In recent months, following the introduction of ChatGPT 3.5, an incredibly advanced generative artificial intelligence tool developed by OpenAI, the world has been consumed by discussions about AI. The release of these cutting-edge generative AI tools sparked a significant global controversy, with opinions sharply divided. Some view them as a means to enhance human productivity and alleviate work-related burdens, while others hold more extreme views, fearing job displacement, social unrest, and even the potential extinction of the human race!
Over the course of history, the photography industry has consistently embraced technological progress, commencing with the commercial introduction of The Giroux, the first camera, in the early 19th century. We have witnessed a progression from camera obscura to compact film cameras, from still cameras to video cameras, from manual to automatic operation, and from film to digital cameras, with the advent of mirrorless cameras and drones. In light of this trajectory, can AI be regarded as the upcoming stage in the evolution of photography?؟
In the following paragraphs, we aim to emphasize the influence that generative AI tools can potentially exert on the realm of photography. We commence by examining how AI can facilitate the automation of image processing. Subsequently, we delve into its capacity to enhance the quality of images. We then explore the problem of images generated by AI and the ensuing debate surrounding them. Lastly, we endeavor to address the question: Does AI pose a risk to the future of photography?
Automating Image Processing
Even before the arrival of ChatGPT, one of the significant domains where AI has been employed is in enhancing the image processing capabilities of digital cameras and mobile devices. This technology has been utilized for several years to optimize image processing and select the most suitable shooting modes for specific scenes or subjects.
In DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and cell phones, the widely available Auto-Mode leverages a form of AI to dynamically adjust crucial camera settings such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO, white balance, and more. This AI-driven functionality relies on data transmitted to the camera’s image processing engine, providing information about the specific scene being captured.
Several camera features that have been in existence for many years are actually categorized as forms of AI. These include facial recognition, environment recognition, and autofocus capabilities. These AI-powered functionalities have been integrated into cameras to enhance their performance and enable advanced capabilities such as identifying and focusing on faces, recognizing different environments, and achieving precise autofocus.
The remarkable aspect is that AI’s capabilities continue to advance with each passing day, growing more intelligent in selecting optimal settings to capture the finest possible image. This progress is particularly evident in mobile phone cameras, where intense competition has emerged in recent years among leading smartphone manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, and Google, all striving to offer the most advanced image processing technologies in their devices. Consequently, the competition surrounding camera quality has become predominantly focused on image processing capabilities rather than the CMOS sensor employed in the phone. (These sensors are frequently sourced by third-party companies. and utilized in multiple models across various manufacturers. In 2022, for instance, approximately 65% of mobile phone camera sensors were manufactured by Sony and Samsung).
However, a drawback arises as AI technologies increasingly intervene to “enhance” images, reigniting the debate about the definition of “the best” and the existence of a universal standard for a good photo. Who determines this standard? and if AI become prevalent in camera technology, could our images eventually become homogenized? In such a scenario, what happens to individual creativity? How can photographers express their unique style, personal touch, and creative imprint?
These questions are already circulating within communities of photographers, and as AI technologies continue to be more integrated, it is anticipated that the polarization regarding these questions will further escalate.
The “Fake Moon scandal” emerged as a prominent incident that captured substantial media attention. Samsung faced allegations of incorporating images of the moon obtained through advanced telescopes and cameras into photographs taken by users using Samsung Galaxy phone cameras. This controversy sparked widespread public discourse and debate.
After the strong reaction to this incident, Samsung had to explain in detail to prove that they didn’t fake the images. But instead of settling the argument, their explanation made people talk even more about whether AI should be used extensively to edit photos and where the line should be drawn.
Enhance the Image Quality
AI, particularly through deep learning techniques, has made remarkable advances in the realm of image and video enhancement. These technologies have reached an advanced level where they can colorize old black and white photographs, including those found in photo albums, movies, and TV shows. They can also enhance the quality, refine, and restore these images by improving details and increasing sharpness. This helps to bring them closer to their original state before the effects of time took a toll on them.
Around ten years ago, tasks like these were performed manually or using basic computer techniques that demanded considerable manual effort. However, nowadays, we can entrust these tasks to AI algorithms, which yield superior outcomes and, importantly, at significantly reduced costs since they don’t rely on human intervention.
AI-Generated Photos
Unless you’ve been living on a secluded island, you’ve likely come across the buzz surrounding DALL-E, an incredible tool capable of creating images and drawings based on text descriptions provided by users. These AI image generation tools can produce captivating visuals that can even fool professionals into thinking they were captured by a camera. Take, for example, the 2023 Sony World Photography Awards, where photographer Boris Eldagsen submitted a black and white photo titled “Pseudomania: The Electrician” (image shown below). The photo won first award in the contest. However, Eldagsen shocked everyone by revealing that he had actually generated the image using AI. As a result, he declined to accept the award.
The use of AI-generated images sparks intense debates. Some members of the photography community fear that it will lead to a challenging future for their jobs and businesses. On the contrary, many individuals and companies view it as a convenient and cost-effective means of acquiring images for various purposes.
This technology also stirs up a lot of debate regarding its potential use in lending credibility to fake news or defaming others. Many people are urging their governments to enact laws that regulate the use of AI technologies, aiming to make the misuse of these emerging technologies a criminal offense.
Does AI Pose a Risk to the Future of Photography?
At the start of our article, we pondered whether AI would simply be seen as a new advancement in photography technology. If that’s the case, why do some people strongly resist it? Well, throughout the history of photography, many new technologies faced significant opposition initially but eventually gained acceptance. Let’s take a look at a few examples:
- In the 1920s, when sound films were first introduced, they faced strong disapproval from film producers, directors and actors of that time. Even popular figures like Charlie Chaplin rejected them, arguing that they lacked the artistic value found in silent films. However, over time, the film industry embraced this new technology, and it became inconceivable to release a film without sound.
- Digital cameras faced significant resistance from professional photographers in the beginning, and they had valid reasons for their rejection. The image quality provided by early digital cameras was not comparable to that of film cameras. However, as companies made continuous advancements in digital camera technology, improving sensor efficiency and overall performance, photographers gradually abandoned film cameras in favor of digital ones. The shift occurred due to the convenience, affordability, efficiency, and image quality offered by digital cameras. Eventually, the motion picture industry, which had resisted digital cameras for a long time, largely transitioned to using digital cameras today.
- Since the introduction of the first mirrorless camera in 2008, professional photographers have shown significant resistance towards adopting this new technology. Even today, many photographers still refuse to replace their DSLR cameras with mirrorless ones, despite the advanced manufacturing techniques used in mirrorless cameras and their additional benefits such as smaller size, lighter weight, video quality and autofocus. The primary reason behind this resistance is the absence of an optical viewfinder in mirrorless cameras. Many photographers strongly believe that having a real-time view of the image and seeing the reflection of actual light before capturing it is essential, and they consider the digital viewfinder in mirrorless cameras to be insufficient in this regard.
Is the resistance to using AI in photography just a temporary phase? Will the photography community eventually embrace it, just like they have done with many other technologies in the past? Or is AI distinct from previous advancements and could it pose a genuine threat to the world of photography? Answering these questions is not simple and calls for extensive and honest discussions. However, what is certain is that AI carries significant potential for photographers. It can assist them in elevating the quality of their work while reducing the time and effort needed to capture an image.
Here at Photolet, we offer a variety of highly specialized training courses for photography enthusiasts who aim to boost their photography skills, our training courses focus on the practical aspect of photography, i.e. will will teach you how to use cameras, how to adjust camera settings, photography lighting rules, how to use photography accessories and how to use photo/video editing software.
