Will AI Help You Become More Creative?

Exploring the Role of AI in Enhancing Photographic Creativity

In the quest to elevate our photography skills and produce stunning images, the question arises: should we leverage technology to boost our creativity? Can technology, particularly AI, truly aid us in this endeavor? These are the thoughts I wish to explore.

In a recent article I penned about discovering our unique photography voice and style, a comment by Fstoppers community member Mark Sawyer caught my attention. He wrote, “AI hides under your bed at night, whispering ‘I can make you more creative.’” This intriguing line encapsulates a common perception: many view AI as a shortcut to generating more creative images, potentially surpassing what we can achieve on our own, simply by inputting a few prompt words.

AI undoubtedly serves as a valuable tool for idea generation and research. Its benefits are particularly evident in commercial settings, where content can be produced swiftly and cost-effectively. This efficiency is a topic worthy of its own discussion. However, the focus here is whether AI can genuinely enhance our creativity in photography and art.

No Soul

While AI can generate visually impressive images, creativity is fundamentally an expression of self. AI lacks a self, emotions, or a soul.

Advertising legend Sir John Hegarty recently remarked, “An AI has never had its heart broken. Never watched a sunrise. Or swam in the sea. A bot has no life experience. And no soul. Without this last thing, there is no ‘art.’”

For me, exceptional photographic art is a form of self-expression rooted in life experiences and the emotions they evoke. A computer algorithm is devoid of such understanding. My most cherished photographs capture special moments where emotions are palpable, allowing viewers to connect with the subject’s soul. Can a few descriptive words suffice for an algorithm to authentically visualize those thoughts and feelings?

Photographing people is a prime example where conveying emotions is most potent and least replicable by AI. But what about landscape photography? While many landscape photos depict picturesque scenes, AI can replicate similar visuals. However, there are instances when the landscape and conditions evoke specific emotions that I strive to convey through my photos.

During a trip through Spain, I captured a photo that encapsulated the region’s historical and cultural essence, characterized by misty, rainy weather. The image was moody and dark, yet hinted at positivity as the morning sun rose. Could AI recreate this if I described the physical location and my emotional response at the time?

Experimenting with various prompt words, I attempted to describe the scene, and the result was the best AI could produce. Yet, does the AI-generated version evoke the same mood and emotion as the original, born from being present in that moment? I don’t believe it comes close.

To echo Johnny Rotten in the song “EMI”—a thought that just popped into my head—“I can’t stand those useless tools, there’s an unlimited supply (of AI). Goodbye AI, goodbyyyyyeeee.”

If Not With AI, How Do You Become More Creative?

A question I often encounter is, where does my creative inspiration originate?

Creativity is a subject I ponder frequently. How does one become more creative? It’s a crucial topic to explore.

Travel might be my greatest source of inspiration. Exploring the world, observing diverse cultures, art, architecture, lifestyles, and communication methods fuels my creativity.

Posters in different countries inspire me. Like photographs, posters are a form of communication and often reflect local culture. They can be works of art in their own right.

Our formative years significantly shape our perceptions and preferences. It’s beneficial to channel these influences into creative ideas. Growing up during challenging and rebellious times in England, I was influenced by bands like The Sex Pistols and The Clash, along with the photographers and album art associated with them. This inspiration continues to inform my creativity and aesthetic sensibilities today.

During my time at art college, where I studied photography and visual communications, we dedicated considerable effort to studying art and design history. We analyzed captivating images, dissecting and discussing why they resonated with us. We examined composition and lighting, exploring how these elements affect perception and evoke emotion.

We studied classical painters to mid-20th-century designers. Exposure to such creativity had a profound impact.

While AI can analyze these artists from various eras, it perceives only form, colors, and aesthetic style. AI fails to grasp the emotions these artworks evoke, which is their essence.

AI perceives the tangible, yet the intangible often holds the greatest significance.

Creativity needs to be fed to grow.

Conclusion

Exploring the world—even if it’s a local town—and observing how people live and communicate is a source of inspiration.

Creativity comes from inspiration.

Studying the greatest artists and photographers from history is an excellent way to educate oneself about creativity. I recommend visiting art galleries, libraries, and delving into old art and design books for study.

I firmly believe that those who seek creative inspiration by venturing into the world with an open mind and curiosity hold an advantage.

AI is a valuable research tool, and yes, it has its uses for tasks like photo cleanup and object removal. However, when it comes to creating photographic art with genuine meaning and expression, I don’t believe AI is up to the task. The most profound art emerges from life experiences and emotions, not algorithms and search bots.

What are your thoughts—is AI significant for you? Where do you draw inspiration to fuel your creativity?