On the current state of AI Photography
Photo: Luca Bravo
AI photography is constantly rising to the surface of conversation within the industry. Although it’s far from its peak, its influence is becoming more prominent, naturally dividing the opinion of photographers in the process. How useful or damaging can the technology become?
As professional photographers seem to come to terms with the impact of smartphone photography, and how mobile, pocket-sized cameras, crushed their livelihood, they’re now faced with another battle; AI photography.
The Threat of AI Photography
No longer is only “anyone with a camera” a threat, but the robots are on the attack too! The following statement may be triggering for some, but certain software products are capable of creating pretty good AI photographs. That’s bad news, but not for everyone in the photo industry.
From a professional standpoint, the rise of AI is likely going to be an issue for photographers working in advertising, product photography, and potentially, even travel photography. Granted, at this point, it’s too soon to back up my theory with statistics, but by applying basic reasoning, it makes sense.
If companies can pay a one-time license fee for software that allows them to automatically generate the images they need, it’s almost certain they’ll take that option. It’s less hassle than booking a photographer, and likely more cost-effective in the long run. I don’t like it, but sadly it’s the reality many in the photo industry are going to need to accept.
Who Survives AI Photography?
Live event photographers, including those in music photography and wedding photography, likely don’t need to worry about AI photography. Nothing (but maybe physical robots one day) can compete with a human documenting an event.
Then there’s the artistic element of photography. The type that’s more difficult to monetize and is predominantly done from a place of passion, how will that area of photography be impacted by artificial intelligence?
For the most part, AI photography is causing a lot of division in the artistic section of the photo world, especially on social media. Many turn their nose up at the idea of someone creating a landscape photograph, all while never leaving their office and the comfort of their home. Others opt to embrace new ways of creating art, supporting the movement and giving it the green light.
The truth is there isn’t one way to create AI imagery. If someone simply instructs their software to make a “beautiful sunset over the South American Andes” it’s hardly impressive, and I’d be more inclined to enjoy the work of someone who had bought the ticket, traveled to the destination, and made the photograph.
AI photography can be more complex though, and some photographers really take their time crafting a concept and bringing it together. This really falls more in line with digital art, which does require talent and should be respected, even if you don’t approve of the tools being used.
Handmade Photography
Overall, in the artistic world, I think humanity will favor work made manually. Look at other industries, where it’s seen as a plus to sell a “handmade” product. Soon we may see “handmade photograph” on display in galleries. Or we may just all give up on photography and have our minds and lives controlled by robots. Time will tell.
What do you think about AI photography? Are professional industries on the verge of being crushed?
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Copy edited by Sarah Jane.
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