The growing adoption of artificial intelligence-powered image generation is taking a toll on photographers and photo studio operators in Kaduna, with many lamenting a sharp decline in patronage.
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‎A survey of major business districts in the Kaduna metropolis showed that many residents now prefer AI-generated portraits to conventional studio photography because they are cheaper, faster, and offer limitless creative options.
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As a result, several photo studio operators said the trend had significantly reduced the number of customers visiting their studios for passport photographs, birthday portraits, family photographs and social media pictures.
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‎Ibrahim Musa, a photographer who has operated a studio in Kaduna for over 15 years, said business had dropped by more than half within the last year.
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‎”Many young people simply upload a selfie to an AI application and receive professional-looking portraits within minutes without stepping into a studio. Before now, weekends were always busy with birthday shoots and social media photos. Today, some weekends pass without a single customer,” he said.
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‎Another operator, Esther Daniel, described AI as both an opportunity and a threat, underscoring the mixed impact on the industry.
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‎”We cannot deny that technology is changing the industry. Unfortunately, many small photo studios cannot afford the premium AI software or advanced digital equipment needed to compete.
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‎”Our income has reduced because customers now compare our prices with AI applications that charge only a fraction of what professional photography costs,” she said.
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‎Samuel Yusuf, who operates a photo-editing and printing shop in Kaduna North, said demand for photo printing had also declined, as many people now keep AI-generated pictures only on their phones.
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‎According to him, fewer customers now request framed portraits or printed albums, thereby affecting additional sources of income for studio operators.
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‎In contrast, some residents defended their preference for AI-generated portraits.
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‎Deborah James, a university student, said AI applications enabled users to create high-quality images in different outfits and locations at minimal cost.
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‎”With one selfie, I can create several professional portraits without paying for makeup, studio sessions or expensive clothing,” she said.
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‎Similarly, Chinedu Okafor said AI-generated headshots had become popular among job seekers and entrepreneurs because they were affordable and could be produced within minutes.
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‎However, some professional photographers argued that AI could not completely replace real-life photography.
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‎Emmanuel Audu, a wedding photographer, noted that while AI could generate attractive images, it could not capture genuine moments, emotions and events.
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‎”Artificial Intelligence cannot photograph a wedding ceremony, graduation or family celebration as it happens.
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‎”What professionals need is to embrace AI as a tool for editing, customer management and improving productivity rather than seeing it only as a competitor,” he said.
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‎Industry analysts also believe that the future belongs to photographers who integrate AI into their workflows rather than resist the technology, arguing that the profession is evolving, not disappearing.

‎(NAN)