Page 16 - Cape-Camera-October-2023

Cape Camera October 2023

AI images(continued)

al or AI-generated images, or both. process, I consistently ponder, “Does
While some may gravitate towards ‘I play with creating this image make me happy?”
the artistic possibilities of AI, others images of weird and I believe that any AI-generated art-
still value the authenticity and famil- wonderful creatures work should always be labelled as
iarity of traditional photography. In such. This ensures that viewers aren’t
fact, there has been a renewed in- and whimsical worlds’ deceived into thinking it’s solely the
terest in old-fashioned analog pho- product of human creativity, espe-
tography, and the allure of darkroom chemicals has the cially when creating images of people and animals.
hipsters in a twist! AI art stands as a democratizing force, opening the doors
For me personally, working as a photojournalist for the for everyone to partake in creative expression, regard-
past thirty years meant adhering to strict ethical and less of their constraints or formal education. All that’s re-
photographic boundaries. What captivates me the most quired is an internet connection, expensive equipment
about this new-found hobby is the freedom it offers. I is no longer a prerequisite. In the same way, AI technolo-
play with creating images of weird and wonderful crea- gy offers people with disabilities tools to overcome bar-
tures and whimsical worlds. Throughout my creative riers that have long hindered their self-expression.

16 Cape Town Photographic Society