Henri Cartier-Bresson had concerns about a future where photographers would use something that didn't exist back then, and that'd be automated cameras.
He said, "I hope that we don't ever see the day when a ready-made photo system, which guarantees good photographic compositions in advance, goes on the market."
I imagine he was concerned that camera technology would diminish the role of the photographer's intent, humanity, and creativity in making photographs.
What he'd hoped not to happen has happened, and I agree it ain't a good thing.
That day arrived a while ago when it came to automatic exposure technology.
But it gets worse.
There's something else coming around the corner that he woudnt've been too happy about either.
Coming to a camera store near you, in the not-too-distant future, AI-powered cameras!
According to those whose shutter release fingers are itchin' to make a picture with one of these cameras, AI technology is makin' waves in the world of photography.
WHY?
Manufacturers claim these "smart" cameras will help
photographers by adjusting camera settings for "the best" composition.
And on top of that, according to the word in the street, these cameras can learn and adapt to our unique way of making pictures; unless these cameras can read our
minds, I don't know how that's gonna happen.
While this technology may sound like a dream come true for some, for others who understand the impact of this technology on personal creativity, like Henri Cartier-Bresson, these
cameras are more like a nightmare.
While some photographers will dive head first into using these cameras, those who wanna maintain total creative control over their photography will avoid "advancements" in technology like this because
they'll realize nothing beats honing our photographic skills and making pictures using our minds instead of a machine using limited algorithms to take pictures for us.
The best way to make engaging and unique photographs is by
understanding the relationships between camera operation, composition, and light and using our unique minds to produce a one-of-a-kind picture.
You'll learn to do that during my Introduction to Photography class.
It's a class that'll get you to understand how to operate your camera in
manual exposure mode to have the most creative control possible over your pictures.
When we can do that, we create unique compositions.
If you'd like a personalized way to learn, there's always Private Photography Lessons made to fit your schedule and way of learning that'll cover the same material you'd get during the Introduction to Photography class.
Don't hesitate to contact me if you
have any questions or need guidance on choosing the right course.
And remember, we learn and improve by doing, so practice making at least one picture daily.