you’ve heard the term AI retouching and thought it was something only photographers cared about, think again. AI in retouching is all about speeding up the process of getting your photos just right. It can fix things like skin imperfections, adjust lighting, and remove distractions from your photos—all in a fraction of the time it would take a human to do it manually. Less time editing = quicker turnaround for your photos. And who doesn’t want that?
Now, let’s be clear: AI is not taking over the world (yet). It’s simply a tool that helps photographers deliver high-quality, polished images more efficiently. But it’s still the photographer’s creative touch that turns a good image into a great one. Think of it like a high-tech assistant that does the grunt work - without replacing the photographer’s expertise.
An example of a portrait retouched both with traditional tools and AI. AI was used to replace his neck, while basic shaping and airbrushing were used everywhere else.
Can AI-Edited Photos Really Be High-Quality?
Here’s the burning question: Can AI really produce high-quality images that feel authentic?
Well, yes and no. AI is fantastic at handling the basics—like skin smoothing, lighting adjustments, and removing distracting elements. It does this quickly and efficiently, which is a big win when you need polished images in a pinch.
But when it comes to the more nuanced touches—the small details that a photographer often fine-tunes to get just right—that’s where AI can struggle. It’s excellent for polishing up your image, but sometimes it doesn’t quite capture the natural flow or subtle texture that a skilled photographer adds by hand.
AI can’t replace the attention to detail or the creative decisions that a professional photographer makes when working on your images. While it’s great for quick edits, if you want photos that feel authentic and true to the scene, you still need a human touch. After all, AI can’t replicate the careful judgment that a photographer uses to ensure each shot represents the vision behind it.
An example of a conference audience photo edited with AI. The distracting elements and disinterested person were quickly and easily fixed to make a usable photo.
Due to a timing issue, we were forced to move out of the sun and into a nook on the shady side of this building. The multiple plumbing, electrical, and other equipment made heavy AI-assisted retouching essential to creating a usable photo.