Do Photographers Have a Future with AI?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has brought about rapid changes in many areas of photography. While some photographers believe AI will completely displace them, others think fear is irrational. In reality, AI is here; it is powerful; and it is rapidly affecting how we do photography.
What Is Actually Changing
AI can produce photographs that appear to have been taken by a human photographer. Therefore, AI can generate product photos, backgrounds, and even headshots of individuals without the need for a camera. This places pressure on photographers who produce repetitive or straightforward types of work (e.g., basic stock photos) at a low cost.
AI is also replacing some aspects of photo editing. Software programs can automatically sort photos, adjust exposure, modify color, and select the best ones. Hours of work can now be completed in minutes. This will make it difficult for photographers who only provide basic photo editing services to differentiate themselves from other options.
The feeling of being replaced quickly by technology is frightening because technology changes much faster than the knowledge that photographers develop through years of education and training.
Why AI Will Never Replace All Photographers
AI will never be able to capture a photograph of a live event (such as a wedding, graduation, or news event). AI will always require a human to operate the camera and capture the real moment when it happens.
Photography is more than creating an image. Photography is based on establishing trust, making timely decisions, and providing a connection between the photographer and the subject(s).
Real photographs are more valuable today than ever before. The proliferation of false images on the internet has made people value the authenticity of photographic evidence more. People want to see photographic proof that something really occurred, rather than something that was created using AI.
How Photographers Can Adapt to Use AI
Photographers who adapt to using AI will not try to compete against AI. Instead, they will utilize AI as a tool to assist them in completing specific tasks, such as photo editing, organization, and workflow management.
As previously stated, AI performs its best when assisting humans with routine tasks, such as organizing, editing, and workflow management. The time saved by using AI enables photographers to spend their time working creatively with clients and developing meaningful relationships.
Photographers can also specialize in the type of photography that AI cannot perform. Documentary photography, event photography, fine art photography, high-end portraiture, and storytelling are all examples of photography that require a human to interpret and make judgments in the field.
To thrive in this new environment, photographers will need to learn new skills. For example, photographers will need to understand how to verify whether images are authentic or generated using AI. Additionally, photographers will need to know how to protect the authenticity of the photographs they take and teach clients the value of these authentic images.
Ultimately, the way photographers conduct their businesses may change due to the advent of AI. There may be less demand for low-priced photography services. However, there may be an increased demand for high-priced photography services that involve a unique experience and/or unique content.