The Case for Continuing Photographic Art in the Age of AI
(Disclaimer: This photograph is NOT generated by AI. For the text I had a discourse over several, lengthy prompts to share perspectives about art with ChatGpt 4.0).
“I will never apply AI art to my work. The art form is an insult to life itself.”
| Hayao Miyazaki
“Even when I carry out scientific work, etc., and activity which I can seldom conduct in direct association with other men, I perform a social, because human, act.”
| Karl Marx
The Case for Continuing Photographic Art in the Age of AI
In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has made remarkable strides in generating images that rival, and in some cases surpass, the work of human photographers. With just a few lines of text or a simple command, AI can produce stunning visuals, manipulate scenes, and even mimic the styles of famous photographers. This technological advancement has led to a pressing question for photographers and artists alike: Why should one continue making photographic art when AI seems poised to do it better?
The Essence of Photographic Art: Beyond Technical Perfection
At first glance, the rise of AI-generated images may seem like the beginning of the end for traditional photography. After all, AI can create flawless compositions, adjust lighting with pixel-perfect precision, and produce visually appealing images in seconds. But to reduce photographic art to a mere exercise in technical skill is to overlook the very essence of what makes it art.
Photographic art is not just about creating visually stunning images; it is about expressing a vision, telling a story, and capturing the human experience. AI, despite its capabilities, lacks the consciousness, emotions, and lived experiences that are integral to the creation of meaningful art. A photograph is more than a collection of pixels; it is a reflection of the photographer’s perspective, emotions, and connection to the world. This intrinsic human element is something that AI cannot replicate.
The Role of Intent and Emotion
One of the fundamental aspects of art is intent. When a photographer sets out to capture an image, they do so with a purpose—whether it’s to document a moment in time, convey a particular emotion, or challenge the viewer’s perspective. This intent is deeply personal and is shaped by the photographer’s experiences, beliefs, and emotions. It is this subjective quality that gives photographic art its depth and resonance.
AI, on the other hand, operates without intent. It can generate images based on patterns, algorithms, and data, but it does so without any underlying purpose or emotion. The images produced by AI may be visually impressive, but they lack the depth and meaning that come from a human artist’s intent. They are, in a sense, hollow reflections of what art can be—aesthetic without soul.
The Unique Value of Human Imperfection
Another reason to continue making photographic art in the age of AI is the value of imperfection. Human-created art is often celebrated for its imperfections, its quirks, and its ability to convey the nuances of the human experience. A photograph that is slightly out of focus, with unconventional composition or unexpected lighting, can evoke emotions and tell stories in ways that a perfectly calculated image cannot.
AI, by its nature, strives for perfection. It is designed to eliminate flaws and optimize results based on predefined criteria. While this may lead to technically superior images, it also risks stripping away the uniqueness and individuality that come from human imperfection. In art, these imperfections are not just tolerated—they are embraced as part of what makes the work authentic and relatable.
The Creative Process as a Journey
Photography, like all forms of art, is as much about the process as it is about the final product. The journey of creating a photograph—from conceptualization to execution—offers a space for experimentation, discovery, and personal growth. This creative process is where artists develop their skills, refine their vision, and explore new ideas. It is an inherently human experience that involves intuition, serendipity, and the ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances.
AI, in contrast, skips the creative journey and jumps straight to the final result. While this can be efficient, it also means that the rich, exploratory process of creating art is lost. The insights, learning experiences, and moments of inspiration that arise during the creative process are irreplaceable. For photographers, this process is not just a means to an end but an integral part of the artistic experience.
The Ethical and Philosophical Dimensions
Beyond the technical and creative aspects, there are important ethical and philosophical considerations when it comes to AI-generated art. As AI continues to advance, it raises questions about authorship, originality, and the value of human creativity. Can an image generated by an algorithm be considered art in the same way as a photograph created by a human being? Who owns the rights to AI-generated images, and what does this mean for the future of creative professions?
These questions highlight the importance of preserving and valuing human creativity in an increasingly automated world. Photographic art is a form of expression that connects us to our humanity, and it plays a vital role in reflecting and shaping our culture. As AI continues to evolve, it is crucial that we do not lose sight of the unique contributions that human artists bring to the table.
Conclusion: The Irreplaceable Human Element
While AI can undoubtedly produce impressive images, it cannot replace the human element that is at the heart of photographic art. The intent, emotion, imperfection, and creative journey that characterize human photography are irreplaceable aspects of the artistic process. They imbue photographs with meaning, depth, and authenticity—qualities that AI, for all its technical prowess, cannot replicate.
In the age of AI, the role of the photographer is more important than ever. By continuing to create photographic art, we assert the value of human creativity and ensure that the art we produce remains a reflection of our unique experiences, perspectives, and emotions. Photographic art is not just about creating images; it is about communicating what it means to be human. And that, no matter how advanced AI becomes, is something only we can do.