Parents Use AI to Create School Photos, Cutting Out Photographers
An increasing number of parents are turning to AI for generating school pictures or eliminating watermarks, which poses a threat to professional photographers' livelihoods. According to Fast Company, school photo packages range from $25 to $60, while TikTok user Carlie Bond gained popularity for utilizing ChatGPT to enhance her children's images. The Times of London highlighted a drop in orders in the U.K. as parents opt for AI solutions. Photographer Lee Brooker warned that parents are attempting to save £12, potentially jeopardizing their children's safety by sharing images online. The Association of Photographers (AOP) revealed that 58% of its 3,000 members have lost work due to AI, with many confronting copyright issues. AOP chief executive Isabelle Doran stressed the severe consequences for creative professions.
Key facts
- Parents are using AI to create school photos or remove watermarks to avoid paying photographers.
- School photo packages can cost between $25 and $60.
- TikTok user Carlie Bond went viral for using ChatGPT to turn home photos into school-style portraits.
- ChatGPT added a standard gradient backdrop to Bond's photos, similar to Lifetouch and Cady Studios portraits.
- In the U.K., The Times of London reported that school photographers have seen orders fall due to AI watermark removal.
- Lee Brooker, a school photographer for two decades, noted a slight decrease in sales as parents save £12 by using ChatGPT to remove logos.
- AOP data shows 58% of its 3,000 members have lost commissioned work to AI, and over two-thirds experienced copyright infringement online.
- Isabelle Doran, AOP chief executive, warned that AI-assisted watermark removal makes it harder for photographers to protect their work and livelihoods.
Entities
Artists
- Carlie Bond
- Lee Brooker
- Isabelle Doran
Institutions
- Fast Company
- The Times of London
- Association of Photographers (AOP)
- Lifetouch
- Cady Studios
- ChatGPT
- TikTok
- PetaPixel
Locations
- United Kingdom
- London