This Is How Lightroom's Generative Remove SAVES PHOTOS

This Is How Lightroom's Generative Remove SAVES PHOTOS

Introduction

Odds are that unless you've been living under a rock for the past two years, you've heard about generative AI and its growing influence in our lives. When applied to creative spaces, generative AI is capable of performing remarkable tasks—like animating paintings, generating images and music from text prompts, and playing a significant role in photography workflows. The May 2024 Lightroom update introduced us to a new tool known as "generative remove."

The Controversy and Potential of AI in Lightroom

Some photographers are hesitant about integrating AI into their workflows, particularly in a platform like Lightroom. While the hesitation is understandable, the potential benefits should not be overlooked. Specifically, generative remove can breathe new life into otherwise unusable photos by eliminating distracting elements that previous tools couldn't handle.

Case Study: Revitalizing an Old Photo

For a practical illustration, let's delve into a case study featuring a photo taken in Norway back in 2015 using a Sony A7 and a 16-35 mm F4 lens. This photo contained several distracting elements like a chain-link fence, a signpost, and a water spout, which previous versions of Lightroom and Photoshop couldn't adequately remove. The introduction of generative remove has changed that.

Step-by-Step Guide: Enhancing the Photo in Lightroom

1. Initial Editing: Start by changing the profile to Adobe Landscape, adjust the white balance using a dropper tool, and apply basic contrast adjustments using S-curves.
2. Removing Distracting Elements: Use the generative remove tool to selectively eliminate distractions in the photo. This includes enabling generative AI and object awareness checkboxes for precise removal.
3. Applying Global Edits: Add final global treatments like contrast adjustments and exposure tweaks.

Combining Lightroom's Generative Remove with Photoshop

The process doesn't have to stop in Lightroom. By pairing it with Photoshop's generative fill, you can take the photo editing further. For example, add a door or stairs to architectural elements in your photo, or even enhance the surrounding scenery with additional elements like fences.

Using Lightroom Adaptive AI Tools for Final Touches

To further stylize the photo, you can use Lightroom's AI-powered presets, which allow you to add targeted enhancements to different parts of the photo, such as the sky or foreground.

Conclusion

Although generative AI tools are not everyone's cup of tea, they offer unprecedented opportunities to enhance and revitalize photos. They are worth familiarizing yourself with for the creative possibilities they unlock.

Keywords

• Generative AI
• Lightroom
• Generative Remove
• Photo Editing
• Photoshop
• Adobe Firefly
• AI Tools
• Photography Workflow
• Adobe Landscape
• Photo Revitalization

FAQ

Q: What is generative remove in Lightroom? A: Generative remove is a tool introduced in the May 2024 update of Lightroom that utilizes Adobe's Firefly AI model to remove distractions from photos, effectively sampling and filling the selected areas to match the surrounding elements.

Q: Why are some photographers hesitant about using AI tools? A: Some photographers worry that AI tools might compromise the authenticity of their work. They are concerned that AI-generated edits may not align with the traditional principles of photography.

Q: How does generative remove differ from previous tools in Lightroom and Photoshop? A: Unlike previous tools, generative remove uses AI to make more precise and context-aware edits, allowing for the removal of complex distractions that were previously difficult to handle.

Q: Can generative remove be used in combination with other tools? A: Yes, generative remove can be paired with Photoshop's generative fill for more advanced edits, providing an extended range of creative possibilities.

Q: Are these AI tools suitable for all types of photography? A: While these tools are highly versatile, they are particularly useful for non-journalistic photography, where creative freedom is less restricted. However, ethical considerations should be taken into account for documentary or journalistic purposes.

Q: What are some other AI-powered features available in Lightroom? A: In addition to generative remove, Lightroom offers adaptive AI tools like landscape AI presets that automatically create masks for different parts of the photo, allowing for detailed adjustments and enhancements.