Artificial Intelligence (AI) is something that is now being used in several fields of life, but where does it come within photography. Does it have a place? Currently, several photographic programs are now using ‘AI’ embedded as part of the tools for photo editing usage.
The latest AI creates actual images that are very realistic and can often be mistaken for a photograph.
However, we cannot call ‘AI’, in general terms, photography. By using just a few words to create an AI image from scratch, we cannot call it a photographic image. There are designated programs designed for this sole purpose. Some can assume that all you have to do is type a few words into a program and that is it, but it is not that simple.
First of all, you need an idea of what you want to create, then work from there to get the final image you are happy with. This could take several attempts. Personally, I have had great fun in producing images of this nature but I cannot and will never pass it off as a photographic image.
Another view to consider is when entering club or external competitions, will we, as photographers be allowed to create a background from AI that we can use as part of a composite image, where the main subject is an actual photograph from the photographer? Will this eventually be allowed?
Another discussion is, What is the difference when a photographer purchases a pre made background which isn’t their own work and it be allowed into competitions, or creating a background using AI. Maybe in the future this will be accepted for general use…. Who knows.
Yes I do feel that AI will be part of a new art but not in the photographic world. There are several programs around to create AI images, Bing (Image Creator), Leonardo to name just a couple. Why not have a go and see for yourself.
Let me warn you…. it’s quite addictive.
