The post and the comments contain many pertinent, thoughtful, and accurate observations and assessments of the present myopic bluster about the imminent death of photography. The process and practice as we know it is not going anywhere (although overuse of AI in editing tools could be a source of genuine problems blurring the distinction separating light-based and generative imagery-making).

When I first became aware of the new tool-toys, I had a sense of unease. Not about the future health or demise of photography, but of what would be called photography that isn't. The intellectual property issues that will be hashed in courts, legislative and regulatory bodies, and in the hearts and minds of the general public are, in my opinion, the fundamental problem and are a serious threat.

In her other recent post about Boris Eldagsen/the Sony awards, Ms. Pellicano delved into issues of definition. I see articles and posts blithely equating the generative with the photographic, and/or the use of hyphenated phrases that blur what needs to be a well-defined separation of concepts. This a lexical subreption that leads to abuse of use that becomes catachresis that we as a community need to stop cold, now. wherever we see it. If misuse becomes prevalent enough, lexicographers will incorporate the impostors into definitions where something that isn't photography but is enough *like* photography to be considered correct to use in the same context (it's how descriptive dictionaries work).

This lexical issue will be a problem in every language and every culture that has intellectual property laws. Language is a critical component of law. There can be no ambugity about what is photography and what is not. I am trying to focus and advance the discussion to where it will be heading and why it will be a matter of great importance in the future.

Over this past winter I contemplated taking on a huge project. I am finally, slowly, bringing it to fruition. I would appreciate it if anyone reading this would have a look at:

AIgitated.com

Thanks to all for a good post and comments. I hope to read more soon. Back to work on my next project post...

Len Romanick

Len's Afield