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.

Summer creates opportunities for striking images. Here are six great ideas and techniques to help you make the most of the season. 

Coming to you from Christian Möhrle – The Phlog Photography, this insightful video explores a range of summer photo ideas. Astrophotography during the summer offers an exciting challenge. From April to September, the Milky Way is visible in the Northern Hemisphere, with the best viewing opportunities in June, July, and August. Clear skies and low light pollution are essential for capturing the Milky Way. Shooting during a new moon and between midnight and 5 a.m. provides the best results. A wide angle lens (16-24 mm) with a large aperture (f/2.8) is ideal for these shots. Use the 500 rule to determine the maximum shutter speed to avoid star trails: divide 500 by your focal length. For example, a 24 mm lens would use a 20-second exposure at most. For those with crop sensor cameras, use 300 instead of 500.

Summer is also perfect for hiking and mountain photography. Trails are open, and the weather is comfortable. Mountain lakes and ridges offer stunning subjects. Use a wide angle lens (around 16 mm) to capture the expansive scenery, and visit lakes early in the morning or late in the evening for calm water and beautiful reflections. Mountain ridges make excellent leading lines in your composition, guiding the viewer’s eye through the image. Telephoto lenses are great for dramatic shots of cloud-covered peaks. 

If mountains aren’t accessible, fields and farmlands provide beautiful photo opportunities. Wheat fields during golden hour are picturesque but can be enhanced by including another element like a tree or barn. Use a wide angle lens to capture the texture of the wheat in the foreground and the subject in the distance. Summer fields often have hay or wheat bales, which add interest to your composition. Sunflower fields, with their vibrant blossoms, are another fantastic subject. Focus stacking can help achieve sharp results.

Waterfalls and canyons offer cool retreats and excellent photography spots. Early mornings provide magical light in canyons, while overcast days are perfect for waterfalls. Use a wide lens for capturing the full scenery and a telephoto lens for classic canyon views. Longer shutter speeds (1/3 to 1 second) create the smooth, flowing water effect in waterfall photos. If the light is too bright, use an ND filter to achieve the desired exposure. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Möhrle.

And if you do go on a hike or photograph storms, always remember safety first. 

And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out our latest tutorial, “Photographing the World: Japan With Elia Locardi!” 

Radiant Photo – Radiant Photo superior quality finished photos with perfect color rendition, delivered in record time. Your photos — simply RADIANT. The way they are meant to be.

Mylio Photos – Access your photos from anywhere, without the cloud! Easily showcase your photos on-the-go, resolve duplicates, find faces and look for those stunning locations.

B&H – B&H is a world renowned supplier of all the gear photographers, videographers, and cinematographers need and want to create their very best work.

MPB – Grab used but perfectly working cameras and lenses for less, or turn your old gear into cash by trading and selling them on MPB!

Realme today hosted an exclusive media preview event showcasing its latest innovation in mobile photography: HyperImage+. Themed “The Future is Here: AI is revolutionising mobile imaging,” the event, held in Bangkok, Thailand, saw Realme unveil its three-tiered AI-powered solution promising to redefine smartphone photography.

HyperImage+ is built on a foundation of “flagship optics, on-device AI imaging algorithms, and cloud-based AI image editing,” according to the company. This multi-layered approach aims to elevate mobile photography by leveraging advanced AI capabilities at every stage, from capturing the image to final edits.

Francis Wong, Head of Product Marketing at Realme, highlighted the significance of the technology to Tech Today, stating, “Our goal is to democratise high-quality photography, making it accessible to everyone.” He elaborated that the base layer of HyperImage+ involves “cutting-edge optics, consisting of multiple lenses, periscope lenses and large sensors,” all of which will be integrated into the highly anticipated Realme 13 Pro series.

Realme also brought in experts from industry partners Sony and TUV Rheinland to discuss their ongoing collaborations and provide insights into the technology powering the upcoming Realme 13 Pro products.

Wong emphasised the transformative role AI will play, stating to Tech Today, “AI will play a crucial role in image processing, scene recognition, and low-light performance.” He elaborated that AI algorithms will work in real-time to analyse and fine-tune camera settings, ensuring users capture stunning photos and videos regardless of the environment.

Wong further highlighted the practical benefits of Realme’s AI-driven camera technology:

Automatic Scene Recognition: “Our AI algorithms can detect whether you’re shooting a landscape, portrait, or night scene and adjust settings accordingly.”

Enhanced Low-light Photography: “With AI-powered enhancements, our cameras can capture clear and vibrant images even in challenging lighting conditions.”

Professional-Quality Portraits: “Our AI algorithms can accurately detect and separate subjects from the background, providing stunning bokeh effects.”

Advanced Video Capabilities: “We are working on AI-driven stabilisation and real-time enhancements for video.”