How AI impacts photo composition

Framing a scene is easy, right?

Hi! My latest Smarter Image column for Popular Photography is now published, in which I look at how computational photography affects composition: Composition in the age of AI: Who’s really framing the shot? From the article:

A recurring theme with computational photography is the tension over creative choices. The “AI” features in cameras and photo editing apps can take over for many technical aspects, such as how to expose a scene or nail focus. Does that grab too much creative control from photographers?

Image composition seems to be outside that tension. When you line up a shot, the camera isn’t physically pulling your arms to aim the lens at a better layout. (If it is pulling your arms, it’s time to consider a lighter camera or a sturdy tripod!) But software can affect composition in many circumstances—mostly during editing, but in some cases while shooting, too.

I look at some possible ways smartphone cameras are choosing image layouts, such as Apple’s Center Stage technology, and run some photos through the “auto” cropping features in a handful of editing apps.

Is composition something that should stay outside the influence of AI? Do you find the crop suggestions helpful when editing? Reply to this email or comment at the bottom of the article and let me know.

Thanks!

Jeff