The Value and Quirks of Generative AI Editing
- Angie Carel
- Jun 8
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Gen AI is one of the most valuable tools available to photographers, editors, and brands right now.
It’s not only about creative edits or speed—it’s about increasing the shelf life and versatility, and broadening the application of use of every photo you invest in. One professionally shot image can be transformed into multiple versions, in any proportion, with different clothing, colors, settings, compositions and vibes. Your favorite photos can stay visually consistent with your identity—even through a rebrand.
If you saw my last LinkedIn post I shared my Visual Brand Manifesto… a part of the process of reimagining my brand aesthetic.
I loved the original photo in the demo video below—but the shirt I wore didn’t match my updated palette at all. So I used AI to generate some options that would work.
It’s so important to say that there’s a drastic difference in the results when you begin with a well-composed, professionally shot photo. The foundation is critical.
Also, after I the demo make sure to read the list I put together of 15 Generative AI editing quirks you should absolutely know about.
15 generative AI editing quirks:
1. Tweak, don’t overhaul.
Gen AI editing works much better when you change just a piece of the outfit rather than trying to generate an entirely new look. Targeted tweaks lead to more realistic, usable results.
2. Reference images come with baggage.
If you use a photo of a shirt worn by a woman with long hair… you might suddenly have long hair too. Gen AI loves to bring in “bonus features” it assumes belong with the look.
3. Gen AI loves to enhance the ladies up top.
It tends to turn up the volume, whether you asked for it or not. Keep an eye on proportions—they often get a little too generous.
4. Select more than you think you need.
Always select a larger area than just the exact part you want to change. Gen AI needs buffer space to blend edits smoothly. Tight selections lead to weird seams or shrunken elements.
5. Look for the shadows and reflections.
When removing or changing something, don’t forget to hunt down its shadow, reflection, or stray traces—like sidewalk shadows or ghosted objects in glass.
6. There is no button logic.
Buttons may float in mid-air, disappear entirely, or appear where no closure should exist. AI hasn’t quite figured out how clothes are built.
7. Fabric and body don’t always sync.
Sometimes AI nails the outfit but forgets the body underneath. You might end up with sleeves floating off the shoulder, shirts that ignore your waistline, or pant legs that look painted on. Make sure the clothing follows your actual form—not just a vibe.
8. Symmetry is optional.
Earrings might appear on one side only. Sleeves, collars, or heels may mismatch completely. Gen AI often treats each side like its own separate design challenge—so always check for balance.
9. Accessories pop up everywhere.
Even if you didn’t request a necklace, AI might decide you need one. You may get surprise jewelry, waist chains, or “stylish” touches that no one invited.
10. Fingers and hands: the OG AI issue.
If your edit crosses into hand territory and you’re not paying close attention, expect weirdness—phantom fingers, melted palms, or hands that just don’t look right. And if you didn’t know this you shouldn’t be editing with AI.
11. Fabric doesn’t always follow physics.
You’ll spot folds that defy gravity or seams that travel across your body at impossible angles. It might not be obvious at first glance—and depending on your use case, it might not matter—but it’s there.
12. Prints + patterns are a pain in the a**.
Gen AI still struggles with print consistency. Stripes warp. Florals ghost. Textures blur or shift in awkward places. If you know you’ll be showing or editing in AI, wear (or tell your clients to wear) solids. Trust me.
13. Objects don’t respect gravity.
Bags might hover off your shoulder. Hair can float. Accessories may levitate. Always do a once-over to make sure everything looks grounded and believable.
14. Reflections and shadows are often off.
Even if your subject looks right, the mirrors, glass, and shadows may not—especially if you didn’t include them in your selection. If you did include them, make sure they actually reflect the update.
15. Zoom in to finalize.
From a distance, the image may look fine. But up close, you’ll often find artifacts, smudges, or visual glitches. The level of detail you need depends on how you’ll use the image—but either way, always do a final detail pass.
Finally…
If you’re a photographer and not thinking about how to fold Gen AI into your services you’d better be.
Clients will expect it. Creative teams will depend on it. And those who figure it out now will have a serious edge.
Thanks for reading. Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angiecarel/
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