AI Usage explained

How I Use AI in Photography

Photography has always been a mix of art, technique, and technology.
Today, “AI” is a buzzword, but the truth is photographers have been using AI-powered tools for years, long before it was called AI.

AI Has Been in Photography for a Long Time

Modern tools like Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom already use AI behind the scenes.

They can automatically detect and select:

• Eyes, Nose, Forehead, Skin tones, Freckles, blemishes, and wrinkles

This allows me to work faster and more precisely, but it is still me making the creative decisions.

What I Consider “Light Editing”

Light editing is about enhancing what is already there, not changing who you are.

Using AI-assisted selections, I can quickly target specific areas like:

• Eyes, Skin, Facial features

This lets me:

• Smooth skin without removing natural texture

• Even out lighting across the face

• Make subtle adjustments to contrast and color

• Enhance details while keeping everything natural

This is the standard level of editing for most professional portraits.

What I Consider “Heavy Editing”

Heavy editing involves more manual, detailed work when needed. This includes:

• Fixing stray or frizzy hairs

• Cleaning up small distractions

• Adjusting things like double chins when requested or appropriate

• Refining areas that need extra attention

Even with heavier edits, the goal is always the same.
You should still look like you, just at your best.

Generative AI (Used Carefully and Normally)

Generative AI is used for practical, standard fixes such as:

• Removing glasses glare

• Cleaning up stray hairs

• Removing objects from the background, like light stands

These are common, professional edits and nothing to be concerned about. They simply help clean up the image.

What I Don’t Do Without Telling You

If I ever use AI to make major changes, such as:

• Changing or replacing the background

• Adding or removing significant elements

I will clearly disclose it to you.

Your Privacy Matters

I only use local AI tools on my own systems.

• Your photos never leave my possession

• Your images are not uploaded to third-party AI services

• Your session remains completely private and secure

My Promise to You

• Every person in my photos is real

• Your appearance stays authentic

• The vast majority of every image is straight out of camera

• Editing is used to enhance, not replace reality

Why This Matters

AI is not replacing photography, it is just improving the tools we already use.

Just like lighting, lenses, and cameras have evolved,
AI helps deliver cleaner, more polished images while keeping everything real.

And for full transparency... parts of this page were written with the help of AI. Turns out it is pretty good with words, but still can’t hold a camera.