As a 38 year old with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) there are certain aspects of life that are challenging. Repetitive tasks, things that require a meticulous approach, can feel like trawling through mud, causing anxiety and frustration. Although I enjoy it, photo editing has always been a struggle for me, especially when I have a deadline. Thankfully, I’m now using AI photo editors and it makes things much easier, and more enjoyable.
Early Diagnosis
I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was 13. Back then, being young I refused to accept the legitimacy of the condition. To me, it was just a way for people to label those who didn’t do well in certain structures, like classes or with mundane tasks.
In my 30s I sought a second diagnosis, as my understanding of the condition had changed. I knew it was not limited to hyperactive behavior, or an unwillingness to conform to certain structures. In my personal experience it shows up as an overactive mind, anxiety, insomnia, emotional dysregulation, and difficulty processing tasks.
This is my first time talking about it publicly. Mainly because I don’t see it as a core part of my personality. Also because it seems to be diagnosed so often in the modern era that people tend not to take it seriously.
But it’s real. And, although nothing is impossible for me, I do find life a struggle in certain environments, causing symptom flares and general dysregulation.
I can’t count the amount of times I’ve sat in front of a screen editing images, pulling my hair out and swearing at my laptop when something doesn’t function perfectly. A tight chest, shortness of breath and a brain that’s bouncing all over the place, all while keeping an eye on the date I have to deliver. It’s a huge metaphorical mountain to climb, and the view doesn’t feel worth it!
AI Changed the Game
Then AI (artificial intelligence) tools started appearing in the best photo editing software, and everything changed. Lightroom was one of the first to spearhead the new technology. Object removal no longer took the same amount of time and attention, and tasks could be completed faster and with more ease.
Lightroom.
Masking tools are more refined than ever thanks to AI. I no longer have to use the brush tool. Instead I’m able to tick a box and select specific elements (such as eyes, lips, face skin) and AI will highlight those areas for me. Now I just need to make the adjustments. It keeps my brain much calmer, and my focus much sharper.
But there was still the issue of having to edit each image, and then adapt my edit depending on the lighting conditions and environment.
AI Photo Editing
That problem was solved when I started using Imagen AI, a photo editing software that takes over and edits on your behalf. Unlike Lightroom’s AI features, which speed up individual edits, Imagen AI handles entire shoots for you. For transparency, the software has since become a sponsor of Them Frames, but I’d already started using it before the partnership began.
By the way, I know the term AI triggers some people. It has triggered me in the past too, back when we all saw those disastrous AI-generated images began to flood the internet, plus the concerns around copyright and machine learning. But, as the initial blow has softened, I’ve come to realize how useful some of these tools can be for a photographer’s workflow.
I go more deeply into the software in my Imagen AI review, but here’s an overview of what you get.
You train the AI model to edit just like you by giving it access to your Lightroom catalogues so it can analyze and understand your unique editing style. Then you then upload a new set of images, select your profile and Imagen will work in the background. You can even get up and walk away from your computer while it edits.
Imagen AI.
With today’s AI tools, I can now edit a full portrait session in a single day, rather than the week to 10 days it used to take. To give you a practical example of the benefit of this, I recently delivered a portrait session in 24 hours, and the client was so impressed by the speed of the service (and quality of the photos) that they booked another session the following week.
Edited using Lightroom and Imagen AI.
Mental Improvements
From a mental perspective, it’s about having a level of peace and calm, no longer getting overly flustered when a large batch editing session awaits me.
I know people will have their own opinions about ADHD, and how legitimate they believe it is. I can’t change their mind, nor do I want to. All I know is that it presents real-world challenges for me, and if I can find ways to minimize its negative impact, then that’s something I’m going to do.
And despite all that’s wrong with AI, the apps I’m using keep photography authentic, your personal editing style intact, and your privacy protected.
For me, the term AI doesn’t need to be a dirty word, nor does ADHD. You just need to find ways that it can truly benefit your mind and workflow. That’s how it’s been working for me.
More reading: The relationship between photography and mental health
