2.6: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Photography
- Page ID
- 259769
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)2.6.1 AI-Enhanced Editing and Post-Processing
"Photo editing, all day long." by wwward0 is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Alt Text: two computers with photos being edited digitally.
AI-driven tools have revolutionized editing and post-processing in photography, fundamentally transforming how photographers work. Platforms like Adobe use AI to expedite complex editing tasks that previously consumed hours of manual effort. Adobe's Sensei, for example, leverages AI to automate tasks like object selection and background removal, enabling photographers to achieve precise edits with minimal input. This integration also facilitates adaptive filters and effects tailored to specific styles or project requirements, ensuring efficiency and consistency in the final outputs. Facial recognition technology, integrated with AI, allows for more nuanced and sophisticated editing of portraits, detecting facial features to make targeted adjustments that enhance the subject's appearance without compromising the original image.
AI technology in photography editing also excels in color correction and grading, tasks essential for achieving the desired mood and tone. By analyzing an image's color composition, AI can suggest or apply corrections that enhance color harmony and visual impact. This process, which once required a deep understanding of color theory and extensive manual adjustments, is now streamlined through AI, making high-quality color grading accessible to photographers of all skill levels. Additionally, adaptive filters powered by AI analyze the content of an image and apply adjustments to enhance its visual appeal, ensuring that edits are both stylistically appropriate and consistent across a series of images.
Beyond individual editing tasks, AI-driven tools significantly enhance overall workflow efficiency in photography post-processing. Features like batch processing allow photographers to apply the same set of edits to multiple images simultaneously, a process that is significantly accelerated by AI. Moreover, AI assists in organizing and managing large libraries of images by automatically tagging and categorizing photos based on their content. This reduces the time spent on administrative tasks and allows photographers to dedicate more time to creative endeavors. As AI technology continues to advance, it promises to bring even more innovative applications that will push the boundaries of what is possible in photography editing and post-processing
2.6.2 Autofocus and Tracking Innovations
AI has significantly boosted autofocus (AF) and tracking systems, which are indispensable in modern commercial photography. Contemporary cameras now utilize intelligent algorithms to identify subjects within a frame and predict their movement, a capability that is crucial for capturing sharp images in dynamic scenarios. These advanced AF systems can recognize and lock onto various types of subjects, from fast-moving athletes to wildlife in motion, ensuring that each shot is in precise focus.
One notable application of AI in autofocus is eye-tracking technology. The latest cameras feature AI-powered eye-tracking autofocus that ensures a subject's eye remains in focus, even if they are moving. This is particularly beneficial in portrait photography, where the eyes are a critical focal point. By continuously adjusting the focus to track the subject's eyes, photographers can achieve sharp, expressive portraits without needing to manually adjust the focus point. This technology enhances the quality of the images and allows photographers to concentrate more on composition and creative aspects rather than technical adjustments.
AI-driven advancements in autofocus and tracking systems also contribute to improved shooting efficiency and higher success rates in capturing desired shots. By predicting the movement of subjects, these systems can adjust focus rapidly and accurately, reducing the likelihood of missed opportunities. This is especially valuable in commercial settings, such as sports, events, and wildlife photography, where subjects are often in constant motion. As AI technology continues to evolve, it is expected to bring even more sophisticated and reliable autofocus capabilities, further enhancing the capabilities of photographers in capturing high-quality images under challenging conditions.
Attributions:
(Adapted from: PRO EDU. (n.d.). The Future of Commercial Photography: Navigating Emerging Trends and Decade Projections. Retrieved from https://proedu.com/blogs/news/the-future-of-commercial-photography-navigating-emerging-trends-and-decade-projections)
The content above was assisted by ChatGPT in outlining and organizing information. The final material was curated, edited, authored, and arranged through human creativity, originality, and subject expertise of Gabrielle Brixey, MBA MAC and is therefore under the CC BY NC SA license when applicable. To see resources on AI and copyright please see the United States Copyright Office 2023 Statement and the following case study on using AI assistance but curating and creating with human originality and creativity.