VSCO Survey Reveals Widespread AI Adoption Among Photographers

A December survey by VSCO of 401 photographers in the U.S. and Canada found that 83% already use AI in their workflows, with over half employing it weekly or daily. Working photographers show higher engagement, with 68% using AI frequently compared to 34% of enthusiasts. The most common genres among respondents were travel and lifestyle, followed by landscape, nature, wildlife, and portrait photography. VSCO CEO Eric Wittman notes that photographers have moved beyond debating AI's role, though concerns about creative control and ethics persist. Fewer than 5% feel threatened by AI, with many open to its limited integration. The survey highlights that nearly half of photographers spend significant time on tedious tasks like file organization and promotion, creating demand for AI tools to handle administrative work. Top desired AI features include personalized editing tools that learn a photographer's style, while working photographers prioritize marketing, pricing, and client communication aids. VSCO published the report today, emphasizing AI as a supportive tool for human creativity, not a replacement. The company's AI Lab platform on iOS reflects this approach, aiming to give photographers more time for creative pursuits. In 2025, 44% of working photographers increased their AI usage, with only 4% never having tried such tools.