My thoughts on AI for my photography

I don’t use it. I don’t particularly like it. It has its place. But I don’t like it in everyday photography. I don’t like it in my photos. I’m not sure if that makes me lazy or a purist.

Let me explain.

The thrill of photography for me is the challenge of being in the right place at the right time. Seeing the moment. There’s a bit of luck, a bit of planning, a bit of skill. It’s serendipitous when it all comes together. And then you feel like you’ve won the jackpot. And even it doesn’t come together to create something amazing, hopefully you’ve enjoyed the chase. Perhaps you came up with a consolation prize and you can be happy with that.

It defeats the purpose if you then take that photo and turn it into something that wasn’t there. It feel… misleading. Deceptive? Like, it wasn’t really like that was it? That’s not what was there. That’s not what it looked like. You didn’t get lucky with that amazing sunset. You didn’t have to wait forever for the road to clear of cars, you just AI removed them.

It’s the same argument as when Photoshopping became commonplace. AI is like Photoshop on steroids. At least with Photoshop you needed some skill to produce a realistic result. That could be admired. But, what is there to be admired about an AI photo?

I mean, if that’s your thing, go for it. It’s just not my thing.

I’m not against enhancing photos to make them look the best they can. The old masters created magic in the darkroom. I’ve even been known to use the clone tool to remove something that was bothering me. But I don’t think I’ve ever completely altered the photo to look like something that wasn’t there at the time. Maybe I just lack the imagination required?

One thing I have found AI helpful for is when I’m doom-scrolling on instagram and start reading something that quickly becomes identifiable as AI slop, and I get so annoyed that I close the app. So that’s useful.

Disclaimer: I’m not opposed to using it for commercial purposes and reserve the right to do so if the situation calls for it.

Billy Buttons in the back yard.

Melton Botanic Gardens

A photography mate

asked me to join her for a sunrise photography shoot in Melton Botanic Gardens. 

“Melton?” I say.

“Yeah, have you been?” she asked. 

“Didn’t even know they had a bot gardens”, I admitted, and secretly thought I probably wouldn’t have gone out of my way to check them out even if I had known. I’m not even from here and I know Melton doesn’t have the best reputation. 

I’m not a morning person so dragging myself out of bed at 4.30am to get there for sunrise was quite a commitment.
My mate was a bit worried I’d be disappointed. Especially as the sun decided to do a no-show and we were wandering around for the first hour in dull, gloomy, low light. 

But…

I was like a kid in a lolly shop

It’s bloody great. I was in my happy place, bouncing from banksias to kangaroo paws to flowering gums and back again. 

I’d even get out of bed early again to attempt another sunrise and get some better light.  

If you’re anywhere near the area I’d highly recommend checking it out. Heck, even if you’re not anywhere near there, tt’s worth a drive to check it out. Plenty of birds for those so inclined, a lake, a playground for the kids, BBQs, plant nursery, guided tours and more.

And it’s run by volunteers. Hats off to them for the great job they’re doing. 

I pretty much just concentrated on the flowers so you don’t get much of a sense of the place and space. You’ll have to check that out for yourself. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

PS. Imagine what it would be like with a bit of early morning sunlight to work with! I can’t wait to go back.

Melton Botanic Gardens

Gardens and their People - Thomson St Cafe

I go for the garden. Apart from the tasty coffee, the friendly service, the yummy food and lovely kitsch surroundings, it’s the garden …

At the moment it’s simply flourishing in colour, despite it’s person being laid up with an injury and unable to tend to it for the last few weeks. I’d say that’s a sign of a well designed garden. Of course, there is a loving and appreciative community who help pull a weed out here and there while they’re waiting for their morning coffee.

Ailsa lives across the road and down a couple of houses. I’ll have to do a part 2 on her own beautiful native garden with the well stocked street library in the front corner. A place I visited many times when I lived in the area during Covid lockdowns and we were allowed outside within a 5k radius.
The highlight of the cafe garden for me is the Bluebells. Special memories from childhood of carefree wandering and picking wildflowers.

I had hoped to interview Ailsa and get a photo or two but she’s out of action at the moment with aforementioned injury. I try to catchup with her in the new year and maybe showcase her garden as well.

Thomson St Cafe. 81 Thomson St, Northcote ( I would have said Fairfield), is closed now for Christmas and will reopen on 5th Jan.

Photography course for Women

I've had this idea brewing for a little while now and I’m excited to finally be running a photography class just for women. (Sorry guys, I'll get back to you soon!). It's a little bit creative challenge, a little bit mental health and well being, a little bit exploring identity, all wrapped up in photography.

There's no mansplaining and no testosterone fuelled tech talk (like some other classes I've been to). It's a safe space to explore and experiment, to dig a little deeper, look a little closer, and be inspired. It's a great opportunity to stop doom scrolling and get out and create something meaningful.

Suitable for any age and any skill level. Whether you haven't picked up the camera in years or have been regularly shooting but want a little creative push to further your skills, this course might be just what you need to get over the post covid funk.

Come alone or bring a friend, (or your mum or your daughter or your neighbour).

The course runs for 6 weeks and is available in either Prahran or Brunswick.

If you have any questions, ask away. If you're interested but can't make the dates or times, let me know so I can plan better for the future.

There’s more information and other courses on my Training and Workshops Page

Cheers
Deb

1:1 Photography Lessons

Suitable for any age or stage. I’m now offering personalised, one-on-one guidance to help you learn the functions of your camera or improve your photography skills.

Some people can learn from YouTube, some can attend a class, but others benefit from 1:1 in person training. Tailored advice on camera settings, composition, working with light or developing your creative vision. From absolute beginner, like the keen young man in these pics, to wanting to fine tune a few techniques, send me an email (see Contact page) and I’ll call you to discuss whatever you need for where ever you’re at with your photography.

Introductory Price to the first 4 people who sign up:
$175 for 1.5 hours.  
Or Book 4 sessions for $600.

Sessions could be a coffee shop or a backyard, as in these pics, or a location of your choice. Available in person in Melbourne, Victoria, or Sunshine Coast, Qld. or on Zoom anywhere in the world.

Full disclosure: This guy’s not actually a paying client, he’s my grandson, so photography is in his blood. His mum is also a photographer. You can check her work out on Instagram @Rebekah.Photographer