this will always be a pertinent subject. Keep in mind, though, the entire ecosystem of photograph taking, from the shooter to the assistant to the processor/printer... You are correct that the human touch differentiates with the primary photographer, but as AI matures, the ecosystem as a whole is less reliant on humans. And as AI democratizes photography, potential clients are in less need of professionals. I think the subject is an important one to track as technology evolves, but the "humanizing" argument alone isn't a sufficient argument to cover the full disruption the technology is exacting in the art and business of photography.
Hi Mark, I believe will be even better, no doubt about that. And for commercial photography it might replace photographers in some degree, but for real documentary or conceptual photography with an emotional touch I believe it will not fully replace humans. Still I am curious and excited to see where this is leading to.
You bring up great points, and I think people will be drawn to authentic stories and works that perhaps AI, even as it evolves, cannot identify to replicate in any meaningful way. Authentic art that carries the artists message behind it will always be sought after, I hope we will be able to continue to distinguish that and a machine's rendition.
Great set of articles! I think the quintessential point you made is this: “These are images that move you, not because they're technically perfect, but because they tell a story, capturing a moment that will never return.” There is so much societal pressure for perfection in all things, but it doesn’t have a place in art.
Well said, Marcel. I selfishly think more about my own experience and how AI is involved. I don't mind a little bit of help with some retouching for a commercial project, but once the full-on generative part comes into play, I just can't get excited about it. I enjoyed the series. Thanks!
I thought I commented on this, but it looks like I might not have.
AI is here to stay and we either make friends with it or fight it. I suggest the former.
Embracing AI doesn’t mean surrendering to it—it means understanding its strengths and limitations so we can use it wisely. Like any tool, it reflects the hands that wield it. The real challenge isn’t whether AI will change the world, but how we choose to shape that change.
You must be new here. This is a conversation that's been going on for 50 years. It is always the human who brings meaning to the picture because a photograph is made with the heart, soul and mind. But, unless you are drawing with a stick of charcoal and paper you are using some sort of technology. When started -- I'm old -- I used a handheld light meter and a non automatic camera. I took a reading and set the aperture and shutter speed by hand. and yet, I was still using technology. A better discussion might be how using technology can enhance your vision without controlling it. So, maybe Lightroom but not Generative AI. Keep going. You're on the right track.
Hi Ray, Unfortunately, I’m not new here—I’ve been hopping around in photography playground for quite some time. You’re right, it’s an old conversation, but what’s different now is the speed. Technology’s evolution feels like it’s gone from a steady jog to a sprint. The question is no longer just how it enhances vision, but how much control we’re willing to relinquish before the soul of photography changes entirely. Let’s keep challenging that balance—it's a ride worth taking
Great read, these articles, Marcel. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I totally agree that the human aspect is crucial.
I particularly like this text: "That's what makes the human touch so unique: the ability to look beyond technical perfection and recognise the decisive moment. It's that split-second decision, guided by experience, feeling, and a deep understanding of your subject, that makes the difference between a technically perfect photo and an image that touches you."
this will always be a pertinent subject. Keep in mind, though, the entire ecosystem of photograph taking, from the shooter to the assistant to the processor/printer... You are correct that the human touch differentiates with the primary photographer, but as AI matures, the ecosystem as a whole is less reliant on humans. And as AI democratizes photography, potential clients are in less need of professionals. I think the subject is an important one to track as technology evolves, but the "humanizing" argument alone isn't a sufficient argument to cover the full disruption the technology is exacting in the art and business of photography.
Hi Mark, I believe will be even better, no doubt about that. And for commercial photography it might replace photographers in some degree, but for real documentary or conceptual photography with an emotional touch I believe it will not fully replace humans. Still I am curious and excited to see where this is leading to.
You bring up great points, and I think people will be drawn to authentic stories and works that perhaps AI, even as it evolves, cannot identify to replicate in any meaningful way. Authentic art that carries the artists message behind it will always be sought after, I hope we will be able to continue to distinguish that and a machine's rendition.
Great set of articles! I think the quintessential point you made is this: “These are images that move you, not because they're technically perfect, but because they tell a story, capturing a moment that will never return.” There is so much societal pressure for perfection in all things, but it doesn’t have a place in art.
Well said, Marcel. I selfishly think more about my own experience and how AI is involved. I don't mind a little bit of help with some retouching for a commercial project, but once the full-on generative part comes into play, I just can't get excited about it. I enjoyed the series. Thanks!
I thought I commented on this, but it looks like I might not have.
AI is here to stay and we either make friends with it or fight it. I suggest the former.
Embracing AI doesn’t mean surrendering to it—it means understanding its strengths and limitations so we can use it wisely. Like any tool, it reflects the hands that wield it. The real challenge isn’t whether AI will change the world, but how we choose to shape that change.
You must be new here. This is a conversation that's been going on for 50 years. It is always the human who brings meaning to the picture because a photograph is made with the heart, soul and mind. But, unless you are drawing with a stick of charcoal and paper you are using some sort of technology. When started -- I'm old -- I used a handheld light meter and a non automatic camera. I took a reading and set the aperture and shutter speed by hand. and yet, I was still using technology. A better discussion might be how using technology can enhance your vision without controlling it. So, maybe Lightroom but not Generative AI. Keep going. You're on the right track.
Hi Ray, Unfortunately, I’m not new here—I’ve been hopping around in photography playground for quite some time. You’re right, it’s an old conversation, but what’s different now is the speed. Technology’s evolution feels like it’s gone from a steady jog to a sprint. The question is no longer just how it enhances vision, but how much control we’re willing to relinquish before the soul of photography changes entirely. Let’s keep challenging that balance—it's a ride worth taking
The challenge is to tame technology... and, then there's AI, where your conversation about technology is most appropriate.
Great read, these articles, Marcel. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I totally agree that the human aspect is crucial.
I particularly like this text: "That's what makes the human touch so unique: the ability to look beyond technical perfection and recognise the decisive moment. It's that split-second decision, guided by experience, feeling, and a deep understanding of your subject, that makes the difference between a technically perfect photo and an image that touches you."
It is all about emotions.
Thank you, Peter. Keep putting that emotion in your photography. That's what makes it real!