01 We have all seen the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and these have certainly sparked conversations in various industries, including photography. From automatic editing software to AI-generated images, the portrait photography industry is definitely experiencing a transformation. But what does this mean for me and other newborn photographers, and should we be worried about AI taking our jobs?

AI is already making considerable waves in photography. As a digital photographer, I know that editing software enhanced with AI capabilities can now automate many tasks, from retouching skin tones to adjusting lighting. For portrait photographers, this helps streamline workflow, saving time and enhancing productivity. In newborn photography, where sessions often involve delicate lighting adjustments and sometimes intricate post-processing, AI tools can certainly help create those gorgeous, dreamy newborn images more efficiently. Having said this; I still firmly believe in getting colours, composition and lighting right ‘in camera’ and that AI still has a way to go before it will be able to take a poorly lit and white-balanced image and turn it into a professional one. It's a bit like paying a photographer who doesn't have a clue about lighting or composition and just throws a filter at their images. You just wouldn't, would you?

From a post-production standpoint, AI can be a game-changer. Tools like face recognition can help photographers sort through hundreds of images quickly, and intelligent retouching software can make subtle adjustments to newborn skin tones, again minimising the time spent editing. Newborn babies’ delicate skin can often be too red, yellow or blotchy so these tools can be particularly useful.

But - Can AI Replace a Photographer? 06

It is true that AI can certainly help us in our work, however I believe that, at this point in time anyway, it is unlikely to replace the role of a trained, professional newborn photographer. My reason is quite simple - newborn photography isn’t just about capturing a perfect image; it requires skills far beyond operating a camera, lighting equipment and editing software.

AI might be great at processing and organising photos, but there will, of course, always be the need for someone to safely capture those photos at the start of the process! Photographers like me are trained to carefully work with newborns, which is something that of course, AI simply cannot replicate.

I recently saw an ad for a company that offers clients the chance to submit their own headshots of their babies, which are then put into AI generated images at the other end. In this way, and using artificial body parts and backgrounds, parents are offered the chance to recreate the types of poses carried out by newborn photographers, without the need to visit a studio or part with as much money. While I can see how some parents might find it appealing to submit headshots and let AI create the rest, there’s just something so special about capturing a real, authentic photograph of your baby. AI is advancing quickly, but as it stands, it still struggles with intricate details like hands and natural body positioning. Imagine receiving a portrait of your baby, only to notice something isn’t quite right—like an extra finger or two!

I’m fairly confident that, rather than replacing newborn photographers, AI is more likely to become an important tool that enhances the work we do. For example, by reducing the time spent on editing, we can focus more on the creative side of things and delivering results to clients more quickly. AI tools can help maintain consistent editing styles across different shoots, ensuring that each gallery is of a high standard. Depending on how far we want to use AI, it can analyse trends and provide suggestions for different compositions, offering fresh perspectives while still allowing us the final say over each shot.

18 Yes, AI is undoubtedly shaping the future of many industries, including photography, providing valuable tools that can help us be more efficient and consistent. However, the unique skill set required for newborn photography—particularly the ability to safely handle and pose babies—ensures that the role of the professional newborn photographer remains irreplaceable.

So, I’ve decided that, rather than worry about AI stealing my clients, I am going to try and embrace these tools as a way to enhance what I do. In the end, it’s the personal connections, attention to detail, and emotions that will hopefully continue to make my professional newborn photography a sought-after service for families.

I certainly hope I’m right! While AI might be a game-changer from an editing point of view, it can’t replace that wonderful feeling of holding a newborn in my arms during a session and seeing the happiness that I bring to new parents when they see their finished photographs. These are things I really, really don’t want to lose.

Thanks for reading!