AI as Part of My Editing Workflow
Context
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I work from photographs made in the field. Time spent observing, waiting, and responding to what is actually there remains fundamental to my work. That has not changed.
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What has changed is the set of tools available once the image is made. Like noise reduction, focus stacking, or advanced masking, AI-assisted tools now sit alongside more traditional post-processing methods. Used carefully, they allow small refinements that would once have been impractical or time-consuming.
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This page sets out how AI fits into my editing workflow, how it is used, and where I draw clear boundaries.
Where AI Fits in My Workflow
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AI-assisted tools are used as part of post-processing to refine emphasis and interpretation, starting from a photograph made in the field. They can help with tonal control, texture, and occasionally atmosphere, but the original capture remains the anchor for the final image.
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In practice, this means:
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beginning with a real photograph made in the field
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using AI selectively, not as a default
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keeping changes incremental and reviewable
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reducing anything that distracts from the subject or feels overworked
Workflow Overview
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This is the general order in which AI-assisted tools are introduced within my wider editing workflow. Not every image passes through every stage, and many images require no AI input at all.
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1. Field capture
The photograph is made in the field. Subject choice, timing, composition, and light are resolved before processing
begins.
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2. Initial raw processing
Exposure, tonal balance, and colour are adjusted to produce a clean, neutral base image.
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3. Assessment and decision point
The image is evaluated for distractions or limitations that would be inefficient to resolve manually. Only then is AI
​ considered.
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4. Targeted AI-assisted refinement
AI may be used selectively for tonal control, noise reduction, or subtle atmospheric refinement. Global
​ transformations are avoided.
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5. Manual refinement and balance
After AI-assisted steps, the image is refined manually to maintain coherence and a natural appearance.
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6. Final review and reduction
Any effects that draw attention to themselves are reduced or removed.
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7. Output and archiving
The final image is prepared for its intended use and archived alongside the original capture.
Editing Process and Methodology
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Every image begins as a photograph made in the field. AI-assisted tools are introduced only after that point, and only as part of a considered post-processing workflow.
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The process is incremental rather than transformative. At no stage is the aim to replace what was photographed, but to interpret it more clearly and with greater control.
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A Worked Example
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The image below is used as a single example to show how prompt-based editing fits into this workflow. The steps shown document decisions made for this specific photograph, not a template to be followed for every image.
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Image Editing Process
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From original capture to final interpretation
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1. Starting Point – Original Image
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Initial state:
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Macro photograph of a wasp on a dry, brown leaf
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Strong subject detail with good sharpness
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Distracting specular highlights on leaf edges
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Overall scene felt static and slightly flat
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Background separation was good but lacked atmosphere
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Objective:
Create a more engaging macro image while retaining a believable, natural appearance.
Original capture before tonal or atmospheric adjustments.
2. Highlight Control and Tonal Refinement
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Prompt:
Remove distracting highlights while preserving texture and detail on the wasp and leaf.
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Edit intent:
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Reduce hot spots on leaf edges
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Maintain micro-contrast in the insect
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Improve tonal balance without flattening the image
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Result:
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Cleaner, calmer tonal range
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Subject reads more clearly
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Leaf textures become less dominant
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3. Introducing Atmosphere – Moisture
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Prompt:
Add subtle moisture and raindrops to enhance mood and environmental context.
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Edit intent:
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Introduce visual interest and environmental context
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Suggest damp conditions rather than dramatic weather
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Add dimensionality through restrained highlights
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Result:
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Atmosphere introduced successfully
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Moisture initially pushed too far
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Risk of artificial appearance identified
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4. Moisture Reduction and Realism Pass
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Prompt:
Reduce rain and moisture by approximately 60% while retaining a damp appearance.
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Edit intent:
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Restore realism
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Keep droplets as accents rather than focal elements
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Ensure the wasp remains the visual anchor
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Result:
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Moisture becomes supportive rather than dominant
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Image regains balance
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Subject clarity improves
Intermediate stage with tonal balance refined and atmospheric effects brought under control.
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5. Directional Light Refinement
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Prompt:
Add gentle sunlight from the right to enhance form and separation, without overpowering the scene.
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Edit intent:
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Introduce directional light to give the wasp form
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Add warmth and depth
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Improve separation from the background
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Result:
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Stronger three-dimensionality
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Improved colour contrast
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Slight over-brightness introduced in the top-right area
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6. Leaf Realism and Colour Correction
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Prompt:
Make the leaves more realistic and greener, matching natural foliage tones.
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Edit intent:
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Correct the overly brown, dry-leaf appearance
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Improve biological plausibility
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Harmonise colours between subject and foliage
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Result:
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Leaves read as living foliage
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Improved colour harmony
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Increased visual freshness
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7. Structural Refinement of Leaves
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Prompt:
Make leaf edges thinner and sharper to improve realism and definition.
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Edit intent:
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Remove overly thick or soft edges
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Increase perceived sharpness
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Enhance macro-scale realism
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Result:
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Cleaner leaf silhouettes
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Better edge fidelity
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Improved overall image polish
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8. Droplet Reduction on the Subject
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Prompt:
Reduce rain droplets on the wasp to avoid distraction and preserve a natural appearance.
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Edit intent:
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Prevent the subject from appearing waterlogged
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Keep droplets as subtle highlights
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Reinforce subject dominance
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Result:
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Wasp texture becomes clearer
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Droplets enhance rather than obscure detail
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9. Final Light and Distraction Control
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Prompt:
Reduce bright light in the top-right corner and further minimise excess water droplets.
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Edit intent:
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Remove eye-pulling brightness
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Maintain mood and tonal consistency
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Bring the image to a resolved, balanced finish
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Result:
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Controlled, even lighting
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Clear subject focus
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Clean, natural, coherent final image
Final interpretation with controlled light, refined foliage, and subtle atmospheric detail.
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Intent
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​​​Photography, for me, remains about paying attention. The tools may evolve, but the act of observing, waiting, and responding does not. AI-assisted editing sits quietly within that process, allowing certain refinements to be made more precisely, while leaving the photograph itself as the anchor. The image still begins in the field, and it is there that its meaning is shaped.​
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Where the Image Still Begins
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AI may assist with refinement, tonal balance, or subtle interpretation, but it does not replace observation. The photograph still begins in the field, shaped by light, patience, and timing. Technology can support that process, but it does not define it.
If you would like to see how this approach translates into finished work, explore the portfolio or learn more about how images are prepared as fine art prints.
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View Bird Portfolio
Explore Fine Art Prints
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