Exploring the Pros and Cons: AI-Based Photo Retouching vs. Human Touch

Artificial Intelligence has created a storm worldwide. The disruptive technology has also affected our own photo retouching industry. We are being challenged and are being questioned whether we are going to survive for another decade.

Can AI completely replace human touch when it comes to image editing?

A popular AI system when asked about the pros and cons of AI-based photo retouching vs human touch stresses the need to strike a perfect balance between the two approaches rather than relying solely on one approach.

To elaborate it further, it lists the benefits of automated approach, such as speed and efficiency, consistency and accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and advanced editing capabilities. At the same time, it talks about some really basic requirements that such systems lack, such as lack of artistic judgement, limited adaptability, insufficient context awareness, and loss of personal connection.

In my personal view, the limitations are far serious than the advantages it offers. It simply means a business can’t rely solely on the results produced by an AI retouching software. You must have a human editor spruce up the results and transform them in the required presentable format. Sometimes, it becomes too much a task for a human retoucher to correct the mistakes in an AI-generated image.

AI software works on pre-programmed rules and certain patterns. It may not suit all business requirements. A human editor, on the other hand, has skills and experiences that allow him or her to offer customized solutions and meet a client’s typical requirements. Results from both the approaches reflect this vital difference.

Artificial Intelligence is here to stay. No one can deny this. However, it can never replace a human touch. A better way to think is to stop comparing the two and work towards synthesizing the two approaches and create a work paradigm to offer better solutions to businesses and individuals.

We, at PicsRetouch, are more than willing to integrate cutting-edge technologies in our work pipeline. True, we still rely on the good-old human retouching capabilities, but we also use latest AI-based software and advanced tools.

We like to pass the benefits of speed, efficiency and cost-effectiveness that such advanced tools bring to our clients. At the same time, we also continue to keep intact the qualities of subjective, creativity, artistic judgement, adaptability, and the ability to understand and convey emotions that our human retouchers put forth.