Education

Ep. 28 | AI vs Private Editors

My Honest Thoughts

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ai vs. private editors

On Sunday evening, I posted a reel on my Instagram about something NEW that I tried in the photography world and WOAH did it create an uproar.

I decided to give AI editing a try and let a robot edit a senior session for me!

Aaannnddd…it was AMAZING. I mean, I am so impressed with how it turned out that I shared about it publicly and I didn’t think twice about it….. 

 

But then the texts came….

and the DM’s…..

And the emails…..

 

Some were kind…..

Some were not….

 

But overall, they were all coming from a place of fear and anxiety.

These messages were from private editors who are terrified that their livelihood is going to be taken away from them and I understand that. How scary to have a technological advancement come onto the scene and threaten what you do for a living. 

It’s understandable that my reel sparked a new level of uncertainty. However, it also sparked a realization for me….. 

 

These editors are so crippled in fear that they can’t see the opportunity. They only see pain, problems and panic.

 

Again, that’s understandable….

So what do I do? Promise to never post about AI again in fear that photographers may choose AI over working with a private editor? 

Or do I try my best to be the leader these editors need me to be and not shy away from the hard conversations? Hiding from this issue isn’t going to empower anyone to conquer it….

It will just delay their chance to rise above it. 

 

The lessons I’ve been learning in my own life about resistance and surrender perfectly tied into the struggle that was happening in all of the private editing communities since Sunday. 

 

After talking with my own editor (who I have partnered with in the past to champion private editors!), other leaders in the editing space and friends who make six figures editing for other photographers, I knew that this podcast episode was needed. 

 

If you are a private photo editor and feel like you are about to ‘lose everything’, you’ll want to tune it today. 

I want you to know that this episode was recorded and then RE-RECORDED late in the evenings this week. The goal is to provide hope and a new perspective while also allowing editors to be seen in the midst of the struggle of this season. 

 

I love you all and we’re in this together. Here’s to new possibilities and challenging ourselves to think beyond the fear! 

Listen here : itunes

Listen here : spotify

 

Want to catch up on more episodes?! Listen below!

Thanks for reading!

— Katelyn

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