With all the recent buzz about AI technology and how it changes photography, I don't see what the hype is about, nor am I worried about any competition from it in the photography space. By and large, the film community is already the rebels and outsiders because we choose to move differently than the masses when creating/making a photograph. I've written about the differences here, but besides the look and feel, everything within the analog process differs from digitally produced images, so AI is just another blip on the radar for us. With that said, I wanted to touch on a few things regarding AI and photography, regardless of one's preference for film or digital.
So, at the beginning of this new year, 2023, the Japanese camera company PENTAX announced they would embark on the JOURNEY of creating a NEW film camera inspired by today's youth interest in film photography. I emphasized the journey because, as you'll see from their inspirational announcement video below, there are particular challenges they will have to overcome.
A few things that stuck out to me from Pentax's video are how they're in tune with the culture of the younger generations who are gravitating towards film, but also how they recognize, appreciate, and want to carry on and progress with the knowledge of the past from the older generations. They are aware that when that older generation departs on to the afterlife, if the craftsmanship and wisdom within them aren't passed down, it also departs with them.
That's why I can stand confidently, not overly concerned with technological changes like AI. If you're in tune with the pulse of your community, those you serve, and the TRUE spirit of the times, you'll better understand what they want or need beyond the surface. It's definitely something more than artificially created imagery made by computers.
Some people will find a way to make money by merging photography and AI images, but that has nothing to do with how I and many others look at the world and choose to create, choosing to be. Often, people need to realize why they are doing something. When you really look at it, who is the architect of these tech rollouts or automation shifts within any of these creative industries? Who benefits the most, and does it help or hinder your skill development? Why do Non-artists dictate what artists do, and Tech companies with vested interests lay the blueprint for how creatives express themselves? I only bring this up because at what point do we start seeing diminishing results from automation within a craft and become too reliant on the robotic nature of machines doing the thinking for us, especially within the arts. If you are not careful, it will be like a slow burn with a dumbing down of the collective consciousness and spirit. Could it be by design?
Technological advancements can be significant and may or may not grow productivity. Still, there will always be a trade-off that can have the potential to stunt growth from within, and without fulfilling that deep need within ourselves, you'll be missing one of the most essential aspects of life, let alone photography and art.
Takeaways: Take advantage of evolving tech/resources to expand your consciousness and grow your skills where it serves your mind, body, and soul while being mindful not to dumb down the inner drive of your spirit.
❤️🔥🌊🌙
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🎼 I've been on an Audioslave kick lately, and they have been the soundtrack during my photoshoot this past week. It's been fun shooting with hard light and new film stocks like Kodak Ektar and CineStill BwXX, so you all definitely have more options with me coming soon...
