Artificial intelligence has long been a topic of debate in the photography world — and for good reason. Since its emergence, it has sparked numerous discussions, from copyright concerns to fears of job displacement. One thing is clear: AI has become an integral part of modern life, and ignoring it is no longer an option.
In just a few short years, AI has made significant strides. Today, it is integrated into almost every tool we use, becoming an inseparable part of the shooting and editing process. Let’s explore how we can use AI to our advantage.
What Is “AI Photography”?
The term “AI photography” is somewhat misleading. AI doesn’t take photographs in the literal sense — the images it generates aren’t true photos. Instead, it refers to photos where artificial intelligence was involved at some stage of creation.
Nowadays, this includes the vast majority of images, especially those captured with smartphones. Most modern phones apply AI algorithms even at the moment the shutter is pressed. And AI is now making its way into professional photography, too.
How AI Is Used in Photography
Although AI’s rapid growth has been most visible over the past 3–4 years, AI-powered tools have been around for quite some time. For instance, Photoshop introduced its Content-Aware Fill feature back in 2010. Today, it includes far more advanced tools like Generative Fill, Neural Filters, Select Subject, and others.
The market is also flooded with new AI tools — from RAW processing software to algorithms that assess composition, sharpness, and visual style. Cameras themselves are being enhanced with built-in AI capabilities.
AI Cameras: From Smartphones to Novel Devices
The term AI camera covers a wide range of technology. It includes smartphones, mirrorless cameras with AI functions, and even entirely new kinds of devices that generate images using artificial intelligence.
Smartphones and AI Photography
Smartphones have dramatically changed the photography landscape. While their sensors are smaller than those in professional cameras, image quality has improved significantly — largely thanks to computational photography and AI. Modern algorithms help recognize objects, adjust exposure, refocus images, and even simulate lighting changes.
AI also enhances image quality by reducing noise, especially in low-light conditions — something small sensors struggle with physically. AI is also being used in action cameras like the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 and X5, which contain multiple AI chips.
Mirrorless Cameras
Although mirrorless camera manufacturers have been slower to adopt AI than smartphone makers, they’ve started incorporating it. Today, brands like Sony, Canon, Fujifilm, Panasonic, and even Nikon use AI to improve subject recognition and autofocus performance.
New Types of AI Cameras
The evolution of AI has given rise to entirely new camera types — such as the Alice Camera, a hybrid between a smartphone and a professional sensor. More experimental devices include the Black Box Camera, which uses AI to describe a scene and then regenerate the image based on that description.
AI Software Tools for Photographers
The most rapid expansion of AI has occurred in photo editing software. Market leaders like Adobe have actively integrated AI into Photoshop and Lightroom. Adobe Firefly, their web-based AI platform, offers powerful generative capabilities.
Other developers — such as Skylum (with Luminar Neo), Capture One, and newer players like Evoto, Neurapix, and Imagen — are quickly joining the field.
There are also open-source platforms like ComfyUI, which, while focused on image generation, can also be used for tasks like retouching, background replacement, generative fill, and concept development.
AI Photo Editing Techniques
AI is being used for a wide range of editing tasks:
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Background removal: One click is enough to isolate a subject and swap the background.
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Object replacement: AI allows you to reposition or replace objects in the frame without tedious manual editing.
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Portrait retouching: Removing blemishes, smoothing skin, and enhancing features are all done automatically.
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Auto enhancements: AI can adjust exposure, contrast, white balance, cropping, and even clean up the image on its own.
Automation vs Manual Control
Just like the debate between manual and automatic camera settings, there’s no single right answer when it comes to AI editing. Many programs offer a balance between automation and manual fine-tuning, allowing photographers to choose the style and workflow that best suits their goals.
Ethical Considerations
AI in photography also raises serious ethical concerns.
Deepfakes and Misinformation
AI can create incredibly realistic fakes — photos and videos of people saying or doing things they never actually did. This threatens public trust in visual media. In response, governments are introducing regulations and tools to detect fake content.
Authenticity in Journalism and Art
While journalism demands accuracy and authenticity, the lines are more flexible in the world of art. This raises the question: should artists disclose when they’ve used AI in their work? For now, that remains a personal decision.
Copyright Issues
AI image authorship remains a legal gray area. As of 2025, it is possible to register copyright for AI-generated work in the U.S. — but only if a human played a significant role in its creation. Fully AI-generated images are still not eligible for protection.
AI and Stock Photography
AI is also reshaping the stock photography industry. While many platforms — such as Adobe Stock and Shutterstock — have embraced AI content, others like Getty and iStock initially rejected it.
AI-generated images can be licensed even if they aren’t copyrightable. This raises questions about whether such content can be freely used without a license. The answer depends on how legislation continues to evolve.
Creative Applications of AI
AI isn’t just a technical tool — it opens new creative horizons. Generative editing capabilities allow photographers to quickly produce concept art, experiment with styles, change scene elements, and shift the overall tone or atmosphere.
AI can also help in the pre-production phase, for example, by generating visual mockups for client presentations or creating storyboards.
