Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is revolutionizing the world of photography in ways that were once unimaginable. From editing software to image recognition, AI is rapidly revamping how we approach and create images. As a result, it’s now possible to take stunning photographs with minimal effort and transform even the most mundane into works of art. In this article, we’ll explore the ways that AI is changing how  photographers work and create.

What is artificial intelligence? 

AI is a fancy term for computers and machines that can perform tasks that usually require human intelligence. It’s like giving a computer a brain so that it can think and learn on its own.

Think of it as a robot assistant that can process information and make decisions just like we do (or even better!). AI can do things like recognize speech, interpret images, and even drive a car! It’s used in a wide range of applications, from virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa to complex systems like self-driving cars and medical diagnostic tools.

One of the most incredible things about AI is that it can continue to learn and improve over time, allowing it to function with increasing accuracy and efficiency. Thus, it’s transforming how we live and work—and it will only become more significant in the future.

How AI is shaping modern photography

Here are some of the best ways AI is influencing modern photography today:

1. 3D reconstruction

AI’s growing impact on 3D photography is undeniable. This field involves creating three-dimensional models of physical objects and environments using a 3D Camera and computer software. Here, AI is being leveraged to automate the process of 3D reconstruction, making it faster and more accurate than ever before. 

2. Image enhancement

Machine learning algorithms can go a long way in enhancing the quality of photos. 

For instance, AI can adjust exposure, contrast, color balance, and other aspects of an image to make it look more professional and visually appealing. Even novice photographers can create high-quality pictures with just a few clicks.

Photographers can now use AI to create a mask for the sky in Photoshop.

3. Object detection

Another way AI is making a difference in photography is through object detection. Object detection algorithms can recognize objects in an image. This makes it easier for photographers to tag and organize pictures. For professionals who take large numbers of photos and need to sort them quickly, this advantage can be a godsend. 

4. Automated editing

AI also has the capability to enable automated editing. This greatly saves time, allowing photographers to focus on capturing great images instead of getting bogged down by mechanical edits. 

By means of AI algorithms, it is now possible to easily adjust and optimize photos for different use cases, such as social media, websites, or print. These refining algorithms can identify key features of an image and then apply adjustments such as cropping, color correction, and sharpening. 

5. Image classification

AI-powered image classification is yet another valuable add-on from machine learning technology. Photos can now be better analyzed and classified based on their content, such as landscapes, people, animals, or architecture. This process enhances the searchability of images, making it easier for photographers to find and use the photos they need as soon as they require them. 

6. Personalization

AI is making photography more personalized and accessible to all kinds of users. For instance, AI can be used for color grading and composition assistance. With AI-powered tools, photographers can experiment with new techniques and styles to create more interesting and compelling photos. Some AI capabilities can suggest cropping options to produce more visually captivating images. Others can simulate the look of different film stocks or camera lenses, allowing fearless experimentation with different styles and effects. 

Photo editing is also much easier with AI’s ability to quickly identify elements within each image. This allows photographers to fine-tune details with precision far beyond what was possible before. All these features combine to make photography highly personalized; you can easily tailor each shot according to your own style and vision. 

Many image editing and photo management software and apps like Mylio Photos now come with facial recognition technology.

7. Facial recognition

Facial recognition is a powerful AI capability that makes capturing and categorizing pictures easier. With this high-tech feature, AI algorithms can identify and tag people in photos. This makes it a cinch to search for specific images. AI can even help photographers create custom photo albums based on specific individuals.

8. Creative assistance

Finally, AI is being used to boost creativity. With AI-powered tools, photographers can experiment with new techniques, compositions, and styles to create more interesting and compelling photos. For example, some AI capabilities can suggest new compositions or cropping options to create more visually captivating images. Others can simulate the look of different film stocks or camera lenses, allowing fearless experimentation with different styles and effects.

Adobe and other companies feel pressure from industry and stockholders to embrace generative AI.
The company said it is focused on doing it in a way that benefits creative professionals.
Screenshot from Adobe’s keynote address at the 2022 Adobe MAX Conference.

Wrapping up

Overall, AI is changing the direction of photography. More than ever before, photographers, whether professional or dabblers, can create stunning images with artificial intelligence. At the same time, they can also deliver more personalized depictions and have the freedom to explore their creativity. As AI technology becomes more and more sophisticated, expect to see even more exciting and mind-boggling developments in the years to come.

Editor’s note: We welcome this guest post from Kat Sarmiento. Kat is a Molecular Biology Scientist turned Growth Marketing Scientist. She’s the current Operations Director at Galactic Fed. During her free time, she loves to write articles that will bring delight, empower women, and spark the business mind. She loves to bake but unfortunately, baking doesn’t love her back. She has many things in her arsenal and writing is one of her passion projects.