The creative adventure, the nuts and bolts as well as the ecstacy of inspiration, cannot be equaled. That's why we do it. That's why I enjoyed reading about your camera even though I'm a painter. I could relate. AI seems like more layers of separation.
Totally agree with your take on AI. Have you seen Neal Stephenson's recent post of the subject, here on Substack? He says many of the same things you're saying. Stephen Fry also posted a few weeks ago and said much about the same.
And I also heartily endorse what you say about cameras. As someone who made a fair chunk of my living writing both general photography guides and camera-specific manuals (nearly half of all my published books) I recognise the importance of decent tools, but also that there's no substitute for the heart and mind that uses them. As Ansel Adams, one of the greatest photographers of all time, said, “The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it.”
Congratulations on the award Thomas, and so agree about the AI (ought to be AS - Absent Sentience!). If you're willing to reveal the info, I'd be pleased to know what camera you chose, it's time for me to update what sounds like a similar elderly model to yours. Hope you're recovering - did you bring back some Slovenian germs?! We often seem to get ill a few days after returning from across the channel! Just back from Italy and now feeling a little sniffly...!
Thank you very much! No I think I actually picked up the germs from the awards night haha. My new camera is a Canon R7 with an adapter so I can still use my EF lenses.
Re AI…well put; the satisfaction gained from time spent honing a skill, a craft, is a huge part of the reason for creating anything in the first place and is irreplaceable. Also, many congratulations on your award🙂
I agree with you about AI, it will never be able to capture the emotion that a photographer can. Great images are crafted from experience and say as much about the photographer as the subject. I think this is what viewers connect with and it is something that I don't think AI will never be able to replicate. To me AI generated images feel completely soulless.
Such thoughtful musings on AI. I saw a meme a few weeks ago (sadly can’t remember the author) along the lines that what she most wanted was for AI to do the drudgery jobs in her life so SHE was then free to imagine and create to her full potential. I’ll cheer that!
I hope you feel better soon, Tom, and congratulations on your film winning the Environmental Awareness Award. That is wonderful. AI. could never have produced a film that would speak to people's hearts and win awards. But you don't want to get me started on A.I. - it's heartbreaking.
The creative adventure, the nuts and bolts as well as the ecstacy of inspiration, cannot be equaled. That's why we do it. That's why I enjoyed reading about your camera even though I'm a painter. I could relate. AI seems like more layers of separation.
Layers of separation is a good way of putting it. Writer, painter, photographer, sculptor - the act of creation is an intimate process.
Totally agree with your take on AI. Have you seen Neal Stephenson's recent post of the subject, here on Substack? He says many of the same things you're saying. Stephen Fry also posted a few weeks ago and said much about the same.
And I also heartily endorse what you say about cameras. As someone who made a fair chunk of my living writing both general photography guides and camera-specific manuals (nearly half of all my published books) I recognise the importance of decent tools, but also that there's no substitute for the heart and mind that uses them. As Ansel Adams, one of the greatest photographers of all time, said, “The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it.”
Ooh I haven't! I like Stephenson's books, I didn't know he was on substack. I'll check those out. And brilliant quote! The tool is a means to an end.
Congratulations on the award Thomas, and so agree about the AI (ought to be AS - Absent Sentience!). If you're willing to reveal the info, I'd be pleased to know what camera you chose, it's time for me to update what sounds like a similar elderly model to yours. Hope you're recovering - did you bring back some Slovenian germs?! We often seem to get ill a few days after returning from across the channel! Just back from Italy and now feeling a little sniffly...!
Thank you very much! No I think I actually picked up the germs from the awards night haha. My new camera is a Canon R7 with an adapter so I can still use my EF lenses.
Thank you!
Re AI…well put; the satisfaction gained from time spent honing a skill, a craft, is a huge part of the reason for creating anything in the first place and is irreplaceable. Also, many congratulations on your award🙂
Absolutely. The process is all part of it. Thank you very much!
Congratulation on your award Thomas.
I agree with you about AI, it will never be able to capture the emotion that a photographer can. Great images are crafted from experience and say as much about the photographer as the subject. I think this is what viewers connect with and it is something that I don't think AI will never be able to replicate. To me AI generated images feel completely soulless.
Thanks so much - and yes absolutely, soulless is a great way of putting it!
Such thoughtful musings on AI. I saw a meme a few weeks ago (sadly can’t remember the author) along the lines that what she most wanted was for AI to do the drudgery jobs in her life so SHE was then free to imagine and create to her full potential. I’ll cheer that!
Right?? AI should free us the time to create art, not create art instead of us.
Congratulations for the award for Birdwatchers!
I totally agree about AI
thanks very much!
I hope you feel better soon, Tom, and congratulations on your film winning the Environmental Awareness Award. That is wonderful. AI. could never have produced a film that would speak to people's hearts and win awards. But you don't want to get me started on A.I. - it's heartbreaking.
Thanks very much and yes I think so too!
Thanks for reading!