The Hidden Costs of Using AI
Tuesday 26 May 2026, 21:21 by Nando Harmsen | 1,277 views | 2 commentsThis article was translated from Dutch with the help of AI. Read the original.
You can't avoid it: AI in photo editing. Whether you want it or not, manufacturers are pushing it on you. Although AI can sometimes be useful, it can also become a trap. Or rather, a bottomless pit into which a lot of money can disappear.
First of all, I need to make it clear that I am not against AI. Although I detest the name AI itself, it certainly has its uses, including in photography. It can be a valuable addition, as long as it is used within limits.
Think of automatically making selections based on image recognition. Or effectively removing small distracting objects from a photo. With the emphasis on small. The AI functionality is very useful and practical for this.
I can also appreciate the creation of artificial images using AI. It is simply a new, different way of creating images. Although it is debatable whether this can still be called real creativity.
I am not against a photographer manipulating their photo so much that it is no longer reality. Replacing, adding or completely changing things. Just be honest about it and don't call it a photograph anymore. Because it isn't one anymore.
But be careful with all those creations made using AI. They cost you credits or an (extra) subscription. In other words, using AI in this way costs money. The worst thing is, if you don't like the result, you've lost the money.
You can have something generated. A photo, a video or whatever. You have to pay for this. If you don't like the result, you cannot reclaim the credits or the money. You simply have to do it again, and you pay for it again.
Fortunately, using the simple AI functionalities for photographers, making selections and removing objects, is still free. But if you use it for real image manipulation, it can become a bottomless pit into which a lot of money can disappear.
Adobe uses credits. You get a certain number, but you can buy more. Affinity charges a monthly fee for using AI functions. I don't know how other AI providers do it. But it is wise to look into it carefully.
About the author
Nando Harmsen has been photographing for more than 40 years. He specialises in wedding photography and landscape photography. Nando also gives talks, workshops, masterclasses and photo trips, and regularly reviews new and interesting equipment.
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2 comments
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Mac wrote on Wednesday 27 May 2026 at 08:06 | replyDon't forget the hidden costs of the gigantic water consumption of data centers when using AI.
Translated from Dutch.
They of course already consume a lot of water, but especially when you also start generating images. -
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