As artificial intelligence continues to advance, it’s making waves in the creative world—especially in photography. If you’re a photographer in Montana, like Steve Leitner, you’ve probably noticed how AI-generated imagery is shaking things up.
Steve, who captures the stunning landscapes and historic charm of Montana, has seen firsthand how tools like Google’s Gemini are changing the game. These AI tools allow just about anyone to whip up realistic images with hardly any effort. “It’s only in the last couple of years that images that look like real photos have become so easy to create,” Steve explains. This ease has led to a flood of AI images on social media, making it tougher for genuine photographers to stand out.
There’s also an ethical side to consider. Many people mistake AI-generated photos for real ones, which can be frustrating. Steve shares, “Every time I see an AI image posted as a real photo and it gets hundreds of likes, it weighs on me.” This surge in AI imagery can put photographers like Steve at a disadvantage, as they rely on their unique vision and skills.
But it’s not all bad news. Steve acknowledges that AI can be a handy tool in photo editing. “I sometimes use it to remove things like power lines or a stray piece of garbage,” he says. These tools can help clean up a shot without altering the essence of the image.
Despite the challenges, Steve remains dedicated to his craft. He’s confident that the true heart of photography—capturing a moment or feeling—can’t be fully replicated by AI. “AI hasn’t figured out how to add feeling to an image yet,” Steve states. “When you go out and take a photo, you can catch the feeling just by being there.”
As the digital world evolves, photographers like Steve will need to navigate the complexities of AI’s influence on their industry. It’s all about balancing the benefits with the hurdles it presents.
