If there was anyone to ask about using AI it’s Skylab Technologies’ co-founder, TJ Rak. So having him deliver a speech called “How to Leverage AI” at the Mastering Volume Photography Conference (MVP) 2024 made more sense than using Skylab Studio to streamline your portrait editing workflow.

TJ’s Path to Photography

Growing up in a tight-knit photo family, TJ was immersed in the industry from a young age. His parents, who ran Vancouver-based photography studios, instilled in him the values of hard work and innovation. But as he grew up, TJ ventured to carve out his own path, leading him overseas to establish a manual retouching company. This kept him connected to the family business, even as he pursued new opportunities.

The Creation of Skylab

TJ’s passion for technology and photography eventually led him to the Bay Area, where he combined his industry knowledge with a tech education. In 2015, he was introduced to the potential of AI and neural networks, and he recognized the opportunity to revolutionize the photography industry. By 2021, he was already sharing insights at MVP on how AI could automate tasks like lighting adjustments and retouching, though few fully grasped its implications. Skylab was born from this vision - the perfect combination of the consistency and speed of AI with the artistry of human photography.

Embracing AI, Not Fearing It

TJ’s message is clear: “AI is here to assist, not replace.” It automates mundane tasks, allowing photographers to focus on creativity. While AI can sometimes produce unexpected results, its role is to enhance human capabilities, not replace them.

TJ emphasized that while AI is not perfect, it is a tool that can empower photographers rather than replace them. He encouraged the industry to embrace AI, as those who do will gain a significant competitive edge.

How Can You Leverage AI

TJ breaks down AI into digestible bits that show how, when used properly, AI will be your best friend by accelerating and enhancing your photography workflow:

• Efficiency: AI handles repetitive tasks, freeing up time for creative work.
• Consistency: It ensures uniform quality across large photo batches.
• Empowerment: Embracing AI is key to staying competitive and enhancing workflows.

To The Future, and Beyond

TJ Rak’s speech at MVP highlights how AI can be a powerful tool in photography and our lives. But the best part? Leveraging AI doesn’t only have a place in photography, it fits into so many aspects of our world. Why are we still spending so much time doing tedious and menial tasks when we could utilize a platform that does the hard work for us, leaving us with more time to do what we want? When you put it that way, AI doesn’t seem so scary. It seems more like a gentle and helpful manatee, who just needs some instruction to become the ultimate side-kick to boost productivity. As TJ says, “AI is not about replacing humans; it’s about empowering them to do more.”

Want to learn more about how AI can become your portrait-editing BFF? Contact us at info@skylabtech.ai