Summary
In this video, Anthony Morganti demonstrates two modern methods to remove chain link fences from images, a common issue when photographing animals at zoos.
The first method involves using Photoshop’s updated Remove Tool with specific preference settings to target and remove wires and cables, which can sometimes work well on fences but is inconsistent and occasionally produces errors. The second, more effective “game-changing” method uses Photoshop’s generative AI feature, specifically the Gemini 3 with Nano Banana Pro model, to intelligently fill in the area after selecting and instructing the AI to remove the fence.
While this method is faster and often more successful, it may alter the animal or background in unintended ways, requiring careful prompting and sometimes multiple attempts. Anthony advises using the AI method as a last resort due to potential changes in image authenticity but acknowledges its value for casual or personal use.
Key Insights
- Chain link fences are a common obstacle in zoo photography and can be difficult to remove cleanly.
- Photoshop’s Remove Tool now includes a “Wires and Cables” distraction removal option that can sometimes remove fences effectively.
- Adjusting Photoshop preferences to “more stable” processing modes improves the performance of removal tools.
- The Remove Tool’s success is inconsistent across different images; it can fail with errors like “couldn’t find power lines.”
- Generative AI, specifically the Gemini 3 with Nano Banana Pro model, offers a powerful alternative to remove fences by filling selected areas intelligently.
- AI removal can sometimes significantly alter the animal or background, reducing image authenticity.
- Being specific in AI prompts improves results, especially with the Nano Banana model.
- Generative AI removal consumes generative credits, which are limited by your Adobe subscription plan.
- Multiple AI variations can be generated by reprompting if the first result is unsatisfactory.
- While these methods improve workflow speed and ease, they are better suited for personal or casual use rather than professional or contest submissions due to potential image alterations.
Key Learning Points
- To prepare for using the Remove Tool, change Photoshop’s image processing preferences to “more stable” for better accuracy.
- The Remove Tool’s “Find Distractions” drop-down allows targeting specific elements like wires, which can sometimes include fences.
- The J key cycles through several healing and removal tools; ensure the Remove Tool (band-aid with stars icon) is selected.
- Generative AI in Photoshop requires selecting the entire image (Cmd/Ctrl + A) before activating the Generative Fill option.
- Always verify that the AI model is set to Gemini 3 with Nano Banana Pro for best results with fence removal.
- Use precise prompts such as “remove the chain link fence that is in front of the animal” to guide AI effectively.
- Review AI-generated results carefully for unintended changes to the animal or background.
- Use the remove tool for touch-ups if AI leaves remnants or odd artifacts.
- If the AI output is unsatisfactory, reprompt to generate alternative variations rather than settling on the first result.
- Generative AI methods consume credits, so consider usage based on subscription and importance of the final image.
Conclusion
Anthony Morganti’s video presents two practical Photoshop methods to remove chain link fences from zoo animal images. The improved Remove Tool with “find distractions” is a useful option but can be unreliable. The generative AI approach, while faster and often more effective, risks altering the image’s authenticity and should be used thoughtfully.
Both methods significantly simplify a previously labor-intensive process, making fence removal accessible to more photographers. Ultimately, these tools empower users to enhance their images more efficiently while balancing the need for authenticity and creative control.
For casual or personal photography, especially when preserving the exact scene is less critical, the AI method is a remarkable advancement.