In an age where technology is rapidly advancing, the debate between human expertise and artificial intelligence (AI) continues to intensify. The realm of photo editing is no exception. While several AI-powered applications promise to enhance and correct images effortlessly, there remains a significant demand for skilled professionals who can deliver high-quality, nuanced results. This article explores whether humans still outperform AI in photo editing and why the human touch remains indispensable.
The Human Touch in Photo Editing
The inspiration for this article came from a recent job posting on LinkedIn by Superawesome, a product design company seeking a retoucher. The position demands expertise in design, mockup creation, and photo editing—skills that are essential for crafting realistic and polished images, especially for interiors and products.
Despite the proliferation of AI applications that even professionals use, there remains a need for human involvement. This prompts the question: are these AI tools still unreliable, or is there something inherently irreplaceable about human editors?
AI’s Limitations in Photo Editing
To get insights into this topic, we reached out to Dragan Babić, the founder of Superawesome, who shed light on the company’s experience with AI tools in photo editing. According to Babić, AI’s current capabilities fall short in several key areas, including stylistic consistency, quality, and adherence to specific client requirements. He mentioned that AI often struggles with art direction, producing results that seem random rather than intentional. Moreover, AI-generated images frequently lack the precise dimensions and quality necessary for professional use.
Superawesome works closely with clients to create composite photos tailored to their specific needs—a process that AI tools are not yet sophisticated enough to handle. Babić emphasized that meeting the detailed and unique requirements of clients is usually beyond the reach of current AI technologies.
The Role of AI as an Assistant, Not a Replacement
When asked how AI might complement, rather than replace, the role of a human retoucher, Babić shared an optimistic view:
“We are approaching a time where AI tools will serve as valuable assistants rather than replacements. These tools are useful in situations where a high level of control over the result isn’t necessary.”
He explained that AI could be employed for less critical tasks, such as creating graphics for social media posts, where the stakes are lower. However, for more complex projects that demand creativity and precision, AI remains a supplementary tool rather than a primary one.
The Future of Creativity in the Age of AI
Despite AI’s rapid advancement, Babić believes that creative professionals are safe for now. However, he acknowledges the potential for AI to evolve and impact the creative industry significantly. As AI technology becomes more sophisticated, companies may need to rethink their processes and integrate AI tools into their workflows. In such a scenario, human creatives might transition into roles as creative directors, overseeing the work generated by AI.
At present, Superawesome does not have a formal program to explore new technologies. Instead, employees individually experiment with AI tools and share their findings with the team. The company values a strong technical foundation and discipline among its staff, ensuring they remain adaptable to technological changes.
Understanding Client Needs: The Human Advantage
One of the key roles of a retoucher at Superawesome involves working closely with management and marketing teams to meet client needs. Babić highlighted the importance of understanding clients’ expectations, particularly in the challenging eCommerce landscape. He explained that while traditional organizations often struggle with digital adaptation, younger companies face challenges in financing their direct-to-consumer (DtC) models.
To address these challenges, Superawesome has had to adapt its collaboration methods, especially under the “staff augmentation” model they currently employ. This model requires effective integration with client organizations, a task that AI tools are not yet equipped to handle.
Conclusion
While AI tools for photo editing have come a long way, they are not yet capable of fully replacing human expertise. The nuanced understanding of client needs, the ability to produce consistent quality, and the creative direction provided by human professionals remain unmatched. For now, AI serves as a useful assistant, but the role of the human editor remains vital in delivering high-quality, tailored results. As AI continues to evolve, the creative industry will undoubtedly face new challenges and opportunities, but the human touch will likely remain an essential component for years to come.
