VSCO's new Prompt tool joins its AI Lab, letting photographers edit images through natural language descriptions. The feature arrives as survey data shows 83% of professional and aspiring photographers already use AI in their workflows, primarily as a production assistant for repetitive tasks.
VSCO's latest AI feature, Prompt, allows photographers to edit images by describing desired changes in plain language. The tool joins the platform's existing Remove and Upscale tools in the AI Lab, which VSCO launched last year in partnership with Black Forest Labs. Users can now shape light, adjust tones, and streamline their editing process through text descriptions rather than manual adjustments.
The Prompt tool builds on Black Forest Lab's FLUX.1 Kontext model, which VSCO has been using for its existing AI features. According to VSCO, the company combines this model with its own "proprietary, purpose-built technology" to create a more tailored experience for photographers. The feature aims to help users "move faster from edit to delivery" by reducing the time spent on technical adjustments.
VSCO's approach reflects a broader shift in how photographers are integrating AI into their creative workflows. The company recently surveyed 400 professional and aspiring photographers in North America to understand AI adoption patterns. The results show that 83% of respondents already use AI in their work, with 29% starting in 2025 and 38% using it for longer periods. This adoption rate is notable given the general skepticism surrounding AI in creative fields.
The survey data reveals that 55% of photographers view AI primarily as a "production assistant" rather than a creative replacement. This perspective aligns with how VSCO's AI Lab tools function—they handle repetitive post-production tasks like editing, retouching, and culling, allowing photographers to focus on creative direction and client communication. The Prompt tool fits this model by automating technical adjustments while keeping creative control in the photographer's hands.
For mobile developers working on photography apps, VSCO's implementation offers several technical insights. The company's strategy of combining third-party models (FLUX.1 Kontext) with proprietary technology suggests a hybrid approach to AI integration. This allows platforms to leverage cutting-edge AI capabilities while maintaining brand-specific workflows and user experiences. Developers considering similar features should note the importance of balancing AI automation with user control—VSCO's prompt-based system gives users creative direction while handling the technical execution.
The feature also highlights the growing importance of natural language interfaces in creative software. Rather than requiring users to master complex adjustment panels, the Prompt tool uses conversational descriptions. This lowers the barrier to entry for amateur photographers while providing efficiency gains for professionals. For developers, implementing effective natural language processing for image editing requires careful consideration of context—photography terminology, lighting concepts, and color theory all need to be accurately interpreted.
VSCO's AI Lab roadmap suggests more tools are likely coming. The company's partnership with Black Forest Labs indicates ongoing collaboration to expand AI capabilities. For photographers using VSCO, the Prompt tool represents another step toward faster workflows without sacrificing creative vision. The tool is available now in the VSCO app, joining the existing Remove and Upscale features in the AI Lab section.
The broader implication for mobile photography is clear: AI features are transitioning from novelty to necessity. As more photographers adopt these tools, platforms that don't offer efficient AI assistance risk falling behind. VSCO's survey data supports this trend, showing that AI adoption is accelerating despite public skepticism. For developers, the challenge lies in creating AI tools that feel like helpful assistants rather than replacements for human creativity.
VSCO's Prompt tool is available now for users with access to the AI Lab. The feature requires an internet connection to process images through the FLUX.1 Kontext model and VSCO's proprietary systems. As with other AI features in the Lab, the tool is designed to work alongside VSCO's existing editing suite, not replace it entirely.
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