Today marks the beginning of an exciting new blog series, AI for Photographers. Now, let’s be clear on one thing from the start. I am no tech expert. I don’t know the intricacies of how all these tools work behind the scenes. If that’s what you’re looking for, you’re in the wrong place. However, I’m an educator and a photographer. I love breaking down confusing topics for my students and helping them make sense of them. (I am a math teacher after all!) That’s my goal here. I have seen the fear, confusion and pure overwhelm in our industry around this topic and I want to help make it better. Implementing AI tools in my own business has been so beneficial and I know it can be for you too. So, buckle up because we’re diving into the world of artificial intelligence!
At its core, the term artificial intelligence refers to digital systems that are capable of performing tasks that traditionally required human intelligence. These systems are different from traditional computers in that they learn their behavior based on feedback provided to them rather than just their code. This allows them to recognize patterns and utilize that recognition to generate human-style responses. If you want to run your cost of doing business to help you adjust your package prices, use a traditional computer program like Excel. However, if you want some ideas for blog posts to write that will help your clients prepare for a session, an AI tool like ChatGPT can help.
If you’re running a photography business, AI tools can mean more efficient editing, streamlined workflows, and time saved on routine tasks that can then be used in other ways. For me, these tools have improved my client experience as my clients now get more personalized interaction from me and faster turnaround time on their galleries. (Plus a few other things, but I don’t want to spoil any surprises here in case a future client happens to be reading this! 😉) Whether you’ve been in business for years or are just getting started, there are AI programs that you can integrate into your workflow to improve both your day-to-day tasks and your overall client experience.
Let’s get practical. Here are a few AI-powered programs that I currently use that I believe are worth checking out:
Are you intrigued? Ready to get started? It can absolutely be overwhelming, so I recommend picking one tool to explore at a time. Play with it and keep in mind it’s all about finding the balance between efficiency and authenticity. While these tools can streamline your workflow, you don’t want them to do so at the cost of your personal touch. When used well, you can deliver an even better experience to your clients. On the other hand, if you just let AI do all the work, well, people will be able to tell… and it’s not a good look.
Up next in AI for Photographers, we’ll be discussing best practices for using AI tools. This is an incredibly important step that ensures the tools you choose are working for you to maximize efficiency. Or, if you’re ready for more, check out Authentically Artificial. This is a resource designed to simplify AI tools that you can implement today to enhance your photography business. If you have found this blog series informative, you don’t want to miss Authentically Artificial!
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I HAVE A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR YOU!
I've been navigating military life with my family since 2008. In that time, I went from a full-time classroom teacher to an online course designer to a photographer. Actually, I still teach a little math on the side because I just love it too much!
Through it all, I've discovered how passionate I am about connecting with military families. Whether it's taking photos at a retirement ceremony, coaching a fellow milspouse photographer, or just grabbing coffee with a new squadron friend, I love this community. And as a teacher at heart, I'm excited to use this space to share what I've learned about business and life with you.
I'M ERIN.