The answer depends on what you are looking for. It may also depend on what type of photographer and image you select.
If you want a basic image, such as a quick headshot, a simple iPhone shot enhanced with AI may well fit the bill. If your photographer is someone who is simply going to point and shoot a camera, then you may wonder why you don’t do a do-it-yourself shoot. If you want the images instantly, then there may be a good argument for using AI.
There are very real compromises to using artificial intelligence.
As good as AI has become (and it has made massive jumps forward in recent months), it is still artificial. At a quick glance, the results may look good, but zoom in and examine the details. For example, Jessica took a picture of me leaning against a painted mural in Cardiff, and I asked AI to turn me into a drag queen. In a small size picture, it looks great! But if you know me, the image isn’t a picture of me! It’s someone of similar build, but the jaw is wrong, the arms and thighs have been resized, and the face, well, it looks painted into the image. And if you look in detail at the skin tones, they are very artificial (this may not show in the low-resolution copy below). I wish my skin was really that smooth!
I showed the image to my girlfriend; she immediately identified it as an AI image. She didn't recognise it as me right away; she only realised I was the subject of the original photo when she recognised the background and remembered taking a picture of me in this pose, and even then she wasn't sure.
I like to think of using a professional photographer like using a professional tailor or seamstress to make a bespoke suit or prom dress. There is always the option of getting as ready made, off-the-shelf outfit online. Scroll through images and pick the suit you want. However, does the final suit or dress fit properly on the arms, legs, waist, hips, shoulders, etc? How is the fabric now that you can see and handle it in person? And does it suit you (pun intended!)? A completely different design may suit your body shape and age much, much better.
In contrast, having a made-to-measure suit or dress is an experience. It involves a visit to be measured, maybe a second or third visit to get this just right. The tailor or seamstress is making something just for you, in your size. You can talk through options, and avoid picking something that doesn’t flatter you. You can examine materials and select just the right fabric. You can draw on the skills and advice of the tailor or seamstress.
The final result will be far superior to an online purchase. There is a real argument that you get what you pay for!
Five arguments for using a professional photographer in the age of AI
Here are five arguments for using a professional photographer:
1. The experience!
You get to be a model in a professional studio setting, with direction from a professional photographer who can guide you to the best poses for your outfit, age, shape, and the look you want. You get to experience being the centre of attention. You get a personal touch and interaction that AI cannot reproduce.
2. The creative vision!
Part of employing an experienced photographer is that they can be creative in creating something bespoke - this can relate to composition, lighting, outfits and poses. You can work with the photographer, utilising their experience to get something truly unique.
3. It’s authentic!
The photographs are a real representation of you; not some made-up computer-generated image of how it thinks you should look.
4. Personalised service.
Photographers invest their time and skills into a photoshoot. They use their artistic skills to get the best images, photos that show you off at your most beautiful.
5. The quality!
If you need physical prints or large-size files, there is a big difference between real photographs and AI-generated images. AI images are generally much lower quality, and this shows up as pixelated content and rough edges at larger sizes. In contrast, images taken on a high-end camera with professional lighting can be printed in very large sizes or be cropped.
Summary
AI is quick, convenient and often much cheaper. But it hasn’t replaced a professional photographer.
For a skilled photographer, artificial intelligence is an asset and not a threat. It enables them to work smarter and quicker, while still retaining the personal touch, the experience of the photoshoot and their creative vision and skills to create something personal and bespoke that you can cherish for years to come.