Episode 57: Photoshop and Artificial Intelligence

In today's episode, I'm diving deep into a topic that's been coming up constantly in my photography communities - artificial intelligence and its role in night photography. Whether you're excited about AI's potential or concerned about its impact on our craft, I'll help you understand what's really happening with AI in our Photoshop workflows and why I believe it won't replace the magic of capturing the night sky.

Key Takeaways:

Let's Talk About AI in Photoshop 

• I'll explain when you can stick with RAW editing and when you need Photoshop
• We'll explore the difference between those flashy generative AI tools and the helpful AI features already in our workflows
• I'll share some of my favorite time-saving AI tools like Select Sky (with a cool trick for reflections!)
• You'll learn how AI is making our selection and masking work so much faster

Why AI Won't Replace Night Photographers (Yet!) 

• The truth about AI's struggles with accurate star patterns
• Why local conditions like light pollution and atmospheric effects matter
• How seasonal changes and latitude affect our night sky shots
• The importance of maintaining astronomical accuracy in our edits

Navigating the Ethics of AI 

• My thoughts on AI using our images for training
• How to balance sharing our work while protecting our creative rights
• Why we need better transparency from companies
• The importance of staying flexible as technology evolves

Where I Think We're Heading 

• Why I believe our core workflow won't disappear
• How AI will complement (not replace) our existing skills
• The exciting potential for new creative tools
• Ways AI might actually give us more time to shoot

The Human Touch in Photography 

• Why being in the field can't be replicated by AI
• The importance of sharing our complete creative journey
• How we connect with our audience beyond just the final image
• What makes our role as photographers truly special

What You'll Get From This Episode: I'm sharing my real-world perspective on AI as someone who's been teaching Photoshop since 2008. You'll learn how to think about AI tools in your workflow, understand what they can (and can't) do for your night photography, and feel more confident about embracing helpful AI features while maintaining your artistic integrity. Whether you're worried about AI taking over or just curious about how to use these new tools effectively, this episode will help you navigate the changing landscape of photography while staying true to your creative vision.

I've aimed to give you practical insights while exploring the bigger questions about AI's role in our photographic future. Most importantly, I hope this episode helps you feel excited about the possibilities while understanding why your unique perspective and experience as a photographer will always be valuable.