Looking back through history, every time a new technology emerges, people often feel anxiety or fear. However, when the limitations of new technology become apparent, the essential human values stand out, leading to a renewed recognition of humanity. This time, we introduce the world of photography that only humans can achieve from the perspective of 'physicality'.
AI as Knowledge Without a Body
AI, particularly machine learning, analyzes and learns from vast amounts of data. For example, AI developed by DeepMind is famous for defeating human champions in Go. This achievement was made possible by analyzing a massive amount of Go game data.
However, AI's 'knowledge' lacks the physical experience and senses that humans have. AI excels at recognizing data patterns and making predictions, but it cannot feel or experience the physical world like humans. The limitations of AI's knowledge become evident when looking at the results of image generation.
Image by yNAK
The Potential of Photography with Physicality
Analog technology, especially photography using film cameras, is deeply connected to physicality. From loading the film to adjusting the focus and pressing the shutter, photographers engage in a series of physical processes. This manual work allows photographers to build a direct and intimate relationship with their subjects, bringing unique texture and depth to the photographs.
Moreover, analog photography creates a unique connection with viewers. Analog photographers share techniques and experiences, influencing each other, and this process contributes to the formation of communities. Events such as photo exhibitions and workshops become valuable places to connect people who share the same passion, sharing knowledge and inspiration. In this way, analog photography links others' experiences with one's own in the physical world, adding new context and depth to the work.
Image by usubafilm
The Enduring Value of Film
The persistence of film photography is rooted in its essence of recording optical phenomena. Even if AI theoretically has the ability to reproduce optical models like sunlight, complete reproduction on actual hardware is challenging.
Film photography captures light as a physical material, recording what actually exists as it is. This is fundamentally different from AI's predictions or reproductions, forming the unique value of film photography. Film photography will continue to maintain its important role as a valuable medium for physically recording light.
