AI has been making headlines everywhere, reshaping industries from healthcare to customer service. Now, it’s stepping into the world of photography. With a few clicks, AI can generate an image in seconds, including portraits, landscapes, and even commercial-style visuals. Impressive, yes, but the truth is that these images often lack the authenticity and precision that comes from a camera in the hands of a professional.
Ask AI to create a portrait of yourself, and you might get something close, but rarely perfect. Maybe one eye sits lower than the other, a strand of hair appears misplaced, or on occasion, you’re given an extra limb or eye. These flaws remind us that while AI is powerful, it’s not a substitute for the artistry and technical skill of a photographer.
At Bridgeforth Photographics, we embrace innovation but remain committed to what sets professional photography apart: authenticity, expertise, and vision. From commercial and industrial projects to portraits and drone work, we deliver results rooted in craft and backed by years of experience. With FAA registration and licensure, our drone photography captures breathtaking perspectives for businesses and events. We also take pride in photo restoration, breathing new life into older images while preserving their history.
What is AI?
AI stands for artificial intelligence. It has existed for many years, but its popularity has surged in recent years. In 2022, OpenAI released the AI chatbot ChatGPT, which quickly gained traction, allowing users to create content almost instantly as enhancements were made. ChatGPT can now generate images in just minutes. Other companies have developed their own AI systems, such as Microsoft’s Copilot AI and others. While this revolutionary tool offers numerous benefits, it’s important to acknowledge that images generated by artificial intelligence are still not comparable to those captured through a camera lens. A camera can convey emotions through a person’s eyes, while an AI-generated image can often give the impression of being artificially manipulated.
How AI is Already Part of Photography
AI isn’t entirely separate from photography; in fact, it’s already woven into the tools we use. Modern cameras and smartphones employ AI for facial recognition, autofocus, and even noise reduction. These features enhance efficiency without replacing the need for skill, equipment, and creative direction.
The limitations of AI are apparent. If you ask AI to create an image of yourself, it may not be the best, but it will create one. AI can also create images that never existed, such as images featuring a person but not an actual event. Currently, you can’t rely on a professional photo, as it may contain a minor mistake, such as an uneven smile, or something more drastic, like a third eye. There are beneficial ways artificial intelligence is being utilized, such as facial recognition and detection, to facilitate easier identification of individuals. As we have come to understand, we can never entirely rely on technology; it will always break, and we will have to revert to paper. This is not a backup; we can recognize that having someone create it will always make a difference.
Ethical and Creative Considerations
AI raises important questions for the creative industry, including those related to copyright and originality. Who owns an AI-generated image: the user, the developer, or the machine? Human creativity vs. AI assistance? Where should we draw the line between inspiration and replacement? If we rely on artificial intelligence to create all our creatives, then our imagination is done. Human experiences will change, preventing us from feeling the same emotions. Transparency will be gone. Clients deserve honesty about whether AI was used in the creation of their images. Professional photography carries an authenticity that AI simply can’t replicate. Clients aren’t just purchasing a picture; they’re investing in trust, creativity, and a personalized experience.
The Human Touch in an AI-Driven Industry
AI is undeniably transforming photography. It can automate tedious tasks like editing and curation, delivering speeds once unimaginable. Photography is more than efficiency, it’s connection, creativity, and understanding of a client’s vision. At Bridgeforth Photographics, we see AI as a tool, not a competitor. It may assist with specific processes, but it cannot replace the human touch, the artistry of composition, or the emotional depth of a real moment captured through the lens. As the industry evolves, collaboration between AI and photographers will shape the future of photography. One thing remains certain: for portraits, commercial projects, drone photography, or restoring cherished memories, the value of professional expertise is irreplaceable. We are ready to help you capture the perfect photo!