We live in a world where smartphones can capture amazing images. And if that’s too much hassle, you can just generate something with a prompt. Any yet, I’ve chosen to start learning photography in the age of Gen AI – and I’m loving it.
I’ve always admired photographers. It’s probably because I can’t draw or paint, so it’s the one form of visual art that seemed more accessible. That includes the people I’ve worked with and that were able to make me look good (normally with a crash helmet on), along with the more famous and notable names.
And having recently gained access to a DLSR thanks to some great funding for Peterborough STEM Festival equipment, I’ve become fascinated by shutter speeds, ISO settings and post-processing. Even if I’m very much an enthusiastic beginner.
There are lots of things I know are wrong with the photo above of some squirrels chasing each other. It’s not the right lens, the shutter speed is wrong, there’s not enough contrast, and lots more. I could have generated something using AI which looked similar or better, or used it to make improvements rather than messing around with image editing software.
But that’s not the point.
Taking photos at STEM Festival or out on walks means I have a reason to get out of the house, and gives me a reason to chat to more people while I’m out and about. I even have my own virtual photo assistance from friends online, especially one of my oldest mates. And we’re planning some photo days out in the near future. Unlike AI, he’s less prone to hallucinations unless it’s after a couple of pints.
What may look like an average photo of squirrels to you is a reminder of a pleasant afternoon walk with my partner Liz, chatting and hanging out in a peaceful churchyard on a sunny Autumn day. And capturing an image of animals she always enjoys seeing.
It’s something that I spotted and patiently waited to try and photograph. And the fact that I managed to capture a moment in time (alongside several shots of a tree missing some squirrels), gives me a sense of personal satisfaction.
And if I do ever need to use Gen AI for anything photo-related, knowing the basics of real photography will help me prompt better results.
I don’t plan on switching careers to become a professional photographer, or building a following on social media or Youtube. Some of my passions and hobbies have become work over the years, and while it’s a great way to earn some or all of my living, it’s nice to have something that’s just for me. If I take a picture I like or that’s interesting, I’ll share it just to put it out into the world. But I’m not worried about likes or follows – I just love capturing things that I find interesting.
It’s not about productivity, efficiency, or batch-processing a week of AI generated social media updates to build my personal brand. It’s just something that makes me happy.
If I feel like I’m boring friends, I might create some anonymous accounts just to share my photos. But I’m not going to start worrying about uploading every day or week, or posting something that hasn’t been tweaked close to perfection.
When I first heard about Vivian Maier, I thought it was a little sad that she never got recognition while alive. But in an age where you can AI generate and edit fake selfies of moments in your life that never happened, all to get likes and follows from people who will never know you, it’s more inspirational than ever.
It’s beautiful really, and anything that helps you relax as a hobby is good in my book 🙂
Cheers – a lot of my hobbies in the past involved performing (guitar), or competition (sim racing), so I’m purposefully focusing on enjoying taking each photo – whether or not I end up with anything good at the end of it. If I go out, take 50 pictures, and they’re all rubbish for one reason or another, it’s fine. And it’s partly an excuse to go out to more places and get more exercise along with scheduling regular walks with my partner, so there’s still a benefit, regardless.