040 - Is AI cheating or is it an evolution in photography?

Every time photography takes a technological leap, someone cries “cheating.” It happened with autofocus, digital sensors, and Photoshop. Each was branded as the end of “real” photography. And yet, here we are — using all three as standard tools of the craft.

Now it’s AI’s turn in the spotlight. The same debate is flaring up again, only louder. But let’s be honest — AI isn’t cheating. It’s evolution.

AI doesn’t make you a better photographer. It doesn’t give you vision, taste, or story. What it does is remove friction. It speeds up editing, cleans up noise, enhances detail, and even helps you visualize lighting setups before you shoot. It’s like having an assistant who works at the speed of thought — but still needs direction.

The difference, as always, is intent. If your goal is to deceive the viewer, that’s manipulation. If your goal is to express something, that’s OK. The tools don’t decide that — you do.

I will paraphrase well known photographer Joel Grimes. “Do you have a passion to create. Grimes builds visual stories the way a painter builds worlds — through imagination, light, and craft. AI, to him, is just another brush. He’s not trying to fake reality; he’s constructing illusion on purpose. There’s a difference.

And that’s the point: AI isn’t replacing creativity, it’s extending it. The photographer still chooses what story to tell. The camera still needs someone behind it with vision and heart.

Here’s the truth no one wants to admit — photographers who learn to use AI will outpace those who don’t. They’ll deliver faster, explore more ideas, and refine their work with more freedom. Clients won’t care if you used AI; they’ll care that the image moves them.

It doesn’t have to be complicated, it makes even switching backgrounds easier.

AI doesn’t make you a better photographer. It amplifies the one you already are.