AI Kind of Sucks at Retouching, Study Says (www.thephoblographer.com)

A recent study by Color Experts International, a leading image manipulation service based in Virginia, reveals that while AI tools like Nano Banana Pro can substantially speed up photo retouching—completing edits 22.7 times faster than human retouchers at about 25.4 seconds versus nearly 29 minutes—the quality of AI outputs falls short. Human retouchers scored an average of 8.85 out of 10 for quality, while AI tools averaged just 5.16, highlighting significant gaps in quality despite their efficiency. The study also examined versatility and accuracy, finding AI often misinterprets prompts, demonstrated when a simple task—to remove a background from a RAW image—resulted in an entirely irrelevant output. This indicates that human retouchers possess superior understanding of nuances and complexities. Interestingly, the research suggests a hybrid model utilizing both AI and human skill could optimize workflows, achieving faster results without sacrificing quality. However, the study raises critical questions about the economic implications for professional retouchers in an AI-driven landscape, emphasizing the need for fair compensation. As AI tools continue to evolve, their integration could transform the industry, but their limitations serve as a reminder that human expertise remains indispensable.