Feedback - How to react to it?

[MarkCé]

I consider myself a bit beyond beginner as a landscape photographer. (if you want, just search mark_cuyx on IG)

In the last 2 years, I tried to improve my skills by watching YT of some famous guys (T. Heaton, G. Hardcastle, Mads Peter Iversen) with a focus on how to get to a good composition, but then also how to edit to make photo's pop, Then I did photoworkshops and weekends with an experienced landscape photographer to get real instant feedback.
I also got Luminar Neo and did like 50-60% of the tutorials.

I think I made some progress.

If now, I show some pictures to family or friends, sometimes they tell me: "Wow, this looks like AI. "
How do I react to that? Did I go over the top with the editing, or should I see it as a compliment?

And to be clear, I did edit these pictures, but not more then develop the raws, adjust temp, a bit of sharpening, for sure no generative AI.

Just adding 2 pics where I got the comment.

 

[jimmyjamjojo]

First off, those are fantastic images.

I personally would take it as a compliment. "It looks like AI" is basically the new "Wow you must have a nice camera!" - People who aren't into photography like it, but they can't articulate why.
People who are into photography will appreciate the work put into the composition, the use of texture, light etc.

Incidentally, the trend is shifting lately - at least in portrait photography - towards a less polished, slightly imperfect look, ironically to look less like AI.

 

[NPUK]

First off, those are fantastic images.

I personally would take it as a compliment. "It looks like AI" is basically the new "Wow you must have a nice camera!"

Exactly what I was thinking as I read the OP's post.

 

[Mostly Vintage Cameras]

I think the answer may depend on your motivation to take the photos in the first place.

Why are you taking photos?

For your own enjoyment?

To sell?

For the adulation of others?

To get away from the missies for a bit?



If it’s a hobby you like doing for your own enjoyment then what others think has no bearing. Clearly however you do care what others think so you need to ask yourself why do you care? Once you have a handle on your own motivation you can decide if you want to take photos that please others so you can get pleasure from the praise or do you want to enjoy your images as you like them and if other like them so be it.



Caravaggio often painted two or more versions of a scene with differing colours. More muted for the local market and more vivid for the wealthy tourist market. Clearly if you are selling photos follow the client’s taste.



All pictorial images are going to be unrealistic in some way. If you want to peruse photography as the ultimate natural rendition then do photogrammetry or use a Réseau plate for your landscapes but that’s not what most people are about, so I guess don’t worry about it.

 

[MarkCé]

I think the answer may depend on your motivation to take the photos in the first place.

Why are you taking photos?

For your own enjoyment?

To sell?

For the adulation of others?

To get away from the missies for a bit?



If it’s a hobby you like doing for your own enjoyment then what others think has no bearing. Clearly however you do care what others think so you need to ask yourself why do you care? Once you have a handle on your own motivation you can decide if you want to take photos that please others so you can get pleasure from the praise or do you want to enjoy your images as you like them and if other like them so be it.



Caravaggio often painted two or more versions of a scene with differing colours. More muted for the local market and more vivid for the wealthy tourist market. Clearly if you are selling photos follow the client’s taste.



All pictorial images are going to be unrealistic in some way. If you want to peruse photography as the ultimate natural rendition then do photogrammetry or use a Réseau plate for your landscapes but that’s not what most people are about, so I guess don’t worry about it.

Good considerations.
I am 100% amateur, no commercial intentions at all. But, as human, I want to grow and get better, so yes, I like it when I get positive comments on a picture I think is a good one. But this will not stop me from taking more pics.
Getting out and spending time behind the camera is my way of 'mindfulness'. This is for me a total disconnect from the stressful work environment I am in sometimes. And that is why I keep it 100% without money involved, otherwise there is again a need to deliver by a certain deadline...

I do share some good ones on IG, and I clearly see differences in the way people look at it or comment it whether they are in photography, or casual friends that like a picture, but only take some phone snapshots (which is fine of course, they have other hobbies).

I was only surprised to hear the AI word.

 

[Plain Nev]

It's ironic really. The better a photographer gets the more he is subject to claims of using AI. Looking at your photos I would say they are no such thing. It's yet to grasp that less is more. But, sadly it's something that only the sort of people who frequent TP would know to look for. I think you can only shrug and move on.

 

[benc98]

This is a big and interesting topic. Ai does have an aesthetic imo - and perhaps it's grounded in the same reference materials that you use for your improvement / development.

 

[LongLensPhotography]

This is a big and interesting topic. Ai does have an aesthetic imo - and perhaps it's grounded in the same reference materials that you use for your improvement / development.

Ai can have whatever aesthetic you specify. With some limitations obviously. Now it just so happens that ai users prefer certain aesthetic, but make no mistake ai is capable of intentional low end content and socials reek full of it. There is no "authenticity" in having low production value and effort. It is simply wilful ignorance

 

[skullfunkerry]

First off, those are fantastic images.

I personally would take it as a compliment. "It looks like AI" is basically the new "Wow you must have a nice camera!" - People who aren't into photography like it, but they can't articulate why.
People who are into photography will appreciate the work put into the composition, the use of texture, light etc.

Incidentally, the trend is shifting lately - at least in portrait photography - towards a less polished, slightly imperfect look, ironically to look less like AI.

I totally agree with Jamie. Cracking photos, and the AI comments are from people who don't really understand photography - the "you must have a nice camera" came into mind when I was reading your post - in the same way as back in my gigging days, the comments about "Couldn't you afford a real Gibson then?" only ever came from people who don't play guitar.