Platforms such as VSCO ensure that photographers get the best of both worlds. The chance to showcase their work to like-minded people, but also to edit their images to perfection before they do that. Over time, the company has expanded, introducing various portals tailored to the diverse needs of creators. Today, they announced AI Lab, a new tool designed to further assist those seeking precision and control.
The new AI Lab offers “high fidelity” to photo editing, and it is available to VSCO Pro subscribers. Per the blog, VSCO states that the lab is dedicated within the app, and gives photographers access to use artificial intelligence to refine their images. In a way, it can be used by portrait or wedding photographers who need to remove objects that disturb the frame.
The ‘remove’ tool, for instance, can clean up distractions. For instance, a passerby in a group photo in a new city. Or anything that could clutter the background. At the same time, it maintains the resolution of the original photo.
How It Works
To use this, users will have to update the app to the latest version and then choose the new ‘AI Lab icon.’ You can then choose the image, and then work with three selection tools: Brush, Tap, or Lasso. Each of them will further help to select the part you want to edit. Once you achieve that, simply tap ‘Remove,’ and the AI Lab processes the image to generate a full-resolution edited copy.
Human-Centered AI Lab
VSCO states that the AI Lab represents the company’s commitment to put humans first. In other words, the technology is designed to enhance your experience, rather than replace human creativity. As Eric Wittman, the CEO, said, “AI can help automate mundane tasks, like building a portfolio in order to be discovered by potential clients. AI can also then help you manage your business once you have that clientele. These tools and much more can amplify your vision, make complex tasks simple, and free up your time for more meaningful work.” In fact, during our interview, Wittman also stated that they plan to integrate AI in an ethical manner for further use.
The company notes that ‘remove’ is the beginning of the company. They will next roll out ‘Upscale,’ which will allow photographers to increase the resolution and details of the image without compromising its integrity. There is also the talk of more advanced photographer-focused tools on the horizon. VSCO AI Lab is now in the portfolio of other products, such as VSCO Canvas, VSCO Sites, VSCO Blogs, and VSCO Hub, amongst others.
With the VSCO Pro Membership, users can access unlimited AI editing, featuring over 200 professional presets and film effects, as well as advanced tools. VSCO is not the first company to offer this; Adobe and Shutterstock both have similar generative AI offerings. The company is ensuring that it does not get left behind. But the only difference is that they are doing this keeping photographers in mind first.