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Liv Bacon
22 August 2024

A Little Bird panel on the future of AI in photography

We recently hosted our very first Little Bird panel, featuring creative director Paul Foster, and photographers Tim Flack, and Jim Naughten in a colourful and passionate debate about the future of AI in photography.

Paul Foster returned to Little Bird to lead the panel, posing a series of thought provoking and timely questions. Tim Flach and Jim Naughten, both accomplished photographers offered distinct perspectives on the integration of generative AI in photography, highlighting its potential and challenges. The conversation ranged from concerns about AI’s ability to replicate and potentially infringe upon photographers’ work, to seeing AI as a new creative partner that opens up exciting possibilities.

Tim Flach began his career with a focus on capturing real-life moments and places emphasis on the intuitive, spontaneous nature of his creative process. However, the rise of AI has introduced complexities, particularly around intellectual property (IP) and authenticity. During the panel, Flach shared his concerns about how AI-generated images can mimic his style, blurring the lines between original and potentially diluting the unique qualities of human creativity. He views AI as a tool that, while fascinating, poses significant ethical and legal challenges, especially regarding the exploitation of creators’ work without consent.

On the other hand, Jim Naughten, who joined the panel virtually, sees AI as a powerful creative partner. Coming from a background in photojournalism, Naughten has embraced AI tools like Midjourney, using them to push the boundaries of traditional photography. For him, AI is not a replacement but an augmentation of his artistic vision, allowing him to explore new creative possibilities. However, he acknowledged the need for balance, ensuring that his work retains the “human touch” that makes photography compelling.

Just like us, their relationship with AI is in flux as it continues to revolutionise the visual arts. Both Tim and Jim find themselves at the cutting edge of this transformation, grappling with the delicate balance between pushing boundaries and preserving artistic integrity.

Their spirited debate underscored the potential of AI as a creative tool, while also sparking important conversations about the ethical considerations that accompany this rapidly evolving frontier.