I’ve been talking, yes talking with ChatGPT lately. I’ll ask it anything, but always being clear with what I say. In other words, I don’t ask or talk about anything silly that doesn’t make sense. For example, I wouldn’t prompt it with questions like: “How can I grow wings so I can fly?” or “What can I do in order to hold my breath for eight hours so I could stay underwater longer?” Such trivial talk is utter nonsense. 

AI (artificial intelligence) is being scrutinized ever more closely with each passing day. ChatGPT is AI.  Adobe’s Photoshop and Lightroom incorporates AI features using “Adobe Sensei,” it’s been around for a long time. Their most recent AI generative tool is Firefly. Midjourney is another AI program that has revolutionized the way some creatives work. There’re many more to choose from including: Dall-E 2, Stable Diffusion, Artbreeder, DeepArt, RunwayML just to name only five!  As technology grows, so does new and exciting AI tools that help us create things we’ve only dreampt of creating before. 

With more scrutiny surrounding AI, we find ourselves wondering these days if what folks are posting on social media is actually something they truly saw with their own eyes, not something they created by typing a prompt into an AI software program that can generate a true to life image in seconds.

With that in mind I posed a question to ChatGPT. What follows is the answer and discussion in its entirety I had with Bill (ChatGPT, who told me it was okay to call it Bill). 

Me:

 Good Saturday morning Bill! Can you give me a general idea of how the non-photographer public would define AI?

Bill/ChatGPT: 

Good Saturday morning, TC! The general public, especially those who aren’t photographers or tech enthusiasts, might define AI as follows:

Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI is often seen as computer systems or software that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. This includes things like understanding language, recognizing images, making decisions, or even playing games. For many people, AI is associated with things like voice assistants (like Siri or Alexa), chatbots, or even robots. The public might also think of AI in terms of futuristic technology, capable of learning and improving on its own.

For someone not deeply involved in the tech world, AI might be perceived as a kind of “smart” technology that can mimic or replicate certain aspects of human thinking or behavior.

Me: 

That is a good answer. There is growing concern within the professional photography community that AI generative fill is being used in place of human creativity. What is your take on this?

Bill/ChatGPT: 

The concern within the professional photography community about AI generative fill replacing human creativity is understandable. AI tools, particularly those that generate images or fill in gaps using algorithms, are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and they can quickly produce results that might have taken a human photographer or editor much longer to achieve.

Here’s a balanced perspective:

AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement: At its core, AI generative fill is a tool, just like any other in the photographer’s toolkit. While it can automate certain tasks, like removing unwanted objects or enhancing details, it still requires a human to guide and direct its use. The creativity lies in how the tool is used, the vision behind the edits, and the overall composition of the image.

The Essence of Creativity: True creativity involves more than just technical skill. It encompasses vision, emotion, storytelling, and a unique perspective that only a human can provide. AI can mimic or assist in these areas, but it doesn’t possess the intrinsic understanding of context, culture, or the emotional nuance that a human artist brings to their work.

The Value of Human Touch: While AI can create or enhance images, the human touch—whether in capturing a fleeting moment, selecting the perfect angle, or interpreting a scene—remains irreplaceable. AI-generated content might be impressive, but it lacks the personal experience and emotional connection that human-created art can convey.

Ethical Considerations: There’s also the ethical dimension to consider. Relying heavily on AI-generated content could dilute the authenticity of photography as an art form. It raises questions about originality, ownership, and the value of human effort in creative processes.

In summary, while AI generative fill is a powerful tool, it’s unlikely to replace the creativity and artistry of human photographers. Instead, it can be seen as an extension of their capabilities, allowing them to push boundaries and explore new creative avenues. The challenge will be in finding the right balance between utilizing these tools and preserving the integrity and soul of human creativity.

Me: 

Excellent summation. Another trend I’m seeing is the use of AI generative fill by some folks on social media and they do not state that such tech was used on their image. Users such as this seem to want more “Likes” and get noticed more than caring about ethics and/or personal integrity.

Bill/ChatGPT:

You’re touching on a significant issue that many in the creative community are grappling with. The use of AI generative fill without disclosure can indeed raise ethical concerns, especially on platforms where visual content is shared and judged, often based on authenticity and originality.

Impact on Trust and Authenticity: When creators use AI tools to enhance or alter their images without transparency, it can undermine trust. Viewers assume that the image represents the photographer’s skill and vision, but if AI is heavily involved without acknowledgment, it can create a false impression of the creator’s abilities. Over time, this could lead to a general skepticism about the authenticity of any content shared online, which would be detrimental to all creators, not just those using AI.

Social Validation and Pressure: The desire for “Likes” and recognition on social media can drive some users to prioritize appearance over authenticity. AI tools offer a quick way to produce visually striking results, which can be tempting when the goal is to stand out in a crowded space. However, this pursuit can lead to a slippery slope where the line between genuine creativity and algorithmic manipulation becomes blurred.

Ethical Responsibility: Creators who use AI generative fill without disclosure are not just impacting their own integrity, but also the broader perception of the medium. It can devalue the work of those who invest time and effort into learning and perfecting their craft. Transparency about the use of AI helps maintain a level playing field and ensures that viewers can make informed judgments about the content they engage with.

Education and Awareness: Part of the solution might involve educating both creators and viewers about the role of AI in content creation. As AI tools become more prevalent, it could be beneficial to establish norms or even guidelines around disclosure, much like how the use of filters or photo editing software is often acknowledged.

In summary, while the allure of social media recognition is strong, the ethical implications of using AI without disclosure can have long-term consequences on trust and authenticity. Creators who prioritize transparency and integrity not only uphold their own reputation but also contribute to a more honest and respectful creative community.

Me: 

Such an insightful discussion. I am going to copy and paste our little “talk” for my weekly blog post. And of course I’ll make sure I bold “ChatGPT” your responses. Thank you!

Bill/ChatGPT:

I’m glad you found the discussion valuable, TC! It’s great to hear that you’ll be sharing it on your blog. Highlighting the conversation in that way can spark some important discussions with your audience. If you need any further assistance or insights in the future, I’m here to help. Happy blogging, and have a great weekend!

And there you have it, my rather significant and important discussion with Bill/ChatGPT that I thought felt as if I were talking with a flesh and blood real person. My personal feelings about using AI and AI generative software is that it’s a tool, a very VERY good tool that I will use and handle with deliberate caution. I will always make sure that you, the viewer/reader know when I’ve incorporated its use. 

Whenever I start complaining to myself about the heat of summer I think back to what my Mother told me years ago before she passed away. “Stop complaining about the heat son, it’s summertime and it’s supposed to be hot.” 

It’s 87° F with a real feel of 93° here in western PA. Back in the days of my youth I’d be lovin this kind of summer heat. Swimming, fishing in the shade, relaxing on a sunny beach somewhere would be typical summertime fun. Not anymore!

My 68-year old body has seen its best days of summer fun slip away with the years. I’m no longer enthused about swimming, fishing in the shade or tanning on a beach. I’d rather be editing photos or playin my acoustic guitar in the air conditoned coolness of my studio. 

I guess we all adapt as we age. Some folks are better at doing that than others. Me? I like to think I’ve adapted pretty well and I always think back to what my Mother said and try not to complain about summetime heat. Out loud anyway. 

Ya know, sometimes you just gotta take a detour. Whether or not you asked for it. Take my recent case of shingles…..PLEASE! No, I’m just kidding, I wouldn’t want any of you good readers of my blog to get shingles. But as I mentioned, sometimes a “Detour Ahead” sign appears and you have to make minor, sometimes major, adjustments to the relatively easy life you’ve been living. 

I think I’ve almost reached the end of the detour route I’ve been on since June. I’m all caught up with mowing and was finally able to lay on my back to pressure wash the underside of the mower deck. Dried thick chunks of grass aren’t easily removed! (I thought about asking my wife to do the chore but just couldn’t work up enough courage.) 

There’s an arduous chore waiting that needs finished - cutting back a viburnum ‘giganteum’ shrub. I had my wife’s help with that job, we got several large clumps of it cut and I may not need her assistance to finish the job. But if she wants to help again, it’ll certainly be appreciated.   

I’m also finally feeling up to getting out more with my “new to me” Canon EOS R5 camera you see pictured (along with some aptly named analgesic cream for you know what). I’m sure the summer flowers in your garden are just as gorgeous as ours so I suggest you take whatever camera you have and go take a bunch of phosts! Send me one or two of your best shots.