Embracing the Future of Photography: The Intersection of Automation and Human Creativity

A very interesting paradigm that is emerging within the changing landscape of photography is the interplay between human creativity and automation. As a practitioner deeply invested in the subtle process of making images, I find myself at the crossroads of traditional methodologies and also the exploration of possibilities that new technologies open up. This travel toward injecting automated processes into my work surely stands to challenge some norms besides opening up whole new vistas for artistic exploration and expression.

The Art of Planning and Execution

Setting up a tableau image is a bit like a hugely detailed Mouse Trap game, wherein everything has to be preplanned perfectly so the execution goes off without a hitch. This process is already begun by having some clear and vivid concept defined in storyboards and sketches; it takes under consideration every thematic and emotional undertone. This means, with great foresight into the entire meticulous planning phase, everything falls perfectly into place during the execution of an idea.

However, the actualisation of such visions can further be fine-tuned through automation. The concept is to pre-plan every element to such micro-detail that the process of creation gets almost automatic in nature wherein the artist can concentrate purely on conceptual and emotional aspects of the work. This minimises any spontaneous need for decision-making on-the-spot and its consequential impact on losing track of the vision that is pre-conceived in mind.

The Philosophy of Nonhuman Photography

This is fully in line with the view taken by Joanna Zylinska in Nonhuman Photography. Zylinska argues that, in an age dominated by surveillance—by CCTV, drones and satellite images—photography is increasingly detached from human subjectivity and the human gaze. Even those images made by humans always include nonhuman mechanical parts; technical and cultural algorithms condition our image-making devices as much as our acts of viewing.

This philosophy therefore fits me very strongly within my approach to tableau photography. It justly maintains the mechanical character of the photographic process that ultimately allows new ways of seeing and imagining, exploiting technology as a means of fostering my creativity.

Practical Applications

1. Conceptual Clarity: A clear and detailed conceptual plan is the very foundation of any automated successful process. This involves storyboarding, setting thematic goals, and designing every aspect of the tableau. This preparatory phase ensures that all creative decisions are made before this final creation.
2. Automated Execution: The incorporation of automated systems in set construction, lighting, and camera operation may significantly enhance levels of precision and execution speed. Robotics, programmable light set-ups, and automated camera rigs ensure that technical execution is completed under no parameters other than those that have been pre-programmed.
3. Algorithmic Enhancement: Algorithms and tools using AI in post-production can really help fine-tune and enhance the final images. AI has the ability to help with compositing and colour grading, among other things, to generate a new set of visual elements that provide another level of sophistication to the work.
4. Nonhuman Perspectives: Introducing nonhuman elements, such as drones, CCTV, or even custom imaging devices—able to build images—, makes it possible to capture a view that humans are not able to perceive. It provides unique angles and insight that offer another dimension of depth and intricacy into the images.

Philosophical and Artistic Implications This inclusion of automated processes and nonhuman views into my work doesn't disregard its human element but, on the contrary, redefines the position of an artist within a creative process. In such a direction, according to Zylinska, I support the philosophy about assignment and creativity. With technology, I can more widely push the boundaries of what is possible in artistic practices while exploring dynamic interactions between human intentions and machine execution.

For me, adding automation to the artistic production process is not a question of losing control but one of increasing accuracy and expanding creative potential. Every detail meticulously thought of and with high technology in use, I can be concerned with deep innovation rather than superficial issues in my work. The one thing it does allow is that from the seamless output of a vision crafted to perfection comes art that speaks to human emotion and technical sophistication in perfect harmony. Clearly, this future in photography will not only be found at the intersection of human creativity and automation. This journey is more about adopting new tools—it is really an attempt to redefine the very essence of artistic creation in the digital age.