[This is a sponsored article with Adobe.]
While some might say that taking pictures means that you are not in the moment, we like to argue that as our memory deteriorates with age, we reach out for photographs to look back at different life events.
Personally, I always love to make memories with my loved ones and cement them in pictures. That said, getting the perfect shot is always a challenge for me.
Finding the right angles does not come naturally to me. As such, I often get insecure about my own photos and end up not sharing them with anyone or on social media. On top of that, I often try to edit my photos, but I find it time-consuming and am always on the lookout to make editing easier.
With the hype of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), many photo editing platforms have launched their own features.
Most recently, Adobe announced its first-ever generative AI in Lightroom with Generative Remove and Lens Blur, and I decided to put these features to the test for my 24th birthday.
For this test, we will be looking at whether the AI functions can produce realistic results, and at the ease of use of the functions below. Will I finally be proud of my photos?
Generative Remove: No more “eraser marks”
Like an eraser, Lightroom’s Generative Remove function can help you remove any distractions from your photos.
With the help of AI, it can erase any unwanted photobombers or crowds cleanly without any off-looking residues, which is something that many of us struggle with and get frustrated about when editing our photos.
While opting for the Generative AI function can slow down the picture’s processing time, the end result is worth the wait. From small details, like a photo bomber in the background:
Swipe right to see how much was removed from my surroundings / Image Credits: Vulcan Post
To crowds in the background, any distractions can be eliminated with just a few swipes.
Swipe right to see how much was removed from my surroundings / Image Credits: Vulcan Post
Lens Blur: Balance is key
Blurring your background gives greater focus to the main subject of the picture. However, too much background blur can have a reverse effect.
Adobe’s AI-powered Lens Blur function helps identify the main subject of the image. With just one click, you can choose from seven different pre-settings depending on the intensity and overall effect.
From bright backgrounds like this:
Swipe right to see how much was blurred from my surroundings / Image Credits: Vulcan Post
To removing reflections, you can keep the focus on yourself without making your surroundings distracting.
Swipe for the unedited version / Image Credits: Vulcan Post
Our Verdict
Lightroom’s Generative AI functions are a useful addition, especially so for hobbyists or mobile photography enthusiasts like myself. When it was time for me to sit down, look through my photos and edit them, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy the features were to use.
What stood out to me the most was the effectiveness of the AI in the Generative Remove function, as it helps eliminate the “eraser marks” that are often left behind when an object is removed from the background.
Apart from Lightroom’s AI-powered features, the platform also has other useful features for editing photos and videos. The mobile app comes with a streamlined toolbar that includes Presets, Crop, Edit, and other frequently used tools.
Adobe Lightroom is also available on desktop, which allows you to edit your photos on the go across various devices, and you don’t have to worry about importing or syncing your photos to the cloud.
However, do note that Lightroom is a paid platform. Adobe offers a monthly subscription plan of S$13.39 (US$6.98) per month to use the platform alone, making it an affordable option for mobile photography enthusiasts or beginners.
You can try out its features for free for seven days, during which you can experiment with many of the app’s features, except for the premium features, which include Generative Remove and Lens Blur.
Ultimately, we have seen our share of AI and photo editing fails on the Internet, but Adobe’s AI technology steps up in terms of innovation. The ability to produce realistic results with just a few clicks makes the platform a lot more accessible and reliable for users.
Furthermore, I can personally say that these features help me become more confident in sharing my photos with those I care about, and I look forward to creating more meaningful memories with them in the years to come.
If you would like to try and buy a Lightroom subscription, you can find out more below.
- Learn more about Adobe Lightroom here.
- Read other articles we’ve written about Singaporean startups here.
Featured Image Credit: Vulcan Post
