Why I Choose AI Tools for Photo Editing Over Manual Methods

While many people view AI as just a shortcut or a crutch for photo editing, I have personally found it to be a game-changer. Though some may prefer traditional methods, I have several reasons for leaning on AI tools in my editing process.

1

AI Boosts My Editing Speed

AI tools are incredibly valuable, especially when I’m pressed for time. By utilizing AI photo editing software, I can streamline the editing process. These tools analyze my photos and offer recommendations, along with features like automatic adjustments and masking.

Although the initial edits may require some manual tweaking for perfection, I still find that they save me a significant amount of time compared to working on everything from scratch.

In the example above, I utilized Canva’s auto-adjust feature to implement a wide range of image enhancements, saving considerable time compared to adjusting each setting manually. This tool serves as an excellent foundation for my edits, allowing further personalization to fit my style.

While these adjustments might lack intricate artistic flair, they typically require minimal edits afterward, especially beneficial when time is of the essence, like when I need to process numerous photos at once.

2

I Can Change or Remove Objects in My Photos with Ease

One of the most annoying aspects of traditional photo editing is eliminating unwanted items from a picture. It’s disheartening to capture an ideal shot only to find an unfamiliar face or an unattractive sign in the background. Removing such distractions can be tedious and often demands a lot of time spent on manual masking and editing.

This is precisely where AI tools exhibit their true value. Canva’s AI Magic Eraser enables me to brush over unwanted objects, effortlessly eliminating them while preserving the background. Adobe’s Content-Aware Fill is another fantastic tool that offers similar benefits.

If I need to remove a larger object or rearrange elements within my photo, these tools handle it with ease. The days of cloning pixels or spending hours wrestling with layers in Photoshop are long gone.

3

AI Makes Advanced Editing Easy for Beginners Like Me

Before the emergence of AI tools, photo editing felt quite daunting. Grasping software like Photoshop demands time, perseverance, and a steep learning curve. However, with AI, even newcomers like myself can achieve noteworthy edits without feeling overwhelmed.

As someone who lacks the time to delve into complex editing techniques, I favor browser-based photo editors that incorporate AI. These platforms allow me to create decent edits without requiring advanced skills.

In the screenshot below, I used AI to expand the image to fit a portrait resolution for posting as an Instagram reel.

The array of AI tools in Canva enables me to perform various edits without dedicating hours to figure them out. If I want to add or substitute something in my photo, I simply highlight the area and describe my desired outcome. Whether it’s placing a bouquet of flowers in someone’s hands or swapping out an overcast sky for a sunny one, the process is incredibly straightforward.

Google Photos’ Magic Editor is also worth mentioning. This feature elevates beginner-friendly editing by allowing users to modify backgrounds, rearrange subjects, and even adjust lighting with ease. Once exclusive to professional photographers, these functionalities are now at everyone’s fingertips.

What I appreciate most about these AI-driven features is that they empower anyone to tackle complex edits. You don’t have to be a Photoshop whiz to produce impressive results.

4

Generative AI Fuels My Whimsical and Creative Compositions

When I’m in the mood to explore creative avenues that go beyond basic edits, generative AI tools become my secret asset. They open up a world of artistic possibilities that traditional techniques could rarely achieve without extensive effort.

One of my go-to favorites is Canva’s Text to Image tool. It allows me to express what I envision, and the AI generates a custom image based on my description. For instance, in one of my edits, I simply outlined the area I wanted to modify and instructed the AI to add a hat to the dog.

These tools serve not just for amusement, but for practical applications too. I’ve employed generative AI to create backgrounds for presentations, design placeholders, and even craft unique social media posts that cut through the clutter.

AI photo editing tools such as Canva, Google Photos, and Adobe Photoshop Express have fundamentally transformed my approach to photography. They help me save time, effortlessly fix or modify images, and unlock previously unimagined creative potentials. Whether you’re a casual user or a professional photographer, these tools can simplify your process and enhance your photos.

If you’ve been hesitant to try AI for editing, give it a chance. Like me, you might discover a newfound reliance on AI tools for enhancing or transforming your images.