The Top AI Trends in Photography in 2025
Welcome back to the blog. My name is Evan Olbricht, and I’m a professional surf and lifestyle photographer in San Diego, CA. Today, we’re diving into a big topic that’s changing the industry faster than ever: AI in photography.
Love it or hate it, AI is here to stay. The real question is: how can we, as photographers, use it to our advantage? In this blog, I’ll break down the top AI photography trends in 2025 and how you can adapt, thrive, and keep your work authentic.
1. AI in Editing
Editing has always been one of the most time-consuming parts of photography. Now, AI tools are flipping that on its head.
Lightroom & Photoshop: New AI-powered masking, background replacement, and smart presets can edit entire shoots in minutes.
Smart Presets: AI can analyze your style and apply edits consistently across hundreds of photos.
Time Saved: What used to take hours in Lightroom can now be done in a fraction of the time.
👉 The takeaway: AI isn’t replacing your style, it’s just speeding up your workflow so you can spend more time shooting and focusing on what really matters.
2. AI for Client Workflows
AI is also transforming the way we deliver work to clients.
Automated Culling: No more manually deleting thousands of bad shots. AI can pick the best shots in seconds.
Smart Galleries: Platforms now use AI to create personalized galleries for clients, tagging images and even suggesting favorites.
AI Image Delivery: Tools can optimize file sizes, create social media versions, and send galleries automatically.
👉 The result: smoother client experiences and more scalability for your business.
3. AI-Generated Content
This is the controversial one. AI-generated visuals are everywhere, from stock photo replacements to concept art.
Brands are experimenting with AI images for ads and campaigns.
Photographers are blending real photos with AI-generated enhancements for unique looks.
Reality check: Authentic photography still wins when it comes to emotion, storytelling, and connection.
👉 AI art is a trend, but human connection in photography can’t be faked.
4. AI for Business & Marketing
AI isn’t just changing photos, but it’s also helping photographers run smarter businesses.
AI writing tools help with captions, emails, and blog posts.
SEO optimization: AI can suggest keywords and optimize your portfolio site for local searches (like “San Diego surf photographer”).
Pricing strategies: Some platforms now use AI to suggest competitive pricing based on your location and niche.
👉 If you treat your photography like a business, AI can be the assistant you always wanted.
5. Planning Shoots + Content
AI can even help before you take a photo to help plan out your shoots.
Generate content ideas tailored to your niche.
Find shooting locations by analyzing trending spots or weather conditions.
Simulate lighting setups to see how natural or studio light will affect your subject.
👉 Think of AI as a brainstorming partner that helps you show up to shoots more prepared.
6. Ethics & Authenticity
With AI becoming so powerful, authenticity matters more than ever.
Transparency: If you’re using AI to replace backgrounds or generate content, be upfront about it.
Trust: Clients want real, honest imagery that reflects their story.
Human connection: At the end of the day, nothing beats the emotional impact of a real photo taken by a real person.
👉 Photographers who prioritize authenticity will always stand out.
Conclusion
AI in photography isn’t a threat, but it’s a tool and can really help us if we learn how to use it.
Use it to cut down on repetitive, boring tasks.
Embrace it to streamline your workflow and grow your business.
But never forget: the most important part of photography is creativity, relationships, and human connection.
The photographers who adapt in 2025 are the ones who will thrive. AI can’t replace your eye, your story, or your ability to capture real moments.
Thanks for reading. If you want more photography insights, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes content, make sure to check out my other blogs and subscribe to my YouTube channel.
