Should I Use AI to Create Photos?
We just got back from an amazing ten day pilgrimage to Austria to visit my son who is studying abroad. Things over there are very intentional. Meals are designed to be an experience, and the chefs take great pride in their work. In Salzburg, we had a hard time finding coffee to go, but found many cafes that invited you to order and enjoy your coffee there, to slow down and enjoy the coffee and company.
I couldn’t help but think… how did we get here in the United States? When did we start running this rat race that says everything has to be rushed, cheap, and now… AI generated?
I see people leaning on these systems for headshots, family photos, and now photos of their children. I understand- they are saving money. But let’s take a look at something that is lost.
In my photography studio, I create something real. About a year ago, I had a sister duo in for a dream dress session and my regular prompts weren’t working. I tried to get them to play my silly games, and they weren’t landing the way I hoped. Then, their mom said, “Why don’t you tell the pickle story?” and all of a sudden, their story unfolded. The shoot was filled with laughter, giggles, and connection beyond anything I could have imagined. The interaction between them was a gift to me, their mom, and especially each other.
My hope is when these sisters look upon those photos in five years, they will still remember the pickle story. They will remember how beautiful they felt dressing up, hear the giggles, and feel the love of their sister in the photo. My hope is that those photos get hung on the walls and create core memories, instilling confidence as they grow and social media tries to create a version of them that is simply not real.
Let’s do better. Lean into what is real. Admire God’s beauty in the natural world, in your kids, and in yourselves. Create rather than consume. And lean into who you really are as a person, a mom, a business owner, a friend. Don’t let AI generate a version of you that is simply not real.