AI photo editing tools: In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has made significant strides in the world of photo editing. While some may worry about AI’s impact on photography, many of these advancements have actually enhanced our ability to edit and improve our images. Let’s explore ten of the best AI-powered tools available in popular photo editing software like Photoshop and Lightroom.
1. Adobe Generative Fill
Adobe Generative Fill is a groundbreaking tool in Photoshop that allows users to generate new elements within an image using text prompts. Unlike standalone AI image generators, Generative Fill works within existing photos. Users can select specific areas of an image and type a description of what they want to add or change. The tool then generates three options based on the prompt. While it excels at tasks like changing clothing or adding accessories, it may struggle with more complex additions. This tool opens up new creative possibilities for photographers and designers.
2. Photoshop Generative Expand
Generative Expand is a game-changer for photographers who wish they had composed their shots differently. This tool allows you to expand your image beyond its original boundaries, generating new content to fill the added space. Whether you need to add a little extra room for text or want to dramatically alter your composition, Generative Expand can help. Simply use the Crop tool to expand beyond the original image edges, and let AI fill in the rest.
3. Sky Selection
Balancing the exposure between land and sky has long been a challenge for photographers. Now, AI-powered sky selection tools in Camera Raw, Lightroom, and Photoshop make this task much easier. These tools can automatically identify and mask the sky in your images, allowing you to adjust its exposure and other properties independently from the rest of the photo. This feature is particularly useful for recovering detail in overexposed skies.
4. AI Sky Replacement
For those times when adjusting the existing sky isn’t enough, Photoshop offers an AI Sky Replacement feature. This tool not only selects the sky automatically but also allows you to replace it entirely. While it comes with a library of sky options, you can also import your own sky images for a more unique look. However, use this tool judiciously to maintain the authenticity of your photographs.
5. AI Select Subject
The AI Select Subject tool is a massive time-saver for photographers and designers. Available in Photoshop, Lightroom, and Camera Raw, this feature can identify and select the main subject of your image with a single click. While it may not always be perfect, especially with complex subjects, it provides an excellent starting point that can be refined using other selection tools.
6. Automatic People Masking
Portrait retouching has become much more efficient thanks to AI-powered people masking. This feature, available in Camera Raw and Lightroom, automatically creates masks for different parts of a person’s face and body. You can quickly isolate areas like facial skin, eyes, lips, and hair, making it easy to apply targeted adjustments to each area. This tool significantly speeds up the portrait retouching process.
7. Photoshop Photo Restoration
Restoring old photographs can be a rewarding but time-consuming task. Photoshop’s Photo Restoration Neural Filter uses AI to enhance facial details, remove scratches, and even colorize black and white photos. While it’s important not to overdo the effect, this tool can dramatically speed up the restoration process and bring new life to cherished old images.
8. Adaptive Presets
Lightroom and Camera Raw users have long enjoyed the convenience of presets, but Adaptive Presets take this concept to the next level. These AI-powered presets can automatically generate masks for specific elements in your photos, such as the sky or main subject. This allows you to apply targeted adjustments with a single click, greatly speeding up your editing workflow.
9. AI Denoise
The AI Denoise tool, available in Camera Raw and Lightroom, is a game-changer for photographers who often shoot in low-light conditions. This feature can dramatically reduce noise in high ISO images while preserving detail, often achieving results that far surpass traditional noise reduction methods. It’s particularly effective on older digital photos shot at high ISO settings.
10. Lens Blur
The newest addition to Adobe’s AI-powered toolset is the Lens Blur feature in Camera Raw and Lightroom. This tool analyzes your image to create a depth map, then allows you to apply realistic blur to the foreground and background. You can adjust the focal point and the amount of blur, simulating the effect of different lens apertures. This tool is particularly useful for creating a shallow depth of field effect in images shot with smaller sensor cameras or at narrower apertures.
Embracing AI in Photography
While it’s important to approach AI tools with a critical eye and maintain the integrity of our photographic vision, these advancements offer exciting possibilities for photographers. From streamlining tedious tasks to opening up new creative avenues, AI-powered tools are transforming the way we edit and enhance our images.
As with any tool, the key is to use these AI features judiciously. They should enhance our creative vision, not replace it. By understanding and mastering these tools, photographers can save time on technical tasks and focus more on the creative aspects of their work.
As AI technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative tools to emerge in the world of photo editing. By staying informed and adaptable, photographers can harness the power of AI to elevate their craft while maintaining the unique perspective that makes their work special.