AI is going to be transformative for Photographers (and other service providers), not put us out of work.
Many prognosticators in photography (and other service based businesses) are predicting the demise of photography as a profession – instead of hiring a headshot photographer, people/businesses will simply submit photographs to an AI tool with instructions about the look they want, and the tool will give them a number of options. This model would also be true for writers, artists, and other creatives – and even salespeople. Really???
I for one am not concerned about AI putting highly skilled photographers out of a job, in fact, it’s going to give us the ability to be more creative and offer more to our clients. And this will be true for other service providers. Full disclosure – I’m generally more of an optimist, although I like to think I base this optimism on data vs. emotion.
Photography, like other creative businesses, is very personal – yes, we have to know how to manipulate/use light, color, all the gear, and have a good eye. But for headshot photography in particular, we have to be able to read and understand people – their emotions, how to motivate them, how to understand and create looks they like/will resonate with them (often when they’re not sure themselves). Then we need to be able to help them feel comfortable, coach them, and use the tools at our disposal to have them look their best. And, those looks need to be in the context of how/where the images will be used, the impression/branding the images should convey, etc..
AI tools for photography, in the hands of a skilled photographer, will allow us to more easily manipulate the images (aka, retouching) more efficiently and effectively. Want a different background? A few commands, click and it’s done vs. spending time carefully outlining the edges of where the background meets the subject. The software programs we use, such as Photoshop, CaptureOne, and others are already incorporating AI into their tools.
Yes, there will be some segments of the market (ie, the $99 headshot) which will be challenged by AI created headshots. There are already services on the web where you can submit a photo and get an improved version using AI created headshots. Photographers at the lower price points (and quality) will likely be affected (hello Darwin?). Photographers, like other professions, will have to innovate/improve their offering, and market themselves more effectively or they may lose business. Historically, every technological revolution will affect some segments of the market – but it also has created jobs/work.
So no, I’m not concerned – I’m excited – because I know the value I bring to my clients and results are something AI cannot create (at least at this point). We have fun, we connect, and we work together to create great and natural looking images like the ones below of Lisa.
Are you concerned about AI, or do you see it as a tool to enhance the value you bring to your customers?
