The Evolution of Post-Photography


The term post-photography started being used around 2013, a time when cameras, phones, and computer programs were getting more advanced. This period marked a big change in how people talked about and understood photography. Smartphones made it super easy for anyone to take lots of pictures without needing special skills. This shift led to a huge increase in the number of images being created. 

Post-photography became a term to describe this new way of making and thinking about pictures. It shows a time when the old ideas about photography were changing because of new technologies. As cameras and software got better, the meaning of post-photography developed naturally, showing how visual representation was changing because of these technological advancements.

Digital Editing’s Emergence in Photography

The proliferation of digital editing software, notably exemplified by industry stalwarts like Adobe Photoshop, Premiere, and Final Cut Pro, became really pronounced and well known for a broad audience in the mid-2010s, signifying a transformative phase in photographic and cinematic editing. These classical tools empowered users with unprecedented control over colour grading, composition, and narrative sequencing. As the digital landscape evolved, mobile devices ushered in a new era of editing accessibility. 

Users now harness an extensive array of phone editing tools, ranging from basic adjustments in brightness and contrast to advanced applications that emulate the capabilities of professional software. The democratization of editing, facilitated by user-friendly interfaces and intuitive functionalities, expanded the pool of image manipulators.

This shift in editing paradigms, from traditional desktop applications to versatile mobile platforms, contributes significantly to the broader discourse on post-photography, highlighting the pervasive impact of evolving editing technologies on visual culture.

Post-Photography and the Shift Towards AI-Generated Imagery

In the transition toward post-photography, there is a notable shift marked by the emergence of AI-generated imagery. This transformation, particularly evident since the early 2020s, aligns with the development of advanced AI tools such as ArtBreeder, DALL•E 2, and Stable Diffusion. 

Tools Shaping Post-Photography

These tools operate on principles of machine learning and deep neural networks, allowing artists to create digital images without relying on traditional photographic methods. ArtBreeder remixes existing images, while DALL•E 2 and Stable Diffusion convert text prompts into pixel-based visuals through sophisticated deep-learning algorithms. This departure from conventional photographic techniques signifies a broader evolution in image creation, as artificial intelligence becomes an integral part of the creative process, shaping the landscape of post-photography.

Midjourney, a generative AI program developed by San Francisco-based Midjourney, Inc., operates on natural language descriptions to generate images, akin to DALL-E and Stable Diffusion. Entering open beta on July 12, 2022, Midjourney, led by David Holz, co-founder of Leap Motion, has swiftly achieved profitability. Users command the Discord bot for creating artwork, part of the AI Spring technologies. 

Midjourney continuously enhances its algorithms, releasing new model versions every few months. Version 2 launched in April 2022, followed by versions 3, 4 alpha, 5 alpha, 5.1, and the recent alpha iteration of version 6 on December 21, 2023, boasting improved image quality, enhanced text rendition, and a more literal interpretation of prompts.

Artists’ Exploration of AI’s Creative Potential

In the evolving domain of AI-generated art, the exploration of platforms such as the platform Foundation or social media reveals a range of artworks. One notable artist within this domain is Refik Anadol, recognized for immersive installations that redefine artistic experiences. 

Anadol utilizes extensive datasets and advanced algorithms to create visuals and auditory stimuli. His emphasis on data visualization translates complex data into visuals, displayed in various institutions globally. Collaborating across disciplines like architecture, music, and dance, Anadol engages with technology and art.

Mario Klingemann, a German artist and AI art pioneer, utilizes neural networks for generating images, animations, and interactive installations. Klingemann’s notable manipulation of existing imagery through AI algorithms has earned recognition within the artistic community. In addition to his artistic endeavours, he actively contributes to the discourse on AI-generated art through talks, workshops, and open-source projects.

Alexander Reben, an AI artist and roboticist, is distinguished for his ”Blind Self-Portrait” series, where AI generates portraits based on descriptions from individuals who have never seen themselves. His work extends beyond conventional boundaries, employing AI algorithms and machine learning to simulate human behaviours. Reben notably presented the first TED talk entirely written by an AI and presented as a cyborg, exemplifying innovative possibilities at the intersection of AI and artistic expression.

Within the realm of AI-generated post-photography, Serhii Shybirkin, known as @pactalom on X, creates landscapes oscillating between the familiar and otherworldly. Shybirkin’s work freezes moments, inviting viewers to interpret narratives unfolding within extraordinary environments. Each image serves as a window into unseen dimensions, providing a unique perspective on the potential of AI in the visual arts. You can read an interview with Serhii HERE.

Zero For Conduct by Serhii Shybirkin

Pioneering at the intersection of AI and artistic expression, Claire Silver contributes to the evolving landscape of AI-generated art. Through innovative approaches, she explores new dimensions of creativity, challenging traditional boundaries. Silver’s work contributes to the dialogue about the role of technology in shaping the future of artistic expression, adding complexity to the diverse tapestry of AI-generated art.

The Ongoing Dialogue between craft and artificial intelligence

In the ever-evolving tapestry of artistic expression, a new paradigm has emerged – the rise of AI artists. As technology advances, artificial intelligence transcends conventional boundaries, creating intricate artworks. These AI artists employ algorithmic tools to forge a fascinating synergy between human ingenuity and machine learning, challenging established norms. With the ability to craft visuals, music, and literature, AI reshapes the creative landscape, prompting profound philosophical contemplations on the nature of creativity. 

Traditionally viewed as uniquely human endeavors, art and creativity now undergo a transformative journey where technology intersects with artistic expression. This exploration delves into historical contexts, AI types in art, applications, and the profound impact on the future of creativity. AI is not merely a tool but a creative partner, from generating art to assisting writers and filmmakers. 

As we navigate challenges of authorship and ethics, responsible integration promises to redefine the creative landscape, ushering in new horizons of collaboration between humans and machines. The synergy of human creativity and AI innovation continues to enrich the creative process, ensuring that AI in art remains a source of inspiration, innovation, and cultural enrichment.

Hard To Be Boring by Serhii Shybirkin