AI vs Human Photography: The Current Scenario

With technology progressing at an unprecedented speed, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an integral part of our lives now. E-commerce which is one of the largest grossing fields, constantly requires product photography for the growth of their brands in larger markets. Human photography had always been the trend. It goes on to an entirely different debate if we contemplate whether it still is trendy and useful. AI photography, on the other hand, had been garnering some attention at present. Thus, this article will focus on the pros and cons of both these types of photography, for your convenience.

Let’s get started with it.

What is AI photography?

AI (Artificial Intelligence) photography constitutes editing photographs almost automatically. For amateurs, it is quite a handy tool. Photos can be edited with a few basic steps. AI tools save you time and money too.

(Created with Blend’s AI studio)

Advantages of AI photography:

1. Time management: AI facilitates maximum utilization over a short period of time. With the in-built programming, users are able to edit and modify pictures with just a few clicks. You do not need to go over a strenuous and lengthy procedure in order to achieve the best results intended. Thus, this inevitably allows for more production and a gradual increase in sales.
2. Accessibility: Artificial intelligence is built to be accessed by the larger masses. You do not have to be a specialist in order to use AI. You can choose from the list of options provided and edit your pictures accordingly with over one hundred backgrounds. For instance, Blend’s AI studio serves you with the option of adding custom backgrounds to your products. You don’t have to be a pro photographer or an editor in order to access these.
3. Expenditure: Editing with AI tools saves the huge budget photography brand owners usually have to endure. Those usually require experienced photographers, proper lighting, at times even expensive props. Thus, you can easily create standard photographs using AI tools.
4. Avoiding Errors: “To err is human”, as they say. No matter how brilliant of a photographer one is, the scope for mistakes cannot be completely evaded. AI does not possess that risk. One is sure to avoid mistakes while editing with AI.

Disadvantages of AI photography:

1. Quality of photos: Even though AI produces high-quality pictures, due to the lack of using pricey cameras and high-budget photoshoots, the pictures are not quite up to the mark. It might look duller, at times, in comparison to human photography.
2. Creativity: AI photography ensues a lack of experimentation and enhancing creative skills. Photographers often get to add in their touch of creativity to the photoshoots, which might be scarce while editing with AI tools.
3. Simple photoshoots: AI is most suited for simple photoshoots. Certain high-end photoshoots require human touch and manual editing tools. This is not available for AI photo editing software.
4. Photographer’s viewpoint: A photographer’s creative intervention often lacks in the case of editing with AI. AI uses software while editing the photos, thus the photographer’s inputs lack majorly.

Next, we shall move on to discuss the pros and cons of human photography in 2023.

Advantages of human photography:

1. Variations: In the case of product photography, photographers provide suggestions for innovative backgrounds. Inventive locations are often chosen by photographers, facilitating proper lighting. This is not possible in AI photography.
2. High-end photoshoots: Whereas, AI photography is only suited for simple photoshoots, fancy and exclusive photoshoots for your products, are possible only with human photography.
3. Trends: In the competitive market, photographers are often up to date with recent trends. Therefore, it is easier for them to edit pictures keeping the contemporary trends in mind.
4. Use of cameras: Experienced photographers often use expensive cameras for their photoshoots. These cameras are crafted with precision for serving the best quality photographers. Brand owners might prefer to go the extra length for higher customer acquisition.

Disadvantages of human photography:

1. Expensive: Photographers often charge lavish amounts for good-quality photoshoots. Thus, it becomes a hassle for sellers, especially for beginners to pay that sum.
2. Time is money: Human photography and editing might take up a lot of your time. You can try using AI photography instead if you do not have the time to bare. More time often has the possibility of more expenditure for the brand owners.
3. Accessibility: Amateur photographers are not often equipped with the knowledge of using intricate camera functions. In the case of editing too that becomes an issue. Thus, in such situations, you can use AI. It is more convenient to be accessed.
4. Error count: Errors made while editing, are often a struggle to be rectified. You have to start from scratch while redoing the edits already made. Therefore, it takes up both time and increases the expense.

Even though AI is developing at a fast rate, it is debatable if it will snatch away the market for human photography. It solely depends on the use you put it to. In the case of standard photography and editing, with less time, AI serves the best. If you are looking for high-quality edits, you might need a human touch to it.

(The picture on the right is edited with AI studio by Blend)

Try out Blend’s AI studio for more input.

Happy editing!