The Human Touch: Why AI Photography Isn't the Right Lens, but can be the right Buddy

As a photographer deeply invested in the art of capturing genuine moments and impactful stories, I find myself at odds with the rise of AI photography…. and yet a fan of AI for other purposes, let me explain.

Let's address the elephant in the room: AI-generated images are not real. It is actually that plain and simple. Given that, they of course then lack the true point of photography which is to communicate who you are and your story at this moment…..it leaves out the authenticity and soul that humans and their photographers create.

Images created by AI appear sterile, devoid of the subtle nuances and emotions that make a story-telling based photograph truly compelling.

Imagine presenting a brand with images that look and feel fake—images that fail to reflect the essence and personality of the brand. It's a disservice not only to the brand itself but also to its audience, who crave authenticity and connection in an increasingly digitized world…..who both crave it and make purchasing decisions based on it….

Now, consider the impact of a headshot that doesn't accurately represent the individual behind it. Your headshot is often the first impression you make in professional settings—it's your virtual handshake, your digital calling card. So you meet someone in person only to find that they bear little resemblance to their carefully curated online persona - that creates a jarring experience that can only create confusion, erode trust and credibility.

Authenticity breeds trust, and trust is the foundation of any successful brand-consumer relationship. When consumers sense a lack of authenticity in the imagery presented to them, it breeds skepticism and undermines the credibility of the brand. After all, would you purchase something (from someone) that feels fake or inauthentic?

AND, despite my reservations about AI photography, I recognize the value AI provides in certain contexts…..Lets explore:

As someone who occasionally struggles with conciseness in conveying ideas and building out content, I've found AI to be a valuable ally in overcoming these challenges. I don’t know about you, but my mind is full of ideas, but getting them out on to paper is not my strong suit. With the help of AI, I am able to much more easily get from the ideation phase to the finished product phase, writing articles for my blogs that can then be repurposed to other platforms.

In my own practice, I often use AI-powered tools to generate initial drafts or outlines for articles and blog posts. However, I always make it a point to iterate and refine the content, injecting it with my own insights, experiences, and personality. The end result is a piece of content that feels authentic and true to my voice, yet benefits from the initial spark of inspiration provided by AI. Using AI in this way does not compromise my integrity or authenticity because it is my ideas and content, I am just getting a little help with the “build out” of the concept to propel me forward.

But here's the crucial distinction that I have been telling my client: while AI may assist in generating ideas and content, it should never replace the human touch that defines our uniqueness, individual voice, and vision. It's essential our work is infused with our individual personality, perspective, and creativity. After all - - - isn't that what the World is about?

So, while AI can offer valuable suggestions, it's up to us to refine and mold those ideas into something that reflects our unique voice and style. The key is use it for how it can help - and then to make it your own. Really, like any other tool.

In conclusion, while AI photography may have its merits in certain applications, it cannot replace the human touch that lies at the heart of photography. As photographers, it is our responsibility to uphold the integrity of our craft and to capture the genuine moments that resonate with audiences on a deeper level. Let us embrace technology as a tool for innovation and inspiration, but let us never forget the power of human connection in the art of photography.

So, the next time you're tempted to opt for AI-generated images, remember the value of authenticity and the trust it fosters. Because in a world inundated with artificiality, authenticity will always shine through.