Content Creator Tips

Exploring the Power of Generative Fill in the New Photoshop Beta

From Basement to Blockbuster: How Photoshop’s Generative Fill Keeps Evolving in 2025

Photoshop has always been the gold standard for photo editing, but the new AI-driven updates in 2025 take creative freedom to another level.
With Adobe Firefly 3 and the latest Generative Fill and Expand tools, photographers and creators can now reimagine their scenes faster, smarter, and more realistically than ever before.

For those of us who blend video production and photography in Alberta, this kind of tool isn’t just a novelty — it’s become a creative ally. Whether you’re replacing a bland sky, fixing a background, or building an entirely new world for your subject, Photoshop’s AI now helps you get there with precision and control.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how I used Generative Fill to turn a simple shot of my son — standing in our basement dressed as Spider-Man — into a dramatic rooftop scene straight out of a post-apocalyptic movie. The process is simple, the results are cinematic, and the possibilities are expanding every month.

Let’s dive in.

Understanding Generative Fill:

Step-by-Step: How I Did It

1. Choose a Strong Starting Image
Every transformation starts with a clear, well-lit subject. I began with a photo of my son dressed as Spider-Man in our basement — simple setup, clean pose, and even lighting. The better your foundation, the more convincing the final scene.

2. Isolate the Subject
Using Photoshop’s object selection tools, I separated him from the background. This is where attention to detail matters — refine edges, smooth hair lines, and ensure your subject feels “ready to travel.”

3. Build the World
Now the fun part. I imagined him standing heroically on a rooftop in a crumbling city — buildings collapsing, smoke billowing, sky glowing orange. I typed my prompt directly into the Generative Fill panel, describing that cinematic chaos, and watched as Photoshop brought it to life.

4. Match the Mood
AI gets you 80% there, but lighting and color grading finish the illusion. I adjusted highlights, shadows, and tones to unify the elements. Think of this as where your artistry meets the algorithm.

5. Add Final Details
Smoke, debris, subtle blur, lens glow — small touches that anchor realism. These layers turn “AI magic” into something that actually looks shot on location.


2025 Reflections: AI as an Assistant, Not an Artist

Generative Fill has changed how creators work — but it hasn’t replaced the heart behind the craft.
As AI continues to expand, it’s easy to blur the line between enhancement and fabrication. For me, the goal is clear: use AI to elevate creativity, not to fake it.

I still believe that every great image should start with a real story, real light, and a real moment. AI is the assistant; imagination and integrity are still the directors.


The Takeaway

Generative Fill isn’t just a feature — it’s a creative leap that keeps evolving.
It’s helping artists, photographers, and videographers across Alberta tell bigger stories without the need for big sets or budgets.

You can turn your basement into Gotham, your backyard into a battlefield, or your living room into a cinematic dreamscape.

Let your imagination lead — and let Photoshop do the heavy lifting.

🔗 Related Reads

The generative fill feature in the new Photoshop beta has truly revolutionized the possibilities of photo editing. It allows us to effortlessly transport our subjects from mundane surroundings to fantastical realms, unleashing our creativity and imagination. As demonstrated in the example above, by having my son, dressed as Spiderman, seemingly perched on a city rooftop amidst chaos, the transformative power of generative fill presents awe-inspiring opportunities for storytelling and visual expression. Embrace this feature to open up limitless creative possibilities and elevate your photo editing to new heights!