This resonates. The distinction between something that looks perfect because it was refined through prompts and something that is simply true, feels more important than ever. Being present in the room, waiting for what is real to emerge, and then having the instinct to capture it, is something no algorithm can replicate.
I'll add: I’m better because I’m the work of God, but 'a generated image is just a math equation' is the work of me. In this, there’s a tremendous difference.
For sure, the world is becoming surreal. All that seemed like science fiction to me growing up - and which we thought might happen by the year 2000 (it didn't) - is now happening. We have humanoid robots and we have AI.
Exciting as all this is - and as a child of the 1960's my mind is truly blown by where we are today - I have to admit that it is seriously impacting the field of photography.
When photography was still relatively restricted to enthusiasts and professionals, one's work was presented for assessment and peer approval (or rejection). People appreciated the skill and effort and yes even the sacrifices involved. But, after a while, everyone became a "photographer" (and "videographer") thanks to mobile phones and the rise of influencers - and now AI has taken it one step further.
Blunty speaking, a photo that I captured while out at dawn in the cold waiting for the perfect shot - and which I may be super proud of - can be held up against one generated by some kid using AI and somehow the societal appreciation for the sacrifice and dedication involved is gone.
At some point, hand on heart, even I may start to question whether it is worth the effort, not to mention the expense, which is considerable. Yes of course there are still health benefits and in a sense it is like being a hunter, except obviously for the end result. From this perspective, it keeps one observant and aware of one's surroundings and there is still that "excitement" and "mental challenge", but am I honestly as motivated to buy that new lens or that new camera? Is it worth the incremental gain? And frankly most photos will probably just reside on my private NAS and are never shown to anyone, because what is the point any more?
I feel you - maybe you don't need a new lens or camera, but rather a new perspective. if you can follow the passion when it arises in you, do that - and let everything else go.
This resonates. The distinction between something that looks perfect because it was refined through prompts and something that is simply true, feels more important than ever. Being present in the room, waiting for what is real to emerge, and then having the instinct to capture it, is something no algorithm can replicate.
Robert Levy
I'll add: I’m better because I’m the work of God, but 'a generated image is just a math equation' is the work of me. In this, there’s a tremendous difference.
well said
For sure, the world is becoming surreal. All that seemed like science fiction to me growing up - and which we thought might happen by the year 2000 (it didn't) - is now happening. We have humanoid robots and we have AI.
Exciting as all this is - and as a child of the 1960's my mind is truly blown by where we are today - I have to admit that it is seriously impacting the field of photography.
When photography was still relatively restricted to enthusiasts and professionals, one's work was presented for assessment and peer approval (or rejection). People appreciated the skill and effort and yes even the sacrifices involved. But, after a while, everyone became a "photographer" (and "videographer") thanks to mobile phones and the rise of influencers - and now AI has taken it one step further.
Blunty speaking, a photo that I captured while out at dawn in the cold waiting for the perfect shot - and which I may be super proud of - can be held up against one generated by some kid using AI and somehow the societal appreciation for the sacrifice and dedication involved is gone.
At some point, hand on heart, even I may start to question whether it is worth the effort, not to mention the expense, which is considerable. Yes of course there are still health benefits and in a sense it is like being a hunter, except obviously for the end result. From this perspective, it keeps one observant and aware of one's surroundings and there is still that "excitement" and "mental challenge", but am I honestly as motivated to buy that new lens or that new camera? Is it worth the incremental gain? And frankly most photos will probably just reside on my private NAS and are never shown to anyone, because what is the point any more?
I feel you - maybe you don't need a new lens or camera, but rather a new perspective. if you can follow the passion when it arises in you, do that - and let everything else go.