Has first the Internet and now AI doomed photography as an artform? Seems a crazy supposition when photos and video are everywhere and creatives theoretically have an endless global marketplace to share ideas.
But while we have increased visibility, photography’s very ubiquity has reduced the perceived value of its practitioners’ work. The same is true for journalism. The expectation to read articles on any subject for free online has print magazines in a death spiral. Journalists and pro photographers alike are now expected to be podcasters and YouTubers, not just writers or visual storytellers. But competence on the page doesn’t automatically transfer online.
The fact is photography is going through a transformative period, with a chaotic combination of disruptive AI and over-saturated social media platforms. It now appears less about getting the technical aspects right and more about storytelling. Once popular picture sharing sites like Instagram have shifted focus to prioritising video. And while my creativity has always involved pursuing my own singular passions and ideas, now algorithms are pushing us all to create a certain type of ‘content’ if we want our posts to be seen. And provide it all for free.
From despair to where?
I think the only logical response is that we should just be taking pics, not chasing clicks. Viewing photography for personal satisfaction, not Internet acclaim. There’s always someone else with more followers and likes, so why compete? It’ll only lead to dissatisfaction. At one time we might have been envious of our immediate neighbour, we now have a whole global online neighbourhood to compare ourselves to… but there’s only one of you, so turn uniqueness to your advantage.
Let’s also turn existential despair into a catalyst for personal growth, focus on growing our skillset, not (just) our follower base. Rather than being distracted / doomscrolling, and letting the algorithm steer you, start a photographic project to expand your creative horizons… value authenticity not ubiquity. Popularity doesn’t always equal quality, after all.
While the photo hobbyist might despair, spare a thought for the pros. Now smartphones have made everyone a ‘photographer’, they’ve arguably been the hardest hit by cultural and technological shifts and have needed to up their game. That’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Plus, with print now seen as a luxury in our digital age, the tangibility of a physical copy is one way the work of photographers can be perceived as premium, and dedicated shutterbugs can distance themselves from TikTok-ers chasing mass engagement, but mostly falling short.
While it may feel like everything is getting worse, as ever, the alternative to giving into doom mongering is to get more creative. Meet the challenge head on rather than burying our heads in the sand. Or, to dig out another Dad’s Army catchphrase: ‘Don’t panic!’
Related reading
- Think you’re too old to start a big project? Nothing local to photograph? You’re wrong!
- Forget sensor size, this is what will make you a better photographer
- I bought an old digital compact for £5. Am I mad?
The views expressed in this column are not necessarily those of Amateur Photographer magazine or Kelsey Media Limited. If you have an opinion you’d like to share on this topic, or any other photography related subject, email: ap.ed@kelsey.co.uk
