I asked AI to write a blog, with images, about a typical documentary photographer. It had to be irreverent, 500 words or less, and cover the classic tropes of a documentary photographer:
"Hey there, shutterbugs and lens lovers! Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of documentary photographers. They're not your average selfie-takers or Instagram influencers; no, these folks are the real deal when it comes to capturing raw, unfiltered moments of life. So, grab your virtual camera strap, and let's explore what makes a typical documentary photographer tick.
The Essential Gear: Cameras Galore!
Picture this: a documentary photographer strolling down the street with a camera slung over their shoulder - but wait, it's not your run-of-the-mill point-and-shoot gadget. Oh no, these folks are armed with the latest DSLRs, mirrorless wonders, or even vintage film cameras. Why? Because when it comes to documenting life's quirks and quibbles, you need a lens that can do justice to every pixel-perfect detail.
The Eye of the Beholder: Finding Beauty in the Mundane
You see that nondescript alleyway or the rusted fire escape? A documentary photographer would spot beauty where others see blandness. They have a knack for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary, capturing moments that tug at your heartstrings or tickle your funny bone. Whether it's a candid street scene or a poignant portrait, these photographers have an uncanny ability to freeze time in a single frame.
Stealth Mode: Blending In Like a Chameleon
Ever heard of a ninja with a camera? Well, that's how documentary photographers operate. They're masters of blending into the background, becoming invisible ghosts in a crowd. You won't catch them asking subjects to say "cheese" or strike a pose. No sir, these stealthy photographers thrive on capturing genuine emotions and unvarnished truths without disrupting the flow of life.
The Grit and Grime: Getting Down and Dirty
If you think documentary photography is all glamour and glitz, think again. These intrepid souls aren't afraid to get their hands (and gear) dirty to get that perfect shot. Whether it's braving inclement weather, wading through muck, or climbing precarious heights, nothing stops them from documenting the world as it unfolds - flaws and all.
Wrangling Pixels: From Click to Edit
Now, don't be fooled by the click of the camera shutter; that's just the beginning of a documentary photographer's journey. The real magic happens during the editing process. These digital maestros spend hours tweaking contrast, adjusting colours, and fine-tuning every pixel to create visual masterpieces that weave stories without uttering a single word.
In a Nutshell: The Art of Storytelling Through Lens
So, there you have it - a glimpse into the whimsical, wacky world of documentary photographers. They're not just image-makers; they're storytellers, weaving narratives through the art of visual storytelling. From capturing tears of joy to belly laughs of ecstasy, these photographers have an insatiable hunger for freezing moments that define the human experience.
And with that, we bid adieu to our intrepid photographers, forever chasing light and shadows in pursuit of the next great shot. Keep clicking, keep creating, and never lose sight of the magic that unfolds through your lens.
Remember - life's a blur, but with a documentary photographer behind the camera, every pixel tells a story worth a thousand words!
So, stay quirky, stay curious, and keep framing life one snapshot at a time.
Happy shooting, folks! 📸✨"
What do you think? Is the AI right? Or is it just an amalgamation of cliche harvested from reams of internet text it has trawled through? To me, the above article illustrates why humans will always be better than technology at creative works, and why AI is simply just a paint-by-numbers, IKEA approach to art. It's not new, it's not original, it's just mashing things together in a vaguely coherent way to serve a basic function - primarily so other AI can then trawl the content and plagiarise it further.
The internet is close to eating itself… Yes, AI will get better and better, but at the same time it will become less and less original, more and more derivative, and we will crave the human input once again.
AI is like the 3D craze circa 2010. All the hype will gradually subside into disdain and a lack of interest as people reject it for its loss of soul, irritating quirks, and a general apathy. And that's not a bad thing.
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