Integrating AI Upscaling into Your Photography Workflow

# Integrating AI Upscaling into Your Photography Workflow

AI upscaling isn't just for fixing problems—it can be a powerful addition to a professional photographer's toolkit. Here's how to integrate it effectively.

Use Cases for Photographers

Extended Crop Flexibility

Shot in raw but wish you'd zoomed in more? Crop first, then upscale to recover resolution.

Client Resolution Requests

Client needs a higher resolution than you delivered? Upscale to meet their requirements without reshooting.

Archive Enhancement

Older photos in your portfolio deserve modern resolution standards. Upscale your best work.

Stock Photography

Stock sites reward higher resolution. Upscale quality images to meet premium tier requirements.

Where AI Upscaling Fits in Your Workflow

The Optimal Order

Import & Cull - Select your keepers

Basic Editing - Exposure, color, etc.

Crop & Composition - Final framing

Upscale - If needed for resolution

Final Retouching - Sharpening, local adjustments

Export - Client deliverables

Why Upscale Before Final Retouching?

Sharpening and local adjustments work best on the final resolution. Upscaling first ensures your finishing touches are at full quality.

When NOT to Upscale

If you have the resolution you need - Don't upscale just because you can

For images with significant noise - Fix noise first, then upscale

For heavily motion-blurred images - AI can't fix motion blur

Portfolio images where original resolution is fine - Unnecessary processing

Quality Considerations

Best Results

Well-exposed images with good detail

Sharp originals (in-focus shots)

Clean files without heavy compression

Challenging Images

Very dark or very bright areas

Heavy noise or grain

Strong JPEG compression artifacts

Professional Results

AI upscaling has become good enough that many clients can't distinguish upscaled images from native high-resolution shots. Try it for yourself with 5 free previews daily.