Using artificial intelligence ethically
Amateur Photographer|April 02, 2024
AI-powered tools in photo-editing software can be a blessing to photographers. James Abbott demonstrates a more ethical approach to AI to save time and to simplify complex manual tasks
James Abbott
Using artificial intelligence ethically

The use of artificial intelligence in photo editing may be a contentious issue, but it’s safe to say that it’s here to stay. While most ethical questions surrounding the use of AI in photography centre on the creation of entire images, most of the AI-powered tools available in photo editing software are pretty much benign when it comes to the question of ethics and authenticity.

At this point, you may be wondering where we’re heading because surely any use of AI goes against the veracity of photography, but there’s an extremely simple argument here. Not to mention, one that includes the use of Photoshop’s Generative Fill feature in a specific way. I don’t want to get bogged down in the AI debate so we can cast that aside, and some of this was covered in an interview in the Christmas issue of AP with the Italian photographer Andrea Pizzini who creates incredible images of Sony cameras using AI.

The majority of AI-powered tools in editing software are designed to save time and typically make complex tasks easier to achieve. They’re not there to trick, cheat or anything else, they’re both practical and powerful in equal measure. Photoshop has been gradually growing in this area with many tools now at the disposal of photographers, ranging from intelligent selection refinement to special effects to cloning and much more. Most, if not all of the results of these tools can be achieved in more manual time-consuming ways, so I would argue that taking advantage of them is most often a wise decision.

Photoshop is an AI powerhouse 

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHERView all
Calling The Shots: A Queer History of Photography
Amateur Photographer

Calling The Shots: A Queer History of Photography

Offering an unprecedented view of photographic history through a queer lens, this is a wonderful and powerful book, says

time-read
1 min  |
November 26, 2024
Large-aperture standard zoom, too
Amateur Photographer

Large-aperture standard zoom, too

SONY has also revealed a new premium standard zoom, the FE 28-70mm F2 GM.

time-read
1 min  |
November 26, 2024
Super-fast, high-res Sony Alpha Ai II
Amateur Photographer

Super-fast, high-res Sony Alpha Ai II

SONY has announced its new professional full-frame flagship camera, the Alpha A1 II.

time-read
1 min  |
November 26, 2024
39 awesome accessories
Amateur Photographer

39 awesome accessories

Our round-up of the best accessories we've used and reviewed this year, along with some old favourites. There's something here for every budget, starting from just £7, including tripods, bags, filters and much more

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 26, 2024
Such a thing as society
Amateur Photographer

Such a thing as society

This autumn sees the launch of a major new book and exhibition devoted to examining the multiplicities of photography during 1980s Britain. Peter Dench finds out more

time-read
6 mins  |
November 26, 2024
Join Club
Amateur Photographer

Join Club

The sociable Canvey Island Photographic Club is keen to grow its in-person meet ups

time-read
2 mins  |
November 26, 2024
Capturing flight
Amateur Photographer

Capturing flight

Winners and finalists of Bird Photographer of the Year share their tips for success with Hollie Latham Hucker

time-read
10 mins  |
November 26, 2024
140 years of change
Amateur Photographer

140 years of change

AP has become the world’s oldest surviving consumer photo magazine because we have moved with the times, says Nigel Atherton

time-read
2 mins  |
September 24, 2024
Preserving history in platinum
Amateur Photographer

Preserving history in platinum

A deep dive into the meticulous art of platinum printing, and the collaboration between the Royal Geographical Society and Salto Ulbeek. Mike Crawford explores how they brought historical photographs to life with enduring beauty and precision

time-read
7 mins  |
September 24, 2024
Life in the past lane
Amateur Photographer

Life in the past lane

What was life like for an amateur photographer in 1884? John Wade takes a trip back in time

time-read
3 mins  |
September 24, 2024