The photograph below was taken a few years ago. It was shot handheld while wandering a location one late summers evening, a reaction to the conditions. It was a beautifully warm end to the day although a little windy, with the low summer sun burning through the canopy. When I first captured this image, I felt I had messed up photographing this quiet view struggling with a few technical issues. However, over the years it’s grown on me, with repeated views and minor edits it has become a favourite - those initials flaws became a wonderful reminder of that evening walk; the emotion, the smell, sounds and warmth of summertime. A unique moment of time.
Throughout learning the craft of photography, I have realised that technical perfection is not and shouldn't be the primary function of a photograph. All too often I have focused on the technicalities when making images. Of course sharp, correctly exposed images are a baseline, however, this should not come at the expense of adding emotion and feeling to the picture. The term perfection is a very subjective thing. It could be argued that actual perfection is impossible to attain. As a society, it seems more and more we seek perfection. Perfection can give rise to pressure and lead to being unhappy. The phrase to be a perfectionist does not necessarily mean one’s images are perfect, it perhaps just suggests we care about the process, motivation and dedication required to master the craft.
While thinking about this subject and my image, I began to link my thoughts with a popular topic of discussion at the moment, AI. There are many opinions around as to where this technology will lead us. It can feel overwhelming. Suggestions are we are either on a path to Nivarna or oblivion! It is a discussion that would probably need a whole new post.
Looking through the prism of photography, certainly the pace of development is frighteningly quick. With the use of AI technology we have the ability to create any image in “perfect” conditions, devoid of “imperfections” through keywords and computer power in minutes. We can produce wow images without leaving home. Already, commercially, we have software and apps that are usable to create viable images. However, with each advancement it does feel like the layers of skills required are being peeled away to just the push of a button or a prompt on a keyboard. With regards to photojournalism, when viewing pictures we shall now always have to have one eye on AI and have stringent regulation for authenticity. AI leads me to question what is the future of image making? I think it is acceptable to say that AI is not photography, after all the meaning of the word photography is ‘to capture or to draw with light’. Therefore, in my opinion, AI created images are not photography, but a form of digital art. I believe the wording we use is important to describe and differentiate between these visual communications. With a little honesty and transparency this will allow both forms of creation to sit happily side by side.
And back to this woodland scene. I think the lack of perfection, the reality of being out in nature is what will keep the uniqueness and longevity of our beloved pastime; it adds a touch of our own personality and emotion. As landscape photographers, it is the experience we need just as much as the image. With a potential influx of “perfect” scenes, will the viewer eventually come back to crave the real, the human imperfection, the ““unique moment” in time and enjoy the experience that was seen through the photographers eyes? When out again, I want to embrace imperfection, just as in our lives, lack of perfection is what makes things interesting. So head out and enjoy the perfect imperfection in everything.
As featured in Outdoor Photography Sept 23.
