I get asked this question frequently during the web design process, especially now that the AI tools in Photoshop make it easier to make impressive tweaks and enhancements. After almost 30 years of using Photoshop, I’ve seen how the updates keep evolving, especially with tools like generative fill and content-aware options. For me, it’s simple: when there’s room in the budget, a professional photographer is worth every penny – you can’t beat that quality. But sometimes, calling in a photographer isn’t possible, especially when the scene isn’t quite ‘finished.’ Take my long-time client, Preserved Timber Products (PTP) near Builth Wells, as an example. They create incredible garden buildings, sheds, and offices, all crafted with local timber. But the challenge is capturing these buildings in a picture-perfect setting. This can mean waiting for things like fresh grass to grow or landscaping to be completed around the structure. Photoshop’s new AI features are a game-changer for those times, letting me work around unfinished surroundings while keeping the building’s integrity intact. My job is to enhance but never mislead. If you’re running a small business and looking to polish up your existing images or are curious about learning some of these Photoshop tricks, check out my blog via the link below. I also wanted to say a huge thanks to PTP for letting me use their projects for my demos. The quality of their garden buildings is superb, and you can take a look at their work here: https://preservedtimber.co.uk To dive deeper into when to bring in a photographer vs. when Photoshop can help, read the full blog here: https://www.pixelhaze.academy/blog/choosing-between-professional-photography-and-adobe-photoshop

Balancing home and studio work can be tricky, but my modular setup bridges the gap perfectly. I switched to a Mac laptop with dual monitors for flexibility, added a Remarkable 2 for sketches, and upcycled a skittles board for brainstorming. An upgraded Obsbot webcam (that moves when I move) and Shure MV7 mic ensure my streams and meetings stay professional. Lastly, a well-curated visual space keeps me inspired and ready for live streams. how I got the modular work-from-home setup up and running: - Core setup: Upgraded to a Mac laptop with dual monitors for flexibility between home and studio. - Sketching & notes: Added the Remarkable 2 for seamless note-taking and design sketching. - Brainstorming: Upcycled a 'skittles' board for a physical brainstorming space. - Streaming essentials: Invested in an Ozbod webcam and a Shure mic for quality in streams and meetings. - Personal workspace: Curated visual elements for inspiration and focus during work. For the full breakdown, check out the post here

There is nothing worse than simply asking ChatGPT to write {DESIRED OUTCOME}, e.g. a blog post or website homepage for you. You get far better results by using AI tools as powerful assistants. The better you prime it, the better results you get. Here's a prompt you can paste into ChatGPT to start creating better AI content immediately. PRO TIP: Use AI speech-to-text tools (like OtterAI) to avoid all that typing. Register for a free account, hit the record button, and either interview yourself or your client with the following questions, making sure to read the questions out loud. Finally, copy the transcript and paste it into ChatGPT after the prompt below. This gets the best of both worlds! [START OF PROMPT] I need help crafting {DESIRED OUTCOME}. Please guide me through the process by asking specific questions. Here’s what I’m looking for: Identify Pain Points: Ask me about my target audience's common struggles or frustrations. For example: “What are the top issues your clients struggle with regarding their websites?” Show Experience: Help me highlight my experience. Ask questions like: “How many years have you been in business? What are some key milestones or projects you’ve completed?” Describe Approach: Assist in describing my business approach. Questions could include: “How do you typically work with clients? What sets your approach apart from others?” Showcase Partnerships: Guide me in mentioning any significant partnerships. For example: “Do you have any notable collaborations or partnerships that add credibility to your business?” Create a Tagline: Help me develop a catchy tagline. Ask: “What are the core values of your business? Can you suggest some taglines that encapsulate these values?” Using the information I provide, draft a {STYLE AND TONE, E.G. PROFESSIONAL, HUMAN-LIKE} {DESIRED OUTCOME} content for my website. [END OF PROMPT] I go one step further and show how we can make ChatGPT follow these steps AND mimic my tone of voice in my Private Skool Community

Our team at Pixelhaze were early adopters of ChatGPT and other tools for our own content but were more cautious when writing copy for our clients' websites. However, the more I have worked with these tools, the easier it has become to implement AI in our processes without sacrificing the quality and individuality of our work. I will be recording a new video showing this in the coming days, but in the meantime, it would be ideal to know how you use AI in your work. Drop your answer in the Poll below: