Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is already having a significant impact on the future of photography and is likely to continue to do so. One way in which AI is being used in photography is through the development of smartphone cameras that use machine learning algorithms to improve image quality. These algorithms can be used to enhance the color and contrast of an image, remove noise, and even create a bokeh effect, which blurs the background of a photograph to make the subject stand out.
Another way in which AI is being used in photography is through the development of interchangeable lens cameras with advanced subject recognition capabilities in their autofocus systems. These cameras use AI algorithms to identify the main subject in a scene and adjust the focus accordingly, allowing photographers to capture sharp, well-focused images with ease. This is especially useful in situations where the subject is moving, as the camera can continuously adjust the focus to keep the subject in focus.
As AI technology continues to develop, we can expect to see even more advanced applications in cameras of the future. For example, AI could be used to automatically retouch and edit images, allowing photographers to spend less time post-processing and more time shooting. AI could also be used to create virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) experiences, allowing photographers to capture and share immersive experiences with their audience.
Some photographers may be concerned that AI technology will take the creative control away from them, but it is important to remember that AI is simply a tool that can be used to enhance a photographer’s creative vision. While AI can certainly make some tasks easier and more efficient, it cannot replace the artistic eye and creative vision of a skilled photographer.
In fact, AI technology in cameras may actually allow photographers to push their creativity further. For example, by automating certain tasks, photographers can free up more time and energy to focus on the creative aspects of their work. Additionally, the advanced capabilities of AI-powered cameras may allow photographers to capture images and experiences that were previously impossible or impractical to capture.
Overall, AI technology is already having a significant impact on the future of photography and is likely to continue to do so as it continues to develop. While some photographers may be concerned about the role of AI in their work, it is important to remember that it is simply a tool that can be used to enhance their creative vision and allow them to push their creativity further.
Editor’s Note: Perhaps some of you eagle-eyed readers may have guessed it already, but this column was written entirely by AI using the new ChatGPT bot. Announced this month, the ChatGPT, or Chat Generative Pretrained Transformer was developed using OpenAI and trained to generate text on any given topic when given a short brief. Below you can see the brief I provided to generate this column. Like AF systems in cameras that are fed huge numbers of pictures of different animals and human smiles to create fast and accurate subject detection modes, ChatGPT is exposed to huge amounts of human-generated copy so that it learns how to structure sentences and predict what should come next. While the AI bot’s writing lacks some of the lyrical flair you get from human-generated writing, you can see that it’s still very good!
Some have speculated that AI like the ChatGPT will spell the end of the writer, much like some have argued that AI in imaging will automate the image-making process and diminish the role of the photographer. But like the ChatGPT bot argues in its column above, AI can mimic, automate and streamline; it can replace some of the more arduous human tasks – but it can’t replace our humanity. It can’t replace our judgment, our sense of humour, our creativity. Instead of fearing developments in AI, whether in imaging, writing or other areas of our lives, we should discover how we can combine the best of us with the best of what it has to offer and realise new creative possibilities.
My Brief to ChatGPT
In 500 words please explain how AI technology will impact the future of photography. Explain how AI technology is already being used in smartphone cameras and how it is just starting to be used in interchangeable lens cameras with advanced subject recognition capabilities in a camera’s autofocus. Please explain how AI technology will develop further and what applications we might see in cameras of the future that use this technology. Some photographers are afraid of AI and believe it takes the creative control away from them; please reassure these photographers that AI technology in cameras will only allow them to push their creativity further.
Unfortunately I think this is way underestimating the effect ai is going to have on our industry. At least half of us in the commercial/advertising world will likely be out of business by 2025. Families will always want photos of themselves and weddings and newborns, but talking about the commercial world….we’re about to become obsolete in favor of art directors and creative directors typing briefs into an ai and getting the images they need instantly.