The Evolution of Photography in the Age of AI
In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing image creation, the role of traditional photography is being redefined. With the rise of tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney, AI-generated images have become increasingly sophisticated, raising questions about the future of photography. Amid these changes, one photographer, Oh Seung-hwan, has boldly embraced AI as a transformative force in the field.
Oh Seung-hwan, who studied photography at the undergraduate and graduate levels, worked as a photojournalist, and spent 24 years as a professor in a university’s photography department, recently published a book on AI photography and held an exhibition. At Insadong Gallery Index in Seoul, he displayed AI-generated images created over the past three years. His work, published by Nunbit—a publisher known for its focus on documentary photography—challenges conventional notions of what it means to take a photograph.
The exhibition featured images that closely resembled traditional photographs, but upon closer inspection, they revealed their digital origins. Each piece was labeled with edition numbers and price tags, highlighting the effort and artistic intent behind the work. Descriptions explained how specific prompts led to the creation of each image, offering insight into the process of AI photography.
Is Photography Over?
Oh Seung-hwan argues that the traditional form of photography is no longer sufficient. He suggests that the era of believing photography could capture everything has ended. The concept of “post-photography” has been discussed in the global art world for over two decades. In this new era, images are no longer created solely with cameras. Instead, people can now order photos through AI, which generates them based on detailed prompts.
Photography, according to Oh, has always been about visualizing what one sees rather than simply capturing what is visible. It is akin to painting, but with cameras replacing brushes. This shift challenges the long-held belief that photography is a tool for uncovering truth. While the Chinese character for “photography” includes “眞” (truth), Oh emphasizes that the Western perspective views photography as “drawing with light,” treating it as a form of artistic expression.
Is the Camera Obsolete?
Despite the rise of AI, Oh does not believe the camera is entirely obsolete. He argues that while AI can produce realistic images, the camera’s unique function—capturing moments—remains irreplaceable. Humans bring context, emotion, and interpretation to photography, something machines cannot replicate. AI may generate content, but it lacks the ability to understand the deeper meaning behind a scene.
When photographing a portrait, for instance, a human photographer captures more than just the subject’s appearance; they convey emotions, expressions, and the unspoken stories behind the image. This distinction between capturing a moment and creating an image is crucial. While AI can create images, it cannot replace the human experience of observing and recording the world.
AI Photography: The Ultimate Digital Retouching
Oh shared an example of how AI can be used to recreate scenes from the past. A sheep flock in front of Mont-Saint-Michel, which he displayed at the exhibition, was generated by inputting a photo he had taken 40 years ago. The AI produced the desired image within 40 minutes, demonstrating the power of AI in transforming old ideas into new visuals.
This approach mirrors the evolution of digital retouching. When Photoshop first emerged, many photographers dismissed it as a tool for manipulation. However, the transition from film to digital did not change the essence of photography—it only made the process easier. Similarly, AI does not create fakes; it is the user who decides how to use the technology.
AI Photography: Deceptively Simple, Labor-Intensive Work
Creating AI-generated images is far from simple. Oh explains that without a clear mental image, the process is impossible. For example, describing a child running on a beach requires specifying details such as clothing, movement, and facial expressions. His prompts are often lengthy, including information about camera models, lenses, and shooting conditions.
Each image in the exhibition required generating hundreds of variations before reaching the final result. Midjourney produces four images per batch, and refining them can take hours. Some images require multiple attempts, with adjustments made to add realism. The process is time-consuming but rewarding, much like watching a photo develop in a darkroom.
What Lies Ahead for Photographers?
Oh believes that photographers will coexist with AI in the future. News and documentary photography will continue to rely on human expertise, while commercial and artistic photography may see increased use of AI. Staged or graphic-heavy images are likely to be replaced by AI, which requires no studio, lighting, or models.
As AI data expands, current biases and imperfections in AI-generated images will improve. The exhibition, which runs until the 15th, offers a glimpse into the evolving relationship between photography and artificial intelligence.
