Photography has always been a passion of mine, especially when it comes to capturing people. There's something about preserving emotion, connection, and spontaneity in a single frame that never gets old. But even before I fully understood the art of taking great pictures, I knew one thing for sure: I loved editing them even more.
Editing photographs has always felt like a form of painting. It's where I get to take a captured moment and shape it, like brushing in light on a landscape or softening a portrait with just the right tones. It's not just about correction or enhancement; it's about expression. Each photo is a blank canvas waiting to be brought to life with color, mood, and intention.
When I sit down to edit, I'm not just fixing shadows or tweaking saturation—I'm chasing that dopamine hit that comes from visual satisfaction. It's a quiet, focused kind of joy. The kind you feel when everything aligns, and the image on the screen starts to reflect what you saw (and felt) behind the camera.
Let's be honest—AI has changed everything. These days, artificial intelligence can edit a photo in seconds with shocking accuracy. It's fast, efficient, and stylistically decent most of the time. There's no denying that AI tools have taken over nearly 100% of the editing process for many photographers and businesses.
But here's the thing: I still prefer my style.
Although I do use AI in my workflow, it's hard to argue with how much faster and easier it makes specific tasks—I always go back and refine things manually. Why? Because, no matter how advanced the software becomes, it cannot replicate the vision in my head or the feeling I am trying to convey.
Photography isn't just technical. It's deeply personal. The way I edit—whether it's dialing in a specific color grade, balancing contrast, or adjusting highlights—is part of my artistic fingerprint. It's how I differentiate myself in a sea of perfectly crisp, AI-edited photos.
And honestly, I think clients and viewers can feel that difference. There's a human touch in every manually edited photo that AI hasn't quite learned how to replicate. It's subtle—but it matters.
So yes, I use AI. It helps me move quicker, and it streamlines my workflow. But I also slow down and take the time to add my creative stamp. I think that's the sweet spot—leveraging the power of technology without losing your voice.
Photography is evolving. Tools will keep getting smarter. But as long as I'm behind the camera—and the editing desk—I'll keep painting my version of reality, one frame at a time.