How much impact will AI have on the future of photography?

AI technology has become famous in recent years, and there has been a trend of replacing human labor in some fields. So how much impact will AI have on future photography?

First, let’s take a look at the application of AI technology in photography. Currently, A can undertake some of the auxiliary shootingand auxiliary post-production functions:

In terms of shooting, the point-and-shoot mode and semi-automatic mode in the camera involve AI technology, that is, the camera automatically gives parameters according to the shooting environment, but the specific shooting effect still depends on the photographer rather than the camera itself;

The AI ​​functions in mobile phones are relatively more powerful, such as automatic fill light, automatic control of blur effects, color adjustment, etc., and can even complete operations such as face slimming. Although many people think that this AI function has been divorced from the essence of photography, but Everyone has different needs. For many people, what they pursue when using mobile phone photography is this simple and convenient function.

Therefore, from a shooting perspective, human operation will still be the main force at present and in the future. Perhaps AI can give cameras and mobile phones some more precise and wonderful effects, but there will also be many people who insist on “pureness” photography;

In addition, if the camera itself is to fully undertake the shooting task, it may need the assistance of other equipment and technology. In the short term, its cost and technical threshold are not affordable by ordinary people.

In terms of post-production , it is no exaggeration to say that AI will shine. Lightroom, Photoshop and other tools launched by Adobe in recent years have strong post-production functions, such as inputting keywords to control photo effects, and even automatically changing the sky of photos. Drawing and other effects can indeed provide certain convenience.

From this perspective, AI has improved productivity and film production efficiency to a certain extent . Professional photographers should pay attention to this. After all, many customers need higher efficiency and better effects. As for whether it is the original juice The original purely manual operation may not be that important.

Since AI technology is so convenient, will it significantly lower the threshold for photography?

Here we first define photography as a shooting behavior that is purposefully planned, technically and aesthetically supported. It is certain that AI can make the photos taken by ordinary people better, but this shooting process may not be defined as photography. It is also difficult to stimulate the photographer’s technical and aesthetic improvement.

The democratization of cameras and smartphones has lowered the entry threshold for photography, but it has not yet achieved the goal of “all photography masters”. In comparison, technology changes the fastest and is the easiest to master, but it is not technology that determines the upper limit of photography , but aesthetics. , personal accomplishment, experience and other factors;

And those who can rely on technology to take excellent photos rely on more than just the technology itself. In other words, if you want to use AI to produce excellent photos, you probably still need someone who really understands photography . With a photography foundation, To better control technology.

Therefore, AI can lower the threshold of photography to a certain extent, but the impact of technology has an upper limit, and it must eventually return to its essence;

Moreover, AI may create a ” technical gap ” in the field of photography, that is, excellent photographers will be even better with the addition of AI technology, while ordinary photographers may be at a further disadvantage because they cannot keep up with technological development (only For the work efficiency of photography practitioners).

Will AI replace photography?

AI can replace some functions of photography. For example, some simple photo materials can be produced by AI. This phenomenon is already relatively common now.

But if AI is to completely replace photography, just like paper media is completely replaced, I am afraid it will only be possible when people live in computers in the form of electronic signals. After all, the purpose of photography is not entirely to obtain photos, but also to enjoy the process and pleasure oneself . .

With the development of technology, the pictures produced by AI may really be able to crush the photos taken by humans, but concepts and rituals cannot be replaced. What artificial intelligence lacks is exactly what photography needs.