Comparing AI Editing: Imagen vs Aftershoot on a London Shoot

As a photographer, you know that editing can be a time-consuming process. With the rise of AI editing tools like Imagen and Aftershoot, the promise is that these tools can learn your style and speed up your workflow. But do they really deliver? In this article, we’ll dive into a test comparing these two AI editing tools using the same set of images from a London photo shoot.

The Test Setup

To keep the test fair, a gallery of 66 images from a London shoot was used, featuring a range of lighting conditions such as indoor, outdoor, flash, and mixed lighting. Both Imagen and Aftershoot were set up with a purchased Kodak Portra 160 preset as a new AI profile, with no prior training images. This created an equal starting point for both tools.

Comparing Exposure and White Balance

The first aspect evaluated was exposure and white balance. Imagen tended to brighten images more than Aftershoot, which resulted in noticeably darker images from Aftershoot. Both tools leaned towards a green tint, but Aftershoot’s results were even greener. Adjustments were needed to push the tint more towards magenta.

AI Subject Masking

When it came to AI subject masking, the tools showed distinct differences. Imagen accurately masked the main subjects while avoiding bystanders, whereas Aftershoot’s masking was less precise, sometimes including unwanted elements in the background. This accuracy in masking is crucial as it reduces the need for additional manual adjustments.

Mask Edge Quality

The quality of mask edges was another critical factor. Imagen presented more defined and crisp edges, effectively distinguishing subjects from their backgrounds. In contrast, Aftershoot’s masks were feathered, causing some blending into clothing and missing finer details like hair strands.

Outdoor Natural Light Performance

In outdoor settings with natural light, Aftershoot managed the exposure better, but the tint still skewed green. Imagen required less adjustment to achieve the desired warmth and tint balance. This consistency in performance is essential for photographers who want to minimize editing time.

The Impact on Workflow

The real takeaway from this comparison is the impact on your workflow. While both tools are fast, the accuracy of Imagen means fewer rounds of review and adjustment. This can save significant time, allowing you to focus more on your creative work rather than repetitive edits.

If you’re curious about how these tools might perform with your own work, both Imagen and Aftershoot offer free trials. Testing them with your images can provide valuable insights into which tool aligns better with your editing style and needs. Share your experiences and thoughts on AI editing tools in the comments section.