Hancock & Handsome vs AI
We’ve been hearing all sorts of talk about AI coming to take over the world, and even worse, taking over photography.
‘Uh-uh’ we thought, ‘not on our watch’. So we sat down with ChatGPT, and asked it a few questions.
First up, the big one - What can human photographers do that AI cannot?
Now then, you’ll have to read this in a robot voice, but here’s what AI said…
Creativity
Human photographers bring their unique perspective, style, and vision to their work, which cannot be replicated by AI.
That’s good - we thought. We can do creativity - just check out this great shot by Geert De Taeye -
Next up, AI told us that Humans were better at -
Emotion and storytelling
Human photographers are able to capture the emotions and atmosphere of a scene and tell a story through their images.
AI photography is currently not able to replicate the emotional connection that a human photographer can create with their audience.
And you know what? We believed it. Look at this great shot from Michael Heffernan. Lifestyle photography is all about the connection, and no-one does it better than him.
Our conversation continued, and AI told us that humans had this covered…
Intuition
Human photographers rely on their intuition and experience to make split-second decisions on things like composition, lighting and timing.
AI photography is still in its infancy, and the technology is not yet advanced enough to replicate the level of decision-making and creativity that human photographers bring to their work.
And we agree - so much of photography is about being in the right place at the right time, capturing the moment where it all comes together. Here’s a great example from Matthew Lloyd - the angle, the light, the pose and the expression all click.
So, what else? Well, turns out that humans are better at dealing with, well, humans…
Human Interaction
Human photographers are able to interact with their subjects, create a rapport and thus create a more natural and candid image.
AI photography can only capture what is in front of the camera and does not have the ability to interact with the subject.
That AI’s smarter than you think. If you can stand on a chair, remain calm, direct the model AND get the shot...you’re not AI.
You’re real I.
Here’s Holly Pickering on set.
What else, my fine robotic friend? Just one more thing apparently…
Complexity of environments
Human photographers can navigate and make creative decisions in complex, unpredictable environments such as events and photojournalism.
AI currently has a hard time dealing with such complexity and uncertainty
Complex environments don’t come harder than street shooting on open streets, with non-professional models, in a country where you don’t speak the language.
Grace under pressure? This shot from Jon Enoch has you covered…
So there you have it. For precision, interaction, attention to detail, and the love and care that goes into it, you need the craft that comes with experience. You need someone with an actual camera. So there, robots.
Speaking of cameras, we leave you with this great shot from David Marquez.
