135: Do photographers have a future? with Noah Kalina
Aug 29, 2023
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Noah Kalina, expert image maker, discusses the future of photography in the age of AI, the importance of maintaining a personal website, the influence of social media on content creation, and the potential of immersive technology in capturing reality and storytelling.
The increasing influence of AI in photography and the shift in perception towards AI-generated images.
The influence of social media platforms as mediums and the decline of personal websites in favor of self-owned platforms.
The challenges and opportunities of making money from photography, including the importance of passion and adapting to evolving technology.
Deep dives
The Shifting Landscape of Photography
The podcast episode delves into the current state of photography and explores the challenges and changes in the industry. It discusses the increasing influence of AI, the rise of social media platforms as mediums, and the evolving role of film photography. The episode also touches on the importance of having a personal website and the impact of technology on the perception and value of photography. Furthermore, it explores the convergence of video and photo and the potential future of immersive photography experiences.
The Impact of AI on Photography
The podcast examines the implications of AI in photography, highlighting the increase in AI-generated images and the shift in perception towards them. It discusses the effort heuristic and the value of photography that is perceived to require more effort. The conversation reflects on the potential loss of value in stock photography and the ongoing debate about the role of AI in creative industries. The speakers express their personal opinions on AI-generated images and the importance of craftsmanship and vision in photography.
Choosing Mediums and End Goals in Photography
The podcast emphasizes the significance of considering the end goal and the intended audience when choosing the medium for photography. It explores the influence of social media platforms on the type of content produced and the idea of platforms as mediums in themselves. The discussion touches on the decline of personal websites and the importance of having a self-owned platform. Furthermore, it addresses the balance between photo and video and the different creative possibilities each medium offers. The episode concludes with a reflection on the future potential of immersive photography experiences.
Monetizing photography in the digital age
The podcast episode discusses the challenges and opportunities of making money from photography in the current digital landscape. It emphasizes that while it may be difficult to make a living solely from photography, there are ways to monetize creative work through platforms like Patreon and subscriptions. The episode also highlights the importance of evolving with technology and taking advantage of new tools and platforms to create and share work. It emphasizes that while financial incentives are important, the primary motivation for pursuing photography should be the love and passion for the art.
The evolving nature of creative careers
The episode explores how creative careers change and evolve over time. It discusses the convergence of energy and competence, where early in one's career, there is a burst of energy and experimentation that leads to interesting output. As artists gain experience and competence, the energy may diminish, but the skills improve. The episode highlights the importance of embracing and adapting to these changes, as well as the challenges of balancing creative work with financial commitments. Additionally, it acknowledges that the field of photography offers more opportunities for sustainable careers compared to some other creative industries that heavily favor youth.
