Should you be worried about AI Art? (Patreon)

As a photographer, you might be concerned about the rise of AI art and the potential impact it could have on you. AI-generated art has been making headlines in recent months and weeks, with many experts predicting that it could soon become a major force in the art world. But what does this mean for photographers, and should you be worried?

First of all, it's important to understand what AI art is and how it works. Essentially, AI algorithms are used to create digital images or artworks, often by training a machine learning model on a large dataset of existing images. The resulting artworks can be incredibly realistic and detailed, and in some cases, almost indistinguishable from human-made art.  Tools such as Midjourney are improving exponentially with the latest V5 offering producing some amazing (and sometimes terrifyingly real) results.

So what does this mean for photographers? Well, on the one hand, AI art could be seen as a potential threat to the traditional art forms that photographers have been practicing for decades. After all, if machines can create art that is just as good (or even better) than what humans can produce, what's the point of hiring a photographer?

However, it's important to remember that AI art is still in its infancy, and there are many things that machines can't do (at least not yet). For example, AI algorithms are still not very good at capturing the emotional depth and nuance of human experience, which is something that photographers excel at. They can also struggle with more abstract or conceptual forms of art, which is another area where photographers can still make a unique contribution.

In fact, some experts believe that AI art could actually be a boon for photographers, by providing new tools and techniques that can be used to enhance and augment their work. For example, AI algorithms can be used to automate certain tasks (such as retouching or color grading), freeing up more time for photographers to focus on the creative aspects of their work. AI can also be used to create interactive installations or multimedia works that blend photography with other forms of digital media.

Ultimately, the rise of AI art should be seen as an opportunity rather than a threat. By embracing new technologies and exploring new creative possibilities, photographers can stay at the forefront of their field and continue to produce innovative and engaging work. So don't be afraid of AI art – instead, see it as a chance to expand your horizons and explore new frontiers in the world of photography.