Someone recently told me, “These don’t look like AI images.” They meant it as a compliment — but it made me pause. AI already has a look. And that realization says a lot about where photography is heading.
I recorded a short video sharing why this matters to me, why AI has no place at FRAMES, and why in 2026 I’m choosing real places, slow seeing, and one camera.
If photography matters to you as a personal, human act, I think this one will resonate.
Until next time,
Tomasz
I find the size and growth of the AI empire terrifying, and, for those that have used it to create art in photography, disappointing. I know that capable folk can use it to manipulate their own pixels to edit an image, and that I accept,but those who use it to import pixels from elsewhere and claim it as their own, I feel really disappointed. An image should inform you that it has been manipulated,and give the viewer the option to accept what they are viewing,or to reject it. Sadly, that information is not obviously available, and AI will not be controlled in its growth or power.
I appreciated your comments today, and thought I'd pass along the substance of a conversation I had recently with an AI software producer. I began by complaining that his software seemed to be programmed to make my photographs look the way he thought they should. I responded that I don't need or appreciate that kind of direction. I wanted him to understand that I know what I want to communicate with my images and that IF I choose to use tools that incorporate AI, I want them to help me convey MY message. I reject the idea of having AI generate an alternative to my personal vision.