As generative AI improves, we have a greater chance of having fun with it and (re)creating tons of interesting visuals. Sadly, scammers have a greater chance of cheating people with AI-generated imagery as well. And apparently, this is already happening. “AI wedding photography” is out there, and not for inspo or anything like it. It looks like some folks use it to build entire AI wedding portfolios. So, let’s see how to spot them and how to actually choose a decent wedding photographer.
What Does AI Wedding Photography Look Like?
I spotted this on a friend’s Instagram page recently, where he called out a wedding photographer over AI-generated images. As it turned out, a wedding photographer promoting their work was actually someone who’d created their entire portfolio using only AI images.
But wait, there’s more! Another wedding photographer, Aleksandar Čeliković, spotted another account… They have a different name, but post all of these AI images as “collaboration photos.” The same ones. Aleksandar pointed it out and shared it with the community in his Instagram story.
I’d like to add that the account on the left has removed a part of the images, leaving only some of their earlier work. Some of which, though, also look a bit sketchy once you zoom in. And the account on the right has been made private at the time of writing this.
Benefit of the Doubt
Now, I don’t want to rush to conclusions and say that these were completely AI-generated. There is a possibility that they were real photos, but edited with AI apps. In one of them, a friend of mine even recognized the location – but it was “enhanced” heavily with the use of AI. Still, all of those Instagram posts contain really weird-looking photos or “photos”. I double-checked what I see with my eyes and also used Is It AI?, and here’s what it returned:
Why is this a Big Deal?
Sure, a trained eye could probably spot this pretty quickly. And let me tell you, my friend’s eye sure is trained, as he’s one of the best wedding photographers I know. However, the danger is still there for the brides and grooms browsing through Instagram searching for the best person to capture their special day.
Why Can AI Weddig Photography Be Difficult to Spot?
Well, first and foremost, it’s way harder to notice the telltale signs of AI imagery when you look at the photos on your phone’s screen while browsing through Instagram. Then, planning a wedding is stressful and there are tons of things to think about and organize before the wedding day. So, if you’re stressed and/or in a bit of a rush, you may overlook some obvious and less obvious red flags. And last but not least, AI-generated images truly are getting better and better. Even the weird hands are no longer an issue.
[Related Reading: Think you can tell portraits from AI? Try this quiz!]
How Can They Scam You?
Unfortunately, we’ve seen plenty of examples of photographers scamming their clients. But the most obvious thing I see happening in cases like this is the “photographer” asking you to make a deposit or even pay them a full price in advance… And then not showing up at the wedding. It’s one of the worst outcomes of a wedding photographer scam: losing money and having no photographer on your big day. I get stressed just as I imagine this scenario.
Even if the photographer behind this weird account is real, and actually shows up, a portfolio like this is a kind of… Catfishing, let’s call it that. You see perfectly polished photos on their Instagram, and you get something completely different once your wedding photos arrive.
How to Spot AI Wedding Photography?
True, generative AI is getting better and better, and it’s getting harder to tell what’s real and what’s fake anymore. But there are still some telltale signs that will at least trigger your gut feeling to explore further. Here are some of them, and you can dive further into this topic here.
- Weird hands and feet: although this is improving, many AI generated images still feature those weird hands and feet that let you know right away that something’s off.
- “Disconnected” gaze: People in AI images may seem incredibly realistic, but one thing still gives them away. It’s a “disconnected” gaze that doesn’t seem to look at anyone. It just stares into the void. Even when the picture is flawless, this is something that always tells me something’s off and prompts me to do a further research.
- Unusually smooth or rugged skin: This aspect is improving as well, but many AI-generated pictures of people still have subjects with weird skin texture.
- Weirdly crooked lines: In AI images, you’ll sometimes see things in weird shapes that just shouldn’t look the way they do in the pic. For example, take a look at the cigar in the screenshot below.
- Watchfaces and tech: If there are watches, clocks, and different pieces of tech in the image, let them be your guide. For now, they look completely unrealistic in AI-generated images.
[Related Reading: Most Americans Aren’t Fooled by AI Images, Study Shows]
Here are some of the screenshots I took from the “wedding photographer” before they made their Instagram profile private. They’re a perfect example of what to look for in the images to distinguish real from fake:
How to Choose a Good Wedding Photographer, Then?
I know this is scary, but it’s not impossible to find your perfect photographer to actually show up and capture your big day. Now that we’ve covered the risks and red flags of AI wedding “photography”, let’s focus on what you can do to protect yourself and find a photographer who’s not just legit, but also ideal for your wedding day.
- Check the consistency and diversity of their work: A true photographer will have a consistent style across different weddings, lighting conditions, and locations. You’ll see the same people across multiple shots, real emotions, and a range of photo settings.
- Look for real testimonials: Check if past clients have shared honest reviews on Google, Facebook, or wedding websites (like The Knot in the USA). Real people often tag the photographer in their own posts, or mention them in wedding forums and groups.
- Ask to see a full wedding gallery: A curated Instagram feed might look like a dream, but ask to see at least one full wedding gallery. This will give you a feel for how they capture the entire event—candids, ceremony, reception, and all the in-between moments.
- Meet them, either in person or on video call: A genuine photographer will want to get to know you, learn about your wedding plans, and chat about how they work. This is your chance to ask anything and a great way to see if you click personality-wise, which is just as important!
- Read the contract thoroughly: A legitimate photographer will always send you a detailed contract. It should include the total price, payment schedule, what’s included (number of hours, number of edited images), turnaround time, and cancellation policy.
- Beware of prices that are too good to be true: While some talented newcomers may offer lower rates, be extra cautious if someone’s portfolio looks flawless but their price is suspiciously low. Combine this with any other red flags, and it’s a no-go.
- Do a reverse image search if you’re unsure: If your gut tells you something’s off, listen to it. You can do a reverse image search to see if the images show up elsewhere. If they appear on stock websites or under different names, you’ve likely uncovered a scam.
- Look for the AI telltale signs: If you suspect that the images you see in someone’s portfolio or Instagram are AI-generated, take a closer inspection. Zoom in and look for the telltale signs I mentioned above: weird skin, feet, and hands; impossible tech and watches or clocks, inhuman gaze, and the like. These are all clear giveaways that you’re looking at AI-generated wedding photos, not the real thing.
[Related Reading: Photographer’s Tips for Couples: How to Get the Best Shots on Your Wedding Day]
Final Thoughts
Remember, you’re not just hiring someone to take pretty pictures. You’re trusting them to capture once-in-a-lifetime memories. So do your homework, trust your instincts, and don’t hesitate to ask all the questions. A legit, passionate photographer will happily answer them.
And finally, don’t let fear spoil the fun. Planning a wedding can be stressful, and this just adds another layer to it. But this day should be about love, joy, and excitement above all. Be cautious, sure, but take it easy and enjoy the planning process as much as you can.
