SUMMARY
The rise of generative AI trained on vast photographic archives prompts a re-evaluation of what constitutes photography. Historically, photography has evolved beyond the camera, with artists creating works using light-sensitive paper without objects. However, AI-generated images, while mimicking photographic styles, lack a direct link to a real-world event captured by a camera. This distinction raises questions about whether the practice surrounding these images can remain photographic, even if the final output is not a photograph itself.
TAKEAWAYS
Generative AI trained on photographic archives produces images that mimic original work but lack a direct link to a camera event.
Photography has historically evolved to exist without cameras, relying on light's interaction with sensitive surfaces.
The practice of creating AI-generated images, even when trained on photographs, is distinct from traditional photography.
The output of generative models is not considered a photograph in the same way a cyanotype or a darkroom print is.