Home · Technology · Sep 30 archive
Parents Use ChatGPT to Skip School Picture Fees
Developing
In Short: However, the use of AI to remove watermarks from school picture proofs could have more serious consequences, as these watermarks often identify the photographer or photography company.

Parents are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT to dodge the costs associated with traditional school pictures, according to a report by USA Today.
ChatGPT and similar software allow parents to create school portrait-like images by uploading a photo of their child and asking the AI to enhance or regenerate it.
The practice is part of a broader trend where parents are sharing DIY hacks on social media to save money on school portraits.
According to USA Today, schools often earn a commission from the sale of these photos, which can be a significant source of revenue.
The cost of professional school pictures can vary widely, with Capturely, a photography company, estimating that most families spend between $25 and $60 per child.
USA Today notes that professional school pictures undergo several processing steps, including color correction, cropping, and background standardization, to ensure quality.
However, the use of AI to remove watermarks from school picture proofs could have more serious consequences, as these watermarks often identify the photographer or photography company.
Experts advise parents to consider the potential drawbacks of using AI for school portraits, such as the quality of the final product and the ethical implications of bypassing professional services.
What's still developing
- And chatbots aren't the only way parents are evading watermarks, which are usually the name of a photographer or photography company placed on a photo before parents purchase copies.
- Here's a sampling of prices, according to USA TODAY staffers: There are several factors at play when it comes to the price of school pictures.
- As high gas and grocery prices send parents looking for more wallet-friendly options, there are some drawbacks they should consider before turning to a chatbot.
