MY ISSUE WITH SEPTEMBER //
This time of year is always two extremes: running around with the busy September schedule, or chained to my desk editing.
The editing room is forever my happy place. Editing is hours of my life. The digital workflow for one wedding is about 30-35 hours. Yes, AI is here and no, I am not interested.
My story of photography and education comes from all three: portraiture, advertising and fashion. The more AI I see the more I am heartbroken and terrified at how much it has already seeped into the photo world. Yes, digital photography and Photoshop changed the landscape after film. (Literally lived through it). Now, watching AI in real time is gut wrenching. The wiping out of so many jobs with specialized skill sets and creative talent by humans; It's not just the photographer, its a team of the hair, makeup, lighting, creative director, the PAs on set, etc. Fashion brands like H&M, J.Crew and Vogue posting AI generated content is nauseating.
When a company says they are "exploring different content" this usually means cutting costs for something non human.
It's fake. And now it's so good it's getting hard to tell whats fake and whats real. With the click of a button you at home can change the background, lighting etc,. There is no skill or expertise. Just a button. There are no regulations like there are in the EU about what is AI or what had been touched up by Photoshop. And this is a worrisome place to be.
Let's not start with how this shift will also distorts body image and comparison for the youth.
What hits me the most is that fashion editorials and advertising was how I fell in love with photography. While in middle school, the pages would be my escape to the endless amounts of creativity through theatrical narrations. I would study the scenes and daydream of my own sets and how to direct models.
What I do what to share and express is that while I am in my happy place, hours of editing your photos, is that I am smiling and tearing up at LIFE. Thank you for choosing me to capture you, your families, events, celebrations and milestones.
(Portrait) Photography celebrates our existence and connection:
It's your father's face the first time he sees you in a wedding dress. It's the way you look at my camera while holding your pregnant body. It's the tears you have while seeing your grandmother smile in the family portrait.
There is nothing more rewarding and no greater purpose in life I feel called to do.
If you need me, I’ll be editing away the real moments of life to preserve. XOXO