Recent discussions amongst the photography profession revolve around the use of AI... to be, or not to be?   As a 35+ year industry professional, here's my take on the technology...  

1. AI has become a 'hot topic' amongst many photographers in the industry.   To use or not use; is it fake, is it editing, is it realistic?  The debate goes on and on.   Having been in this profession for over 30 years; here's a good example of the current debate over AI that likens to the situation back in the late 90s, when digital cameras became a 'thing.'   
2. See, back in my learning days, I shot on film cameras that, in some cases, didn't even have any type of built-in metering!   (Yes, I know, I'm that old!).  Nevertheless, film cameras were the thing for decades.   Then the onset of digital photography came into existence and the debate and almost 'fighting' amongst professional photographers was a real thing!   Many welcomed the technology, while many argued that is was "cheating," and that digital photography "wasn't real photography!"    
3. That notwithstanding, digital cameras are now used in almost every application of photography work.   Sure, there are still film cameras available.  But the fact is, film is now considered 'vintage' style.   And the cost of film, developing, equipment, etc. often times offsets the real demand for old-school photo equipment.   Besides, the advances in technology on digital camera bodies is just amazing, and has given professional photographers a multitude of creative tools that weren't even in existence when I started in this profession.
4. Now we have AI - artificial intelligence' creating realistic photos and videos that you have to ask, "is that for real?"   My take on AI is that for the most part, in the photography profession, there's no real use for it.   We create images using our eye, our cameras, our lenses, and our creative vision and imagination.   AI, while very unique and sometimes funny, just can't do what humans do.
5. But on the upside of AI, there are indeed situations where some environmental or weather-related issues can create havoc when trying to get that 'dream shot' or wall-hanging prized photo for those who deserve it.   Can AI take an image and create a better look?   Sometimes, yes!    Can AI help with skin smoothing, body positivity and image?  Yes!    Is it considered "fake," - that's the question!    
6. Bottom line on how we approach AI is actually very simple!   As long as you, the client, is pleased with the work and the quality of the photos we deliver, that's all that matters!   Using AI as a tool to correct or edit an image sis no different than what we've been doing in Lightroom and PhotoShop for years, at least to some degree.   
7. So in summary, will we use AI?   Not very often.    Is it beneficial in some situations, Yes!    Can we use AI to help your photos, Yes!   Will we, only if YOU request it!   
8. And that's where we stand on the use of AI technology for editing your images.   If you want and desire it, we'll do our best to consider it a useful tool in the process of making YOUR dream images a reality!   If you don't wan it, and care for the 'natural look,' that's what we prefer in the first place, and that's what we'll deliver!

The bottom line and our stance is this... AS LONG AS YOU, THE CLIENT, IS HAPPY WITH OUR WORK, we will do everything in our power to ensure a beautiful, stunning collection of portraits and videos.  You'll get the entire collection of candids, raws, natural edits, composite edited versions, AI edited versions ( if you want ) and that's what we promise to deliver upon!    

Everyone else's opion really doesn't matter!   It's your wedding, your photo session, your event, and you're the client!    While other photographers whine and complain; we're out here working to deliver a quality service at a fair price, and with some fun and excitement to add... not the typical, traditional, boring photo 'expert' who thinks they are worth charging an inordinate amount of money simply because they do this as a side-hustle and feel empowered by their ego.

Like it or not, AI is here to stay!   You can either embrace and use it to benefit your business and your clients, or you can be left behind in the dust!   We choose to keep moving forward and keep making our clients feel joy in being a part of the creative process!