Why I Learned Photography Philosophy (And Why You Should Too!)

Wow, that's a strange title. Alas, I'm a better photographer than I am a title-writer.

Yes, I'm terrible at titles, but as you have discovered, I write. A lot. I write about specifically photography; the art of photography, the experience, the technology, and the philosophy.

Wait, philosophy?

Yes, philosophy. Photography is a beautiful art form with lots to explore, but it needs philosophy.

Let me give you an example: You are an amazing photographer. Everyone loves your work and you enjoy making it. However, you start to doubt yourself. You wonder why you do it. You know that you do it because you love it, but what's the point beyond that? What value is in photography? Once you start thinking about it, and I mean really thinking, it starts to feel aimless. It feels like no one has a real answer for that question.

A robot painting. AI made image.

Except philosophy. Philosophy asks questions like this. Perhaps the answers to the questions that philosophers ask seems useless in the moment, but it might become pertinent later. For example, a pertinent philosophical question recently is about AI based artwork. Specifically, can AI based artwork prompted by artists be considered as being made by that artist? Take a look here to find out.

Now, I'm a photographer and all of my photography is made by myself. Personally, I argue that AI made photography isn't photography. But in my blog posts I do tend to use AI to make some of the illustrations because I am simply not very good with a pencil. Or a pen. Or a paintbrush. Or really anything except a camera.

Yet, I write philosophical blog posts on a photography business website. Why? Because I think it's interesting, and I hope you do too. I'm probably not the best or most qualified philosopher, but I find it fun. I also find meaning in it.

What? Meaning? In philosophy? Yes, meaning and value in philosophy. Philosophy, I've discovered, is a great way to answer questions like "Is photography an art or a science?" also, "Can AI artwork be qualified as artwork?" or "Is photojournalism a fine art?"

All of these are good and pertinent questions, don't you think? So, sit back, relax, and learn a little bit about photography and philosophy!