The use of AI offers the ability to create almost lifelike images. This has nothing to do with photography. However, AI can also be used for removing unwanted parts of a photo. Is this feature making us lazy, taking less care while photographing? After all, we can easily fix it in post.

It’s not really artificial intelligence, far from that. It’s just computational power and smart algorithms that can create something based on a learning process by reading a lot of real images. These images are the photos we have placed online, shared on social media, and can be found in many other locations.

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

I don’t want to dive into that rabbit hole of AI-generated images. But it has become normal to use AI generative tools for repairing photos in lots of different ways. I only have experience with the AI generative fill that comes with Photoshop, and recently Lightroom. But other software manufacturers probably have their own versions or will introduce these options soon.

AI Generative Content Is Not Always Needed

AI generative tools are easy to use and the results are often quite good. Although the new content that is generated is not the reality, in most occasions it’s indistinguishable. It’s tempting to use it every time because the results look so good. On the other hand, it’s not always necessary to make use of AI generative content. After all, we were able to remove small distracting items before AI was available as well.

It might be wise to use AI-generated content for small repairs sparingly. Not only because the photo will get a tag on social media saying it’s AI-generated, but also because of the upcoming costs involved with the use of AI-generated content. Adobe already announced a system of points for using it, and although this already led to a lot of angry reactions, I predict this will become the standard for every AI-content provider.

There is another way of preventing the use of AI-generated content. I’ve been looking at the way a lot of participants in my workshops work. Some of them are becoming less accurate in building up their composition. Yes, they will search for a subject as they are supposed to do, they will choose the best possible location in the frame, but they often neglect to address any disturbances in the frame or even the spacing between the elements in the frame and the borders of the frame.

If you point out any of these issues in the field, they often refer to the post-processing workflow and mention how they will make use of AI generative content to remove the issues. What’s frustrating about it is how easily these small issues could be avoided in the first place. Just a small change in position, perspective, or focal length can be enough. These photographers are perhaps growing lazy because AI can fix everything.

Situations When AI Generative Content Can Be Avoided

I have a couple of examples that I have encountered in the last few months. However, I must mention that the photos I used to illustrate the example are taken from my archives.

Unwanted Elements at the Edge of the Frame

The most common issue with framing is unwanted elements that stick into the frame. Although it can’t be avoided every time, in most occasions it can be done easily. Always check the edges of the frame for these unwanted items and change your position, perspective, and focal length. This way you don’t need to use any kind of removal tools, let alone AI generative content.

An Element That Is Blocking the View

If you run into a situation where something small gets in the way, try to find a solution for that. Often a step to the left or right can be enough; in other situations, it’s possible to step closer. There might be a situation when the disturbing elements can be used to your advantage by incorporating them in the composition.

People In the Frame

You often see examples of AI-generated content with public places where all people are removed. If that is the wish, perhaps it’s possible to wait a few minutes until the people are out of the frame. You can even ask people to wait a second before walking through the frame. However, if that’s not possible, it’s perhaps better to have these people in the frame. After all, that’s how reality is.

The Framing Is Too Tight

A common problem in composition is tight framing. If it works, it’s okay. However, if you need to correct for a tilted horizon, you might get into problems if the framing is too tight. This can be corrected with AI generative content, but it’s much easier to make the framing not that tight in the first place.

This also applies to the wrong framing. Changing a photo from a vertical orientation into a horizontal one by adding AI generative content can be avoided by taking different photos in a range of compositions and orientations. You can crop afterward.

Small Items That Don’t Need AI Generative Content

Many unwanted items are often small in size. This can be a sensor dust spot or small objects that attract negative attention. These small items often don’t need AI generative content. A simple cloning brush will suffice with excellent results.

AI Generated Content Can Be Helpful

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

What do you think about the use of AI generative content? Do you believe there is a risk we will grow into lazy photographers? Let me know in the comments below.