Photography has always faced criticism in the art world. From the time it first came on the scene, people have questioned whether it was “real art.” In this video, I look back at moments in art history when new tools sparked fear and backlash, from early photography to the Kodak Brownie to digital photography. Each time, artists were challenged to adapt, and each time, art didn’t disappear; it just evolved.
Today, we’re seeing that same cycle again with AI image generation. So this video isn’t about picking sides. It’s about understanding where we are in history and why these conversations keep happening. When we know the past, it becomes easier to stay grounded, focus on authenticity, and keep making work that truly reflects who we are as artists. AI image generation is here to stay. We have to determine who we, as artists, will be as it evolves.
For Blake, it's all about the art and process synergy. He dives deep into complex topics and makes them easy to understand through his outside-the-box thinking so that you can use these tricks in your workflow today!
Not the first time is an excellent perspective on where we are with AI. It also reflects my own feelings about AI
Thanks for doing this Blake
My pleasure, Norm. I’m glad to hear you feel the same way.
Loved this presentation as it resonates with my own feelings regarding AI in the photographic world. We just need to continue to grow . Great talk and will share with others.
Thanks! I like you open-minded perspective 🙂
Thanks for this video! I actually did start my photography career with a Brownie camera! “The cream rises to the top” is an excellent motivation for me to get out of my comfort zone and accept the current reality of AI. I don’t like it; I have the same negative reaction as when when cds and dvds replaced records, 8 tracks and vhs tapes! Where was the emotion!! Thanks again for your insight into the ever-evolving world of art and photography!
I just bought a record player to listen to all my favorite CD’s on Vinyl. The authenticity in a vinyl record, soooo good! We will always have a need to that kind of authenticity in our lives, AI images are just noise. Let this empower you to be the best version of your artistic self you could ever be. Be the cream 🙂
All these things Photography, digital photography, AI image generation still require skill to use, just a different type of skill. AI generation is still and art form, some people can not use it well or at all to create good images. These are often the ones crying over it. I am not good at drawing or painting, but i am good at photography and editing (photos or AI generated). A friend of mine is good at painting and drawing but (to be honest and by his admition) useless at photography, he even gets me to photograph his paintings before sale instead of doing it himself. Create art how ever you like. If you have any input in the outcome, it is your art.
I agree with you on any aspects Blake. But as you know, what I am facing is a dilemma between the painters, the authentic photography, the digital world of photography and the fine art photography inclining to digital photography, analog photography and the International Fine Art photography from which I’m restrained to protect the traditional policy’ authenticity ( without AI). Consequently, I am eliminating as much as I can by relying on the AI’s suggestions. This way I can bypass them during post-processing, Ah, if I may say! At least I am grateful to have you as an instructor to trespass the threshold of photographic art. With all that said, I need to point out that the obstruction of AI use is a fact as well as our rank’s status amongst the painters is undermined. Art lovers still believe that Paintings are the utmost in terms of value. We still do not own our place in 2026.
You have nicely captured the cycle of the evolution of art, including photography. Your framework gives a nice perspective on the disruption AI is causing in photography, some of the reasons for people resisting it, and what will likely happen as time goes on. Thanks.
I have come to understand that AI is just another ‘disruption’ that should be understood. I started with a small film camera for my thesis. Between my wife and I, we still have it plus smart phones and old film cameras. While I now use a mirrorless camera and lenses, I will get to work with the film cameras. Of course, trying to develop my vision/s is most important.
Wile I do not like the toxic chemicals, which go down the drain, digital cameras also have significant environmental impacts.
Thanks Blake.
Great explanation, Blake. I’m 82, now, so have been through a lot, of this “progress”. I tend to believe, it may be equatable as the difference between having a digital representation, of an image sitting on a computer, (AI produced, or not), and having the actual print, in hand. There will always be an admiration for the human element, the “art/vision”, that it took, to capture the moment, and make that print!
I found this discussion interesting. I tried doing some AI creations but I truly suck at provided the right inputs to get what I want, so I stopped. I have used AI objects to create some of my composited digital artwork that I use in conjuction with my own photos. However, if I simply take a photo that I’ve taken (raw format) and use photoshop to try and bring out what I feel that I had seen at the time, I’ve been told that it’s not really an authentic photo because it’s not what came directly out of the camera. I’ve stopped arguing or trying to explain myself to these critics.
This comment may be outside of the scope of this video but I had to vent.